The machinery of foreign policy-making in New Zealand

Abstract

This thesis attempts to explain and describe the present relevant structures which are established for the preservation of New Zealand's national interests and formulation of foreign policy. That is the "machinery of foreign policy in New Zealand." By the "machinery of foreign policy" I mean the organization of men concerned with the creation of foreign policy for the state (policy makers). And by "foreign policy" I mean the conciliation of "external" and "internal" interests and security. Generally speaking the institutions constructed for creation of security for the nation are Head of the State, executive, cabinet, foreign officers, defence officers, trade officers, diplomatic representatives, consuls, intelligence and other multilateral organizations e.g. U.N., G.A.T.T., S.E.A.T.O., N.A.T.O., etc. Since all institutions are operated by men with their peculiar characteristics and individual differences, no doubt these individuals determine the product of their institutions. To understand the process of foreign policy-making it is necessary to identify the group of individuals within the state, who are involved in it, and to define the locus of their activity within the state machinery as a whole, even within a limited degree.