Foreign relations are basically defined as the relationship between sovereign states as the manifest result of foreign policy. [1] The history of Philippine relations can be traced back from Spanish to American colonization until its independence in 1946. After nearly seventy years of independence, Filipinos still view their national identity as undefined and see international respect as elusive. [2]
Poverty, economic setbacks, weak military defense facilities, and the like have been problems that the past government administrations tried to eradicate. The government had to seek pecuniary aid from foreign creditors. But because of corruption, the Philippines ended up deeply in debt to private banks, multilateral lending institutions, and foreign governments.[3]
As the state actor in the global scale, the government of a country plays a vital role in its conduct of foreign relations among other states. Proponents of International Relations view the political, economic and cultural situation as well as the domestic policy of the country as an important aspect in determining how strong or weak its foreign relations with other countries. [4] For example, a third world country like the Philippines may have weaker foreign relations with other states compared to a first world country like the United States.
The domestic performance of a country through its government affect its foreign performance that eventually define its foreign relations. The Philippine government, thus, should cease its problematic institutions that breed corruption so that it may reap more benefits in the global level where it engages foreign relations with other states in the world.
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[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreign%20relations
[2] http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/philippines/forrel.htm
[3] id
[4] Domestic politics, foreign policy and theories of international law by James D. Fearon
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