How do governments and politics shape international relations?

 Governments and politics play a central role in shaping international relations (IR)—the interactions between countries on issues such as diplomacy, security, trade, human rights, and global governance. These interactions are guided by national interests, political ideologies, and the power dynamics among states.

Key Ways Governments and Politics Shape International Relations:

1. Foreign Policy Formulation

1. Governments create and implement foreign policies that guide how they interact with other countries. These policies reflect a country's:

• National interests (security, economic goals, etc.)
• Political values (democracy, human rights, etc.)
• Leadership priorities (what presidents or prime ministers prioritize)
• Example: The U.S. foreign policy of "containment" during the Cold War shaped decades of international alignments and conflicts.

2. Diplomacy

Governments use diplomacy—through embassies, negotiations, and treaties—to manage relationships.

Bilateral diplomacy: Between two countries

Multilateral diplomacy: Through organizations like the UN, NATO, or WTO

Diplomacy helps avoid conflicts, build alliances, and address global issues like climate change and pandemics.

3. International Law and Agreements

• Political decisions shape how countries engage with international laws, treaties, and institutions.
• Governments may join, reject, or withdraw from treaties (e.g., the Paris Climate Agreement).
• Political ideologies influence whether a state supports multilateralism (cooperation) or unilateralism (acting alone).

4. Military and Security Policy

• Governments decide how to use military power in international relations—whether for defense, deterrence, or intervention.
• Political leaders may build alliances (e.g., NATO), wage wars, or engage in peacekeeping.
• Security policies are also shaped by perceived threats (e.g., terrorism, cyberattacks, rival states).

5. Economic and Trade Policy

• Trade agreements and sanctions are political tools used by governments to:
• Encourage cooperation (e.g., EU trade agreements)
• Punish behavior (e.g., sanctions on Iran or Russia)
• Protect domestic industries (e.g., tariffs)
• Political ideology (e.g., free market vs. protectionism) influences trade decisions.

6. Public Opinion and Political Ideologies

• Domestic politics—elections, political parties, public opinion—can influence international decisions.
• Leaders often shape foreign policy to appeal to voters.
• Populism, nationalism, or globalism can all shift a country’s role on the world stage.

7. Global Leadership and Hegemony

• Powerful governments (like the U.S., China, and the EU) can shape the rules and norms of international relations:
• Setting the agenda in global forums
• Promoting certain values (democracy, free trade)
• Providing aid or military protection

Conclusion:

Governments and politics are the engine of international relations—they drive decisions about war and peace, alliances and rivalries, cooperation and conflict. The political system, leadership style, and public values within a country deeply influence how it behaves on the global stage. As a result, understanding international relations requires analyzing both global power dynamics and domestic politics.