How Non-state Actors Influence Foreign Policy

This thesis analyzes how non-state actors, in this case of multinationalcorporations are influencing foreign policy of a nation state. Which ways, throughwhat methods and channels is this influence exercised? Special focus is placed onlobbying, especially German lobby associations that are influencing policy of a state.The thesis will employ from different authors that use approaches of conceptualtheory such as non-state actors that influence foreign policy and have different viewson how lobby associations affect state foreign policy.Case study of this thesis is mainly Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business(APA) and with this case thesis will try to answer the research question:‘Does Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business influence Germany’s foreign policy withrespect to China?’ The thesis has provided evidence and findings from statements ofGerman officials and the head of APA, and these are key findings that have provedthat Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business is influencing German foreignpolicy with respect to China.The thesis is using Discourse Analysis in the case of Asia-Pacific Committee ofGerman Business (APA) to create linkage between lobbying and nation state policy.This thesis proved and was able to establish cause and effect relationship betweenlobby unions that consist of powerful MNC’s and nation state that is influenced bythem. These findings support the argument that MNC’s as non-state actors areinfluencing German foreign policy.With each chapter, the thesis goes through introduction of the topic andexplanation on how non-state actors are influencing foreign policy and later, thesismoves on more detailed explanation with case of APA.Second chapter of the thesis explains the growing influence of non-state actorson national and international level and in which ways they exercise their influence. Asthesis continues with explaining the influence of non-state actors with third chaptermain focus is placed on lobbying, that is, how lobby associations work in Germany.Lobby unions are very important part of German culture and society, which isnow being transferred on the EU countries too. In fourth chapter with the case studyof the thesis, with the use of discourse analysis, thesis provides examples of influence of Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business on German foreign policy withrespect to China.This research contributes to the literature of foreign policy analysis, especiallyGerman foreign policy towards China, where not much literature can be found thatincludes non-state actors as important subjects in influencing foreign policy making.