directionalism
Directionalism is a concept within the study of international relations and foreign policy. It refers to the idea that a state's foreign policy decisions and actions are driven by a discernible and consistent direction or set of principles. These principles can be rooted in various factors, including a nation's history, ideology, geopolitical interests, or a combination thereof. The term suggests that a state's behavior on the world stage is not random but rather follows a predictable trajectory guided by these underlying directional forces.
Proponents of directionalism argue that understanding these fundamental directions is crucial for analyzing and anticipating a
Critics, however, may point to the fluidity of international politics and the impact of unforeseen events or