Models of Foreign Policy Decision Making

Foreign policy decision making is an approach in international relations that aimed at explaining choices made by leaders, small groups or coalitions representing their nation-state in the international arena. This paper examines different models of foreign policy decision making, such as Rational actor model, Game theory model, Bureaucratic politics model and Hero-in-history model, among others. According to the rational actor model, the outcome of a decision are the product of rational choice. It is quick and useful during crisis. On the other hand, the Bureaucratic politics model tends to be consensus making rather than logical assessment. This paper concludes that foreign policy guides states in achieving its national interest and acquires its rightful place among comity of nations