The Presidency And Challenges Of Shifting Foreign Policy And Diplomatic Relations In Tanzania

ABSTRACT 

This dissertation reports the findings of the investigation of the presidency and the challenges of shifting foreign policy and diplomatic relations in Tanzania. In particular, the study sought to establish the reasons for and implications of shifting foreign policy approach and diplomatic relations in Tanzania. The study employed qualitative research approach, through documentary reviews and interviews with key informants. The informants of the study included retired presidents, retired prime ministers, retired ministers for Foreign Affairs and officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy and diplomatic relations experts from University of Dar es Salaam and University of Dodoma. Data were subjected through Qualitative Content Analysis Approach. The analysis revealed that, historically and consistently, Tanzania‘s Foreign Policy and diplomatic engagement attitudes are organized along three related but distinct value dimensions, namely cooperative, proactive and nonaligned diplomacy. Most of the conduct of the country‘s traditional foreign policy is entirely focused on the principles, which enabled the country to be predictable in its position on foreign policy issues. There are substantial changes in foreign policy orientation and approach to diplomatic relations. The country has shifted its approach to foreign policy and diplomatic relations from political and principled foreign policy and diplomatic relations to economic and pragmatic foreign policy and diplomatic relations. Consequently, economic diplomacy has become apolitical, politically unideological, and unprincipled while the economic objectives have become the driving force of Tanzania diplomacy. Tanzania‘s proactive role in international politics has declined because of less principled foreign policy and approach to diplomatic relations. There is also a strong belief in the internal economic capacity of the country; hence, the country has reduced emphasis on external influences and jeopardized the traditional position and status in international affairs. The lack of regular exposure to and engagement in strategic international debates has made the country create a vacuum of influential diplomats who could play a great role in advancing the country‘s national foreign policy and interests. The country is also sliding away from a world map and its traditional position as a champion of human rights, dignity, freedom, and economic justice.