Analysis of the Decision-Making Process in the Foreign Policy of China and Russia from the Perspective of Micro Theories in International Relations

Abstract

This study examines the decision-making processes in the foreign policies of China and Russia through the lens of micro theories in international relations, which emphasize the role of individual actors, cognitive biases, and small group dynamics in shaping state behavior. While traditional approaches to international relations often focus on systemic factors such as power structures or institutional frameworks, the micro theory perspective highlights the psychological and situational determinants influencing elite decision-making. Our effort aims to address the key question of how the political and cultural structures of China and Russia influence their foreign policy decision-making. However, both cases demonstrate how cognitive heuristics, such as anchoring and framing, shape elite interpretations of international events and opportunities. This paper argues that while China's foreign policy is shaped by a deliberate and consensus-driven approach, Russia's approach is characterized by a more impulsive and confrontational pattern, influenced by the psychological dominance of its leader. This comparative analysis underscores the broader implications of micro theories for understanding the diversity of state behaviors in international politics. By focusing on the interaction between individual agency and structural pressures, the study provides nuanced insights into the strategic characteristics of major powers in a multipolar world. The key findings emphasize the need to integrate micro-level analyses into macro-structural theories to better predict and interpret state actions in contemporary geopolitics.