Session 8: The Invisible Hand of Diplomacy

As viewed traditionally, bureaucracy affects the states from within whilst foreign relations are governed by those elected. In simpler terms, bureaucracy does not affect international relations of a state. However, in their article 'Bureaucratic Politics: A Paradigm and Some Policy Implications' Allison and Halperin focus on the effects the bureaucracy has or can have on international relations and the policy making regarding states’ international affairs.  

More often than not, the effect of bureaucratic actions is taken for granted when political scientists look at states and their relations amongst themselves. At its surface, the foreign policies of a state, as a whole, seem to bare no effect of the bureaucratic pronouncements present within the state however as highlighted by Allison and Halperin in their article bureaucracy has deep and resounding effects on international policies of a state. It is interesting to note how complex the workings of a state are, from the personal preferences of the chief executive to the say of those who have specialized in their fields, the bureaucrats, and how each play a role in deciding the path of a nation. In my opinion bureaucracy plays a much more long lasting role in the development of a state and therefore bureaucrats have a vested interest in determining what is the best course of action for a state: due to the very nature of bureaucracy. Politicians change after terms whereas bureaucracy outlasts these changes. Moreover, the bureaucrats are the ones who carry out the diplomatic negotiations and proceedings with other nations, whereas, the politicians only chalk out the diplomatic philosophy of a state.

As can be observed the contribution of bureaucracy towards establishing and maintaining diplomatic relations cannot be under emphasised: as this segment of the state has a significant and lasting effect on the states diplomacy on international forums.