Foreign Policy Strategies of the USA, EU and NATO: Defining the main Criteria

The article reveals the main aspects of the development and implementation of foreign policy doctrines and strategies that form the quintessence of the state’s foreign policy. The theoretical and methodological foundations of foreign policy doctrines are presented, their role in the implementation of foreign policy is shown. The main role in global interaction between the leading centers of power continues to be played by a relatively narrow group of large states and integration associations. The dynamics of the balance of forces and interests between these entities continues to determine the trends of international interaction. The formation of the foreign policy of any state is based on a number of basic criteria that ensure its effectiveness, strategic coherence and compliance with national interests. One of the main, if not the most important criteria, is its national interests, which serves as the main guideline for the country’s foreign policy. The state determines its priorities, in particular, ensuring security, economic development, preserving sovereignty and cultural identity, etc. An equally important criterion in the formation of foreign policy strategies and doctrines of states is security, therefore such a policy is built in such a way as to guarantee national security, avoid external threats and ensure the territorial integrity of the country. The economic interests of the state are the next basic criterion, which is implemented in the search for new sales markets, attracting investments, promoting economic cooperation and integration into world economic processes. Another important criterion is the geopolitical location of the state, which takes into account its geographical position and role in regional and global processes. Another of the main factors in the formation of foreign policy is international law and obligations, which is implemented through compliance with international norms and principles, as well as the fulfillment of obligations within the framework of international organizations, such as the UN, OSCE, WTO, etc. An essential criterion that determines the strategy of a state’s foreign policy is global challenges that adapt the country’s policy to modern challenges (for example, such as regional conflicts, climate change, the fight against terrorism, migration, information security, etc.). The balance of power and partnerships that determines the choice of strategic allies and partners, balancing the interests of different centers of influence (for example, between the USA, the EU, the PRC or the Russian Federation) is also an important component in the formation of foreign policy of countries.