Foreign Policy of the Republic of Mali Since Independence (1960-2002)

This work examines the foreign policy of the Republic of Mali since independence from France in 1960 to 2002. It addresses the following questions: Mali's foreign policy objectives, the determinants of Malian foreign policy, the instruments and tools that have been used in order to achieve these objectives. The theory of political realism is applied to scrutinize and highlight foreign policy of Mali. This work analyzes Mali's case study as it explores foreign policy in terms of its perception as to what defines its national interests. It identifies that the essential foreign policy objective of Mali has been the achievement of political stability and economic development for the country in the African region. The main objective reflected its foreign policy in maintaining organic links with France, and controlling the environment in the region to sustain cheap labor. Mali actively mobilized its instruments & tools to achieve its foreign policy objectives. The work used several variables: historical events, political data, cultural & economic factors as major indicators that determine the objectives of Mali's foreign policy towards other states.