• Political affairs -> Leadership and Public Management

• 0 Comment

How has public opinion influenced foreign policy decisions in recent years?

Dena Lygo

Hey!

Public opinion has had a significant impact on foreign policy decisions in recent years. Especially with the rise of social media, citizens now have a larger platform to voice their opinions. Politicians and government officials are now more aware of the public's stance, and they sometimes adjust their policies accordingly.

Recent examples include the war in Syria and the refugee crisis. The overwhelming public outrage at the bloodshed in Syria and the refugee crisis forced governments to change their policies. Political leaders who initially opposed any intervention in the conflict faced a growing public demand to act. Activists used social media to share photos and videos of the devastation of the war in Syria and the dire living conditions of refugees to rally support for action from their governments. This public pressure applied led many countries, such as Canada and Germany, to open up their borders to receive more Syrian refugees. The United States also revised its foreign policy, including a military intervention against the Assad regime.

Public opinion has also influenced foreign policy decisions regarding relations with certain countries, especially with the rise of nationalism in many countries. During the United Kingdom's Brexit referendum, fear of immigration and nationalism largely influenced the result, with the most ardent supporters vocalizing their opinions on social media. As a result, Brexit gave rise to a wave of populism among several European countries. Similarly, the United States' relations with several countries, including China, Russia and North Korea, have been a point of contention among citizens. President Trump was criticized by Democrats and Republicans alike for his "America First" policy, which many saw as isolationist. Citizens, through social media, have also been quick to criticize and often call for boycotts of companies that support regimes accused of human rights abuses.

Moreover, public opinion has been instrumental in pushing for issues on the global agenda, such as climate change. The younger generation has been particularly vocal about their support for environmental protection and sustainable development. Their social media campaigns have pushed politicians to address climate change and promote policies that align with the growing global consensus on the climate emergency.

In conclusion, public opinion, with the help of social media, has become a powerful tool that can push governments to change their foreign policies. Politicians are now paying close attention to the public's views and trying to align their policies with popular opinion, both for domestic as well as foreign issues. This, in turn, has led to greater transparency and accountability from governments.