The Role of Non-Political Influences on U.S. Foreign Policy Implementation in the Post-9/11 Era
Authors: Maingi Natalynne Nyawira 
Published: September 2024

Foreign policy, faces a new reality through actors who exert growing influence with diverse viewpoints and priorities, complicating implementation. These influences are crucial in attaining foreign policy goals. The study employed a multi-methodological approach to process tracing for in-depth analysis of specific decisions, while comparative analysis examined implementation across countries. Discourse analysis explored public narratives, and surveys and interviews provided insights from stakeholders. This triangulation revealed the interplay of political, bureaucratic, economic, societal, and media influences on policy execution. Reviewed literature highlighted the multifaceted nature of foreign policy implementation, beyond political lenses. Bureaucratic agencies, public opinion, media framing, economic interdependence, international institutions, technological advancements, and Non-State Actors (NSAs) significantly influence how foreign policy goals translate into actions. The review explores both the opportunities and challenges these factors present. Understanding these complexities is crucial for effective foreign policy execution in today’s interconnected world. The study adopted the liberal institutionalism theory, which argues that institutions like the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) foster cooperation and peace by providing platforms for dialogue, establishing norms, and facilitating information exchange. These institutions can then shape state preferences, reduce uncertainty, and enforce agreements, impacting trade policies, environmental regulations, and humanitarian interventions. The study examined how states navigate the tension between supranational mandates and national interests, but acknowledges critiques that powerful states may manipulate institutions and that domestic politics also influence foreign policy. The study revealed the lesser-known forces shaping foreign policy implementation. Beyond political actors, bureaucrats, economic realities, military capabilities, public opinion, media narratives, and technology play crucial roles. Bureaucratic expertise guides complex execution, while economic dependence fosters cooperation. Military limitations and public sentiment can curb policy choices. International Organizations and Non-governmental Organizations provide frameworks and hold governments accountable. The private sector lobbies and shapes public perception. Technological advancements offer new tools but also harbor cyber threats. Even climate action is influenced by science, NGOs, and economic viability. This study unveils a more nuanced understanding of foreign policy in today’s complex world. In conclusion, foreign policy execution extends far beyond political actors. Bureaucracies, economies, media, technology, and climate change all significantly influence a nation’s global interactions. The study recommends that, bureaucracies should manage intricate execution, while economies shape diplomacy. Media and technology should mold public opinion and pressure policymakers. Climate change impacts resource distribution and diplomacy need to be addressed. An effective foreign policy requires skillful management of these non-political forces for successful implementation.