<P> A country 's foreign policy , also called foreign relations or foreign affairs policy , consists of self - interest strategies chosen by the state to safeguard its national interests and to achieve goals within its international relations milieu . The approaches are strategically employed to interact with other countries . The study of such strategies is called foreign policy analysis . In recent times , due to the deepening level of globalization and transnational activities , the states will also have to interact with non-state actors . The aforementioned interaction is evaluated and monitored in attempts to maximize benefits of multilateral international cooperation . Since the national interests are paramount , foreign policies are designed by the government through high - level decision making processes . National interests accomplishment can occur as a result of peaceful cooperation with other nations , or through exploitation . Usually , creating foreign policy is the job of the head of government and the foreign minister ( or equivalent ) . In some countries the legislature also has considerable effects . Foreign policies of countries have varying rates of change and scopes of intent , which can be affected by factors that change the perceived national interests or even affect the stability of the country itself . The foreign policy of one country can have profound and lasting impact on many other countries and on the course of international relations as a whole , such as the Monroe Doctrine conflicting with the mercantilist policies of 19th - century European countries and the goals of independence of newly formed Central American and South American countries . </P>
who has the power to make treaties with foriegn countries
the head of government and the foreign minister