The article explores how different factors like size, location, and culture influence how countries make foreign policy decisions. It questions if big and small countries, or those by the sea versus landlocked ones, have similar approaches to foreign policy. The author identifies nine key concepts that shape how states develop their foreign policy strategies. By analyzing events at different levels, like zooming in with a microscope, researchers can understand foreign policy better. The type of research done depends on its goal, whether it's to describe, analyze, or achieve something practical. The article also mentions how ancient ideas still influence modern foreign policy thinking.