What are the two kinds of influence on foreign policy?

The two kinds of influence on foreign policy are best described as internal and external. Internal influences refer to factors within a country that affect its foreign policy decisions, such as political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and government institutions. These elements shape how a nation perceives its role on the international stage and what it seeks to achieve through foreign relations.

External influences, on the other hand, encompass the international environment and relationships with other countries. This includes global events, international norms, foreign governments, and transnational issues such as trade agreements, security alliances, and multinational organizations. External factors can compel a state to alter its foreign policy to align with the dynamics of the global arena.

Understanding internal and external influences provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing how and why countries construct their foreign policies, making this distinction essential in the study of international relations.