Translation guide
The term 'foreign policy' refers to a government's strategy in dealing with other nations. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed as 外交政策 (がいこうせいさく). This guide covers the standard term, related expressions, and usage in different contexts.
foreign policy
The overall strategy and principles guiding a country's interactions with other nations.
The standard, neutral term for 'foreign policy'. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
Japan's foreign policy is based on pacifism.
The new president promised a shift in foreign policy.
Literally 'external policy', often used interchangeably with 外交政策, but can have a slightly broader sense including economic and cultural relations.
The government is reviewing its foreign policy.
Referring to the study or analysis of foreign policy.
Used in academic contexts to mean 'foreign policy theory' or 'study of foreign policy'.
He teaches foreign policy studies at the university.
A named policy or doctrine, such as 'containment' or 'engagement'.
Attach a descriptor to 外交 (diplomacy) to form terms like 'dollar diplomacy' or 'quiet diplomacy'. This is the most natural way to name a specific foreign policy approach.
dollar diplomacy
quiet diplomacy
Used with a country or region name to mean 'policy toward X', e.g., 対中政策 (policy toward China).
China policy
外交政策 (がいこうせいさく) is the most common term and focuses on diplomatic relations. 対外政策 (たいがいせいさく) is slightly broader, encompassing all external policies including economic and cultural ones. In most contexts, they are interchangeable, but 対外政策 is more formal and often used in written documents.
対露政策
Russia policy