Role of Media in Foreign Policy Making

1. Media as a Link Between Government and Public

Media acts as a bridge between leaders and citizens. It informs the public about what is
happening in the world and how their government is responding.

2. Media Sets the Agenda

When media focuses on an international issue—like war, disaster, or diplomatic talks—it puts
pressure on the government to pay attention to that issue. This process is called agenda-setting.

3. Media Shapes Public Opinion

People form opinions based on what they see or read in the media. These opinions can influence
government decisions, especially in democratic countries where public support matters.

4. Media Builds or Destroys Public Support

Governments often use media to gain public support for foreign policy decisions. At the same
time, negative media coverage can lead to public criticism and resistance.

5. Media as a Tool of Diplomacy (Media Diplomacy)

Leaders use the media to send messages to other countries. Interviews, speeches, and press
conferences are carefully designed to signal a country’s position without direct confrontation.

6. Media as a Soft Power Tool

Countries use media to promote their culture, values, and national image. This improves their
global reputation and helps them gain international support without using force.

7. Media Can Spread Misinformation

Sometimes media spreads false or one-sided information. This can create confusion, anger, or
even harm peace efforts.

8. Media Can Harm National Security

In times of war or crisis, media coverage can reveal sensitive information that damages
diplomatic talks or puts people at risk.
Advantages of Media in Foreign Policy
1. Informs the Public

Media helps people understand what’s happening in international affairs. An informed public can
make better decisions and hold leaders accountable.

2. Promotes Transparency

Media coverage allows citizens to see what their government is doing in foreign relations. This
limits corruption and secrecy.

3. Raises Global Awareness

Media brings attention to global problems like war, poverty, or climate change. This often leads
to international cooperation and humanitarian aid.

Disadvantages of Media in Foreign Policy

1. Risk of Fake News

Fast reporting can lead to mistakes or false news. This may create panic or harm relations with
other countries.

2. Emotional or Sensational Reporting

Sometimes media uses emotional or dramatic language to attract attention. This can lead to
public pressure and rushed decisions by leaders.

3. Media Pressure on Policymakers

Too much media attention can force governments to act quickly, even if the action is not well
planned or in the country’s best interest.

Topic 2

Role of Leaders in Foreign Policy

1. Decision Makers in Foreign Affairs
Leaders like presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers play the most important role in
shaping a country’s foreign policy. They make final decisions about how the country should deal
with other countries—whether to make peace, go to war, sign agreements, or impose sanctions.
Their choices reflect the country’s goals and interests.

2. Representing the Nation

Leaders are the face of their country on the international stage. They represent their country in
meetings, summits, and international organisations like the United Nations. Through speeches
and official visits, they build the country’s image and relationships.

3. Setting Foreign Policy Goals

Leaders decide what the main goals of foreign policy should be. For example, a leader may focus
on building trade partnerships, maintaining peace with neighbours, or getting support from
global powers. These goals depend on the leader’s vision, ideology, and national priorities.

4. Crisis Management

In times of international crisis—such as war, border tensions, or terrorist attacks—leaders play a

key role in handling the situation. They must make fast, smart decisions to protect national
interests and maintain peace.

5. Diplomacy and Negotiations

Leaders often lead or oversee important diplomatic talks. They meet with foreign leaders to solve
conflicts, sign deals, or strengthen alliances. Their personal behaviour, communication skills, and
trustworthiness can directly impact the success of negotiations.

6. Influencing Public Opinion

Leaders use speeches, interviews, and media to explain their foreign policy decisions to the
public. By gaining public support, they strengthen the country’s position and ensure stability at
home while dealing with international matters.

7. Appointing Foreign Policy Team

Leaders appoint ambassadors, foreign ministers, and advisors. These people carry out the
leader’s foreign policy vision and manage day-to-day diplomatic work. The quality of this team
can make a big difference.

8. Making Strategic Alliances

Leaders build strategic partnerships with friendly countries. These alliances may be based on
military cooperation, trade, security, or cultural exchange. A wise leader chooses partners who
can support the country’s long-term interests.

Topic 3

Role of Public Opinion in Foreign Policy

1. Influence on Democratic Governments

In democratic countries, public opinion plays a very strong role in shaping foreign policy. Since
leaders are elected by the people, they often listen to the views, emotions, and demands of the
public before making big decisions. If the public supports or opposes a war, treaty, or foreign
alliance, it can directly affect the government's actions.

2. Pressure on Policymakers

When public opinion is strong—either in support or against a foreign policy issue—it creates
pressure on leaders. For example, if people protest against military involvement in another
country, the government may be forced to withdraw or avoid future actions. This pressure often
comes through media, civil society, social media campaigns, or street protests.

3. Role in War and Peace Decisions

Public opinion is especially powerful in decisions related to war and peace. If people are against
war, leaders may avoid military action. On the other hand, if the public demands a strong
response to a threat, leaders may choose a more aggressive policy. Public emotions during
national crises (like terror attacks or border conflicts) can push leaders to act quickly.

4. Shaping Long-Term Foreign Policy Goals

Public opinion also helps shape long-term foreign policy goals, such as support for global peace,
human rights, climate action, or trade with certain countries. Leaders and political parties often
include these public concerns in their foreign policy plans to gain support in elections.

5. Impact Through Media and Social Platforms

In today’s world, social media and news platforms give people a voice in real time. Hashtags,
viral videos, public debates, and online movements can quickly spread views across borders.
This creates both national and international pressure on governments to act in a certain way.

6. Limits of Public Opinion

While public opinion is important, it is not always well-informed. Many people may not fully
understand complex foreign policy issues. Sometimes emotional reactions or misinformation can
lead to unrealistic demands. That’s why leaders also rely on expert advice, intelligence, and
diplomacy alongside public views.

Topic 4
Role of Parliament in Foreign Policy Process
1. Approval and Oversight

Parliament plays a key role in approving major foreign policy decisions, especially in
democratic countries. While the executive (such as the president or prime minister) leads foreign
policy, parliament often has the power to approve international treaties, defence agreements,
and foreign aid budgets. This gives parliament a strong role in checking and balancing the
decisions of the executive.

2. Debates and Discussions

Foreign policy is often debated in parliament. Members of parliament (MPs) discuss

international issues like war, peace, trade deals, or foreign relations. These debates allow
different political parties to express their views, raise concerns, or support government policies.
These discussions help shape public understanding and keep the foreign policy process
transparent.

3. Controlling the Budget

Parliament controls the national budget, including how much money is spent on foreign affairs,
embassies, military missions, or international development. If parliament does not approve the
funding, certain foreign policy actions cannot be carried out. This gives parliament financial
control over international engagements.

4. Ratification of Treaties

In many countries, international treaties or agreements signed by the government must be

ratified (officially approved) by parliament. Without this approval, such treaties cannot be legally
enforced. This ensures that foreign policy decisions reflect the will of the nation, not just a few
individuals in power.
5. Questioning and Holding Government Accountable

Parliament has the right to question the foreign minister or other officials about their actions.
Through parliamentary questions, hearings, and committees, MPs can demand explanations
on foreign visits, alliances, or military operations. This helps make foreign policy more
transparent and accountable to the people.

6. Representing the Public Voice

MPs represent the people. When public opinion is strong on an international issue—like support
for Palestine, concern over climate change, or protests against war—parliament can raise these
issues and force the government to respond. This gives the people an indirect voice in foreign
affairs.

7. Limitations of Parliament’s Role

While parliament has many powers, its influence can be limited, especially in emergency
situations or in countries where foreign policy is tightly controlled by the executive or military.
Also, some governments may avoid parliamentary approval by using legal loopholes or secret
diplomacy.

Topic 5
Foreign Policy Formulation Process in the USA
1. Role of the President

In the United States, the President is the main leader in making foreign policy. As the head of
state and commander-in-chief, the President has the power to negotiate with other countries,
sign treaties, appoint ambassadors, and take decisions during international crises. The President
also sets the overall direction of U.S. foreign policy, such as promoting democracy, ensuring
national security, or maintaining alliances.

2. Department of State and National Security Council

The President is supported by the Department of State, which is responsible for managing
diplomacy and international relations. The Secretary of State is the top diplomat and advises the
President on foreign affairs.

The National Security Council (NSC) also plays a key role. It includes top officials like the
Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, National Security Advisor, and sometimes the Vice
President. The NSC helps the President coordinate foreign, military, and intelligence policies.

3. Role of Congress

Although the President leads foreign policy, Congress also has important powers. It can:

• Approve or reject international treaties (Senate only).

• Declare war.
• Control the budget for military and foreign aid.
• Approve or reject the President’s appointments (e.g. ambassadors).
• Pass laws that affect foreign relations.

Congress also holds hearings and investigations on foreign policy matters, making the
government more accountable to the public.

4. Role of Intelligence Agencies

Agencies like the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and NSA (National Security Agency)
collect information about global threats. Their reports help the President and military leaders
understand risks and make better decisions.

5. Role of the Military

The Pentagon and the Department of Defense advise the President on security threats and
military operations. The U.S. military also plays a role in defending American interests overseas,
participating in international missions, and supporting allies.

6. Influence of Public Opinion and Media

In a democratic country like the U.S., public opinion matters. If the public supports or opposes a
war or treaty, it can pressure leaders to change their policies. Media coverage, protests, and
public debates can all influence foreign policy decisions.

7. Influence of Think Tanks and Lobbyists

Foreign policy experts from think tanks (such as the Council on Foreign Relations or Brookings
Institution) give research-based advice to policymakers. Lobbyists representing foreign
governments, human rights groups, or business interests also try to influence U.S. foreign policy.

8. Treaty vs. Executive Agreement

There are two main types of international agreements:

• A treaty must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate.

• An executive agreement is made by the President without needing Senate approval.
These are easier to make but can be reversed by future presidents.

TOPIC 6
Foreign Policy Formulation Process in Pakistan
1. Role of the Executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet)

The Prime Minister is the chief decision-maker in Pakistan’s foreign policy. Along with the
Federal Cabinet, especially the Foreign Minister, the executive branch sets the direction of
Pakistan’s relations with other countries. They decide on key foreign issues such as ties with
neighbours, global powers, trade relations, and international cooperation.

However, in practice, the Prime Minister’s role is often influenced or limited by other
powerful institutions like the military and intelligence agencies, especially on security-related
foreign policy issues like India, Afghanistan, the US, and China.

2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the main body that deals with diplomacy and day-to-day
foreign relations. The Foreign Minister, along with professional diplomats and ambassadors,
advises the government, negotiates treaties, and maintains communication with foreign
governments.

MoFA prepares policy briefs, background information, and diplomatic strategies which are then
sent to the Prime Minister or National Security bodies for approval.

3. Role of the Military and Intelligence Agencies

In Pakistan, the military—especially the Army—and intelligence agencies like ISI (Inter-
Services Intelligence) play a strong and often decisive role in shaping foreign policy. On matters
of national security, relations with India, Afghanistan, the US, and nuclear policy, the military’s
opinion often takes priority.
The military leadership holds direct or behind-the-scenes meetings with foreign diplomats,
participates in high-level policy decisions, and sometimes conducts “military diplomacy”
through defence cooperation and security talks.

4. National Security Committee (NSC)

The National Security Committee is a high-level body that includes the Prime Minister, key
ministers (like Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance), top military officials, and the intelligence
chiefs. It is responsible for discussing and deciding major national security and foreign policy
issues.

The NSC helps in coordinating civilian and military input and ensuring all major stakeholders
are on the same page.

5. Role of the Parliament

In theory, the Parliament should play a key role by debating and approving foreign policy
directions, treaties, and agreements. However, in practice, Parliament has a limited and weak
role in Pakistan’s foreign policy process.

Important foreign policy matters are rarely discussed in detail in the National Assembly or
Senate unless there is a major crisis. Parliament may pass resolutions or hold symbolic debates,
but its actual power to shape foreign policy is minimal.

6. Role of the Judiciary

The judiciary does not directly make foreign policy but may influence it through judgments on
constitutional matters or human rights cases involving foreign nationals, extradition, or treaties.

7. Influence of Public Opinion and Media

While not a formal part of the decision-making process, public opinion and media can
influence foreign policy—especially during crises or when emotions are high (like during
tensions with India or support for Palestine). However, in Pakistan, public opinion is often
shaped by media narratives, and real influence on foreign policy decisions remains limited.

8. Role of Think Tanks and Academia

Think tanks, research institutes, and universities provide analysis and policy
recommendations. While still developing in Pakistan, they are becoming more influential by
organising conferences, publishing papers, and advising ministries on complex global issues.