ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 presents basic political science terminology and concepts necessary for understanding foreign policy and foreign policy analysis. The first section discusses special characteristics of the policy field. Foreign policy serves to preserve the interests of the nation state abroad, thus forming a bridge between the national and international systems. Since national foreign relations are closely linked to sovereignty, national interest and power, we explain the meaning of these terms within the framework of foreign policy. The second part of the chapter addresses levels of analysis and theoretical assumptions – the most important factors to be considered when analysing foreign policy.
