An Analysis of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Environmental and Decision-Making Models in the Study of Foreign Policy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61438/bsrqj.v3i2.173Keywords:
Foreign Policy, Decision-Making Model, Environmental Model, Multi-Level AnalysisAbstract
The study of foreign policy as a crucial component of international relations has been consistently influenced by a variety of conceptual frameworks. Notably, the "environmental model" and "decision-making model" decision-making models hold significant prominence. This study employs a comparative approach to explore the extent to which prevailing models have successfully integrated environmental variables into decision-making processes in foreign policy. The central hypothesis suggests that many traditional models, due to their conceptual one-dimensionality or excessive focus on a singular level of analysis, have not adequately explained foreign-policy behavior. The research methodology involves a theoretical-critical analysis and qualitative approach, utilizing scholarly sources to critically and comparatively evaluate the selected models. The findings reveal that the environmental model excels in realism, predictability, and adaptability to global developments but overlooks domestic dynamics and the role of agency. By contrast, the decision-making model, which focuses on cognitive processes, institutional influences, and human factors, provides a more nuanced understanding of crises. However, it is constrained by its complexity, reliance on incomplete data, and limited longevity. These findings underscore the need for integrative, multilevel, and interactionist frameworks to achieve a more accurate and dynamic understanding of foreign policies.
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