Political regimes, public opinion and diplomatic relations: a case study of Kenya and Uganda's bilateral relations (1986-2002)

Abstract

Political regimes are the structural framework through which a country is governed and through which political processes are established. Political regimes influence how a country is governed. Political regimes formulate the policies of a country and implement the policies. Political regimes have different characteristics that distinguish one regime from another. These characteristic will influence the decisions made and how the decisions are implemented. Public opinion differs from country to country. In some countries public opinion is important in influencing the running of the government while in others public opinion plays an insignificant role in influencing the government's functions

Diplomatic relations are the relations of states in regards to their diplomacy. Foreign missions and the sending of ambassadors to other countries reflect the way diplomatic relations are carried out. The president, ministry of foreign affairs and other departments play a role in the diplomatic relations of a country. The diplomatic relations are moulded by the ruling political regime The political regime sets the agenda for foreign policy.

Most studies have concentrated on political regimes and public opinion in the context of other international relation topics; however political regimes and public opinion have not been studied as the main variables 10 comparing the bilateral diplomatic relations of states. This study is the outcome of an ongoing interest in how domestic politics shape what nations do in international affairs.