The principle that determines the pattern of interaction of a country in international politics is known as____________

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the principle that guides or determines how a country interacts with other nations in international politics.

2. Explain the concept

• Foreign policy is the set of principles, goals, and strategies a country adopts to guide its dealings with other countries. It is the country's own "road map" for external behavior. Nigeria's foreign policy, for example, has been guided by principles such as non-alignment, African unity, and respect for the sovereignty of states.
• International trade is only the exchange of goods and services across borders. It is one area of interaction, not the guiding principle.
• Alignment policy is a narrower idea. It refers to a country's choice to side with, or stay neutral between, power blocs (for example, non-alignment during the Cold War).
• International relations is the field of study or the overall web of interactions among states. It describes the interactions themselves, not the principle that determines them.

3. Step-by-step solution

• The key words are "principle" and "determines the pattern of interaction of a country."
• A principle that is specific to one country and shapes how it behaves toward others is its foreign policy.
• International relations is the result (the interactions), while foreign policy is the guiding cause.

4. Answer The correct option is A. foreign policy.

5. Exam tip Remember: Foreign policy = a country's plan; International relations = the interactions that result. If a question says "principle," "guide," or "objectives" of a country's external dealings, think foreign policy.