An Analysis Of The Influence Of Public Opinion In Foreign Affairs

Public opinion is a kind of social awareness. In the contemporary era, the public have become more active at participating in the process of international affairs. Meanwhile, information technology has made it much easier for the public to access to international affairs. Thus, the public has much more chances to know and discuss the nation's international affairs. With the development of democracy, public opinion is become so important for governments'policy making especially in the field of international affairs. To a certain extent, public opinion has become a powerful strength in the international relations, which is a hotpot not only in the field of academy but also in real politics.Taking a look at the history of international relations, we can see public opinion was playing a more and more important role in foreign affairs. In feudalistic times, public opinion had little influence on politics. After capitalism institution established, public opinion has become a significant part of the politic system. Especially in modern society, public opinion has become another power except the power of legislation, administration and judicature.This article tries to study what influence Public opinion makes on national foreign affairs? It analyzes public opinion in china comparing with that in the west from the perspective of its conception and its development. Then, it explores the passive and negative influence the public opinion makes on a nation's foreign affairs by case study. In passive way, public opinion is a activator to speed up the policy making and promote its action, while in negative way, it may bring some trouble to a nation. From all the discussion, the article raises some suggestions to china's government how to take full advantage of public opinion to win her benefit.