Thinking Globally About (the Study of) Foreign Policy

This chapter asks how we might think globally about (the study of) foreign policy. One of the most significant questions that arises is whether or not to assume difference in the way in which the international is experienced, understood and enacted in different parts of the world. After a brief overview of criticism of the Eurocentric biases and assumptions that have traditionally shaped both Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) and the broader study of foreign policy, the chapter turns to existing attempts at addressing Eurocentrism by outlining some of the different approaches taken by scholars. The final section applies a relational approach to understanding South Africa’s foreign policy, focusing in particular on the notion of relational circles, and reflects on questions and insights raised by this case.