Good Foreign Policy Begins At Home

Foreign policy is the mirror of a nation. It reflects domestic priorities and global realities. It is inseparable from domestic policy. Internal disunity, injustice, inequality, exclusion and the selective practice of double standards for momentary political gains at home weaken the conduct of foreign policy.

The absence of national consensus on foreign policy issues paves the way for foreign powers to prey on domestic differences and difficulties and their meddling in internal affairs. Divisions at home give way to fractures and flashpoints, and make the nation pay dearly. No nation can underestimate the external fallout of internal policies. Strong domestic foundations provide an important foundation for credible foreign policy.

US President John F. Kennedy told Congress on January 14, 1963, “We shall be judged more by what we do at home than we preach abroad.” Nepal’s experience of recurring political transitions underscores the importance of continuity in foreign policy. In a multiparty democracy, cross-party agreement on core interests is desirable.