Influence: U. S. National Interests and the Republic of the Philippines.
Abstract
This study attempts to reconcile the concept of the national interest with the problem of foreign policy formulation, using the Philippines as its central focus. The basic premise is that foreign policy should be concerned with the 'ability' to achieve the national interest rather than with any strict definition of the national interest itself. The study finds that the national interest is actually an undefinable set of needs and values, and suggests that policy should be based on influence as the means whereby a nation achieves this undefinable value system. It then analyzes influence on a conceptual level and finds that three dimensions (economic, military and political/ideological) determine a nation's level of influence in the international system. These dimensions are then examined to verify the need for U.S. influence in Southeast Asia and to show how U.S./Philippine relations contribute to regional influence. The Philippine domestic environment is examined to determine U.S. policy objectives which will promote U.S. influence in the Philippines. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA102312
Entities
People
- Joseph Christopher Menendez
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School