Analytical Framework Construction and Contribution to Theory Formation Sample Clauses

Analytical Framework Construction and Contribution to Theory Formation. From the various theoretical perspectives and approaches discussed previously and from the discussion of Indonesia as the country under study, the domestic politics approach emerges as probably the best in providing the theoretical groundwork to explain whether elites influence foreign policy, and the manner and to the extent that they do so (if they do so at all). On the basis of this groundwork, this study shall attempt to construct an analytical framework that better explains the dynamics of such elites in the foreign policy making process. To summarize, the systemic approach cannot explain any differences and changes in the foreign policy of a state, in this case Indonesia, whose position in the international order has remained relatively constant. A number of plausible objections have also been raised to the bureaucratic politics viewpoint because of its apparent limitations for employing the decision-making approach. There are also objections to employing the individual approach. Individuals do matter, but they are constrained by their environment, a menu of choice, or by certain institutions. And, therefore, the domestic sources approach seemed to be the most promising and the most viable option available. Moreover, one can derive a certain argument from the international history of Indonesia. One can observe that after the toppling of power of President Xxxxxxx in 1998, the political system of Indonesia has become more pluralistic whereby competing political groups and elite groups are assuming a greater part of political power. From this observation, it was natural to look into the increasing influence and impact that domestic groups may have on the direction of Indonesian foreign policy. As previously stated, the objective of this study is to understand the dynamics of elites during foreign policy making in countries undergoing democratization.