Observation

This was a very popular question. The candidates performed averagely well in it. Although, the question is simple and clear, some candidates misunderstood it as they wrote on the internal factors that influence foreign policy and lost good marks. The candidates were expected to provide the following as answers to the question.

1. Membership of international organizations.
2. International laws and conventions.
3. The geographical location of the target state.
4. The military capabilities/capacities of the target state.
5. The economic resources of the target state.
6. International public opinion.
7. Globalization/international environment.
8. Treaty obligations.
9. Alliances and pacts – military or otherwise.
10. External commitments: social, political and economic.
11. Foreign investments of the state in other countries.
12. The prevailing global economic and political order.
13. Consideration for citizens in the diaspora.
14. Fear of sanctions from the external environment.
15. Interest of colonial masters.