Conclusion: Thinking Theoretically about Identity and Foreign Policy

Abstract

The influence of identity on foreign policy, the problem of defining collective identity, & factors that render some identities more influential than others are examined. It is contended that national & state identities possess enormous influence over foreign policy, & leaders of countries affected by deep ethnic divisions are generally not prevented from invoking ethnic identities. Combining constructivist & ethnic political perspectives in analyzing identity's impact on foreign relations may produce significant insights into the relationship. Although a transnational Arab identity is present among many contemporary Middle Eastern nations, it is speculated that conflict continues among these nations because leaders compete to define this transnational identity to their advantage. Two factors that have the greatest influence on a state's decision to adopt a particular identity are identified -- internal ethnic conflicts & domestic political competition. The issue of whether these conclusions are applicable to other global regions, eg, Latin America, is also addressed. Several recommendations for future research are offered, eg, performing a comparative analysis of the impact of ethnic conflict on national identity in Middle Eastern nations. J. W. Parker