by | Dr. Azhari Karim
This brief paper examines the impact of the Youth Factor in the foreign policy process of the country.
The experience of young people engaged in discussion of foreign policy issues is highlighted and analysed against current Government efforts to draw youths into the realm of policy-making. Some preliminary conclusions are offered mainly based on results of questionnaires, working groups and written materials. Theoretically, youth opinions are still raw and undirected. Given the correct stimulation and incentives, however, a lot could be gained from interactions with Youth generally. While the former is insightful, the latter is still very much foresightful.
Introduction
Youth today seek engagement in all forms of discussion on matters that affect their future. While the most efficient way to raise one’s awareness of foreign policy issues, has not been found as yet, their eagerness to find out and to know more about what is going on around them need expression in forums, dialogues and seminars such as the Youth and Foreign Policy Seminar that was organized at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) by the Centre for Policy Research and International Studies (CenPRIS), and supported by the Foreign Policy Study Group (FPSG), a Kuala Lumpur-based foreign policy think-tank from 18 – 20 December, 2011, in Penang.
