Influence of Sustainable Development in Foreign Policy Creation: Realist Framework
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
International Relations discipline focuses on reconciling human development with environment
protection. Meanwhile the concept Sustainable Development has gained immense importance in
International Relations as a concept which talks about the pure wellbeing of the human. On the other
hand, foreign policy making which has unique features of different states is a key tool in integrating
states. Therefore this research aims at finding the extent at which foreign policy makers have taken
Sustainable Development into account in a realist perspective.
Methodology
This research used both primary and secondary data in data collection. Primary data was to understand
the international agreements on Sustainable Development. Meanwhile, secondary data was used to
find the definitions and practice of Foreign Policy. This research is basically an archival based
research.
Result and the Discussion
Realism which is a founding school of thought in International Relations explains states greediness
for power. According to realists, states consider only about its own security and states do anything
and everything to assure it. In this research, states persuasion in looking at Sustainable Development
in foreign Policy creation is investigated according to the realism school of thought.
Sustainable Development Principles, which has received growing acceptance within the body of
International Relations during the last few decades. International Relations jurisprudence is
increasingly integrating these principles in various methods, especially since the submission of the
Brundtland commission report on sustainable development in 1987, which serves as a good example
to highlight the importance attached to this matter within the International Relations field. However,
Sustainable Development is by no means a recent concept but is found deeply embedded within the
traditional and religious wisdom of the world.
The seven Sustainable Development Principle are as set out in the International Law Association’s
Delhi Declaration 2002 are discussed in some detail as they form the basis for the rest of the discourse.
The Sustainable Development Principles are,
2.
3.
4.
The duty of states to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
The Principle of equity and the eradication of poverty.
The Principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
The Principle of the precautionary approach to the human health, natural resources
and ecosystems.
5.
6.
7.
The Principle of Public Participation an access to formation and justice.
The Principle of good governance.
The Principle of integration and interrelationship, in particular in relation human
rights and social, economic and environmental objectives.
That means the above principles have turned into International Law obligations. The Brundtland
Commission of 1987, which defines Sustainable Development, is “Development that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Therefore Sustainable Development could be simply identified as an attempt to reconcile
socioeconomic justice with environmental protection and conservation.
On the other hand, it is important to understand what a foreign policy is. According to the Joseph
Frankel,
“Consist of decisions and actions which involve to some appraisable extent relations between one
state and others”.
Sustainable Development has been accepted as a global policy and International Law. It is no longer
a mere conceptual notion but an established body of principles under international law applied,
utilized, and adopted by various actors within the international community, whether it be states or
otherwise. During the last decades, Sustainable Development principle have become an indispensable
consideration in policy making. Specially foreign policy making. Therefore states should necessarily
adopt process through which sustainable development principles are integrated within their foreign
policies.
in the 2002, World summit of sustainable development highlights, and head of states agreed to
continue" to promote coherent and coordinated approaches to institutional frameworks for sustainable
development at all national levels, including, as appropriate, the establishment of strengthening of
existing authorities, and mechanisms necessary for policy making, coordination and implementation
and enforcement of laws.
Description
Keywords
Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management, Sustainable Development, Foreign Policy, Management, Tourism Industry