Being a small-sized country (147,570 square kilometres) almost surrounded by India with a large population (140 million as of 2005), limited natural resources and dependence on foreign aid, the author argues Bangladesh has limited range of options in foreign policy. The author defines national interests rigorously in the context of a new set of realities, recognises what is and what is not achievable for Bangladesh and sets priorities and challenges accordingly.
The book is built around four themes: (i) Historical backgrounds as well as the domestic and international setting, the foreign policy making-process, the principal actors in formulating foreign policy, the country's strengths and weaknesses and impact of changes in international politics, (ii) Nature and content of interactions of Bangladesh with countries in various regions, (iii) Role of Bangladesh in inter-governmental organisations including in the UN and SAARC, Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Movement and (iv) Some of the challenging security, economic and social issues Bangladesh is likely to face at the 21st century. The book provides an account that reveals the shape and direction of Bangladesh foreign policy. It also makes a statement where Bangladesh is going and why.
First of its kind in its rather exhaustive treatment of foreign policy, the book will be useful tool for teachers and students of international relations, political science and history, journalists, diplomats and general readers who are interested in the study of Bangladesh foreign policy.