developments in their country inrelation to the past developments and by analysing the policy of the government in regard toforeign

affairs. The press also plays an important role in publicising the foreign policy of thecountry.The role of the press, however, depends on the political system prevailing in the country, the rateof literacy as well as the attitude of government. 11. Political Accountability. The nature of political accountability prevailing in a system alsogreatly influences the foreign policy of the country. Generally in an open political system, thedemands of citizen and groups get articulated and transmitted to foreign policy formulators. Theframers of foreign policy cannot ignore these demands. In fact quite often the policy formulatorsanticipate these demands while formulating the foreign policy. On the other hand under a closedsystem the public reactions are neither available nor given much importance.

EXTERNAL FACTORS. In addition to the internal factors which influence a country's foreign policy discussed above, a number of external factors also exercise considerable influence on the foreign policy of a country. In our times the world has become so interlinked that incidents in other countries have their immediate impact on other countries. Thus a coup d'etat in a neighboring country or nationalization of oil companies in middle east or release of a proposed arms control agreements are events which influence the actions of leaders in other countries. 1. Power-Structure. The great power structure prevailing in the world politics also greatly influences the policy of a country. In this regard three possibilities can be envisaged. First, a number of powers may enjoy great power status and their relations may be based on balance of power system. Secondly, there may be only two powers which dominate the world scene and the other states are compelled to side with one or the other. Thirdly, more than two states attain great power status and the two powers at the poles are less able to command strict allegiance of those in the orbit (the system is known as loosebipolar). The nature of power structure prevailing in the world has a substantial impact

on the foreign policy of a country. Highlighting this point Prof. Rosenau says: "wherever a nation is located in the prevailing hierarchy of world politics, rules governing the conduct of its foreign relations tend to be embedded in the arrangements whereby the great powers cope with their conflicts or otherwise interact to frame and shape the major issue of an era. These rules may not be explicitly identified and their operations as inputsmay take many forms, but their relevance to the deliberations of foreign policy officials is likely to be pervasive." 2. International Organization. The contemporary international organization also greatly influences the foreign policy of a country. While formulating its foreign policy the country has to take note of the inter-national law treaties and contracts. No country can ignore these factors

without jeopardising its own interests. Apart from the structure at the global level, the structureat the regional and sub-regional levels also greatly influence the foreign policy of a country. 3. Reliction of Other States. While formulating its foreign policy a country has to take note of the reaction of other states to its various actions. No country can afford to pursue interests which are fundamentally against the interests of the other states because any policy based on narrow national interests is likely to evoke strong reaction from the concerned state and produced disastrous consequences. It is well known that in 1939 Hitler embarked upon invasion of Poland unmindful of the British reaction with disastrous consequences. Similarly Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour, unmindful of the strong American sentiments, produced disastrous effects for her. 4. Alliances. Alliances concluded by various states also greatly influence the foreign policy. The states parties to alliance have to respond to the requests and demands of their allies and refrain from formulating policies or taking actions which are offensive to them. It is true that generally the alliances give great amount of independence with regard to the plans and actions, yet they operate implicitly and explicitly as important elements in the process through which foreign policy is formulated and implemented. 5.