The role and position of public opinion in foreign policy

The relationship between public opinion and foreign policy has always been one of the topics that scholars and experts in political science and international relations have presented different views on. Some theorists have pointed out the instability of public opinion and its excitement, and they even believe that in many cases, public opinion is directed and formed by governments and affiliated media. Therefore, they believe that public opinion cannot be relied on in foreign policy. But on the other hand, another group believes that the researches, studies and surveys that have been conducted, represent some stable and stable components in public opinion and that there are significant trends in public opinion. Therefore, one cannot simply ignore public opinion and ignore public opinion in foreign policy decisions. Therefore, foreign policy decision makers should consider public opinion as an independent variable influencing foreign policy. This research is based on a descriptive-analytical method and using library and documentary studies. The author seeks to examine the relationship between public opinion and foreign policy, and in better words, what role and influence does public opinion have on foreign policy? And to what extent can public opinion influence foreign policy as an independent variable? The findings of this research show that public opinion is considered in the foreign policy decision-making process, both in real form and in the form of guidance and management by governments. And all governments, whether democratic or non-democratic, try to mask the public opinion.