With virtually defenceless borders, Belgium has traditionally sought to avoid domination by the more powerful nations which surround it through a policy of mediation.
In the years preceding World War II, Belgium tried to return to a policy of neutrality, but once again, Germany invaded the country.
In 1948, Belgium signed the Treaty of Brussels with the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and one year later became one of the founding members of the Atlantic Alliance.
A peculiar feature of Belgian federalism is the fact that the country's Communities and Regions maintain their own international relations, including the conclusion of treaties.
There have been other points of contention with the Netherlands, such as the deepening of the river Scheldt or the route for the high-speed rail link between Brussels and Amsterdam.
The arrest warrant case of 2002 was caused by the application of Belgium's so called genocide law, providing for universal jurisdiction over the gravest international crimes.
The same law stirred relations with, amongst others, Israel and the United States, since complaints were filed against high-ranking politicians and officials of both countries.
[197] The United States and Belgium are good friends and allies, despite occasional disagreements on a limited number of foreign policy issues.
Good will and affection for Americans continues as a result of the U.S. role during and after the two World Wars, which was exhibited in 2004 during the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Belgium.
[202] Diplomatic relations were established on 20 September 1947 when Prince Eugene de Ligne presented his credentials as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to India.
During his stay in Brussels, he met the then-Prime Minister of Belgium, Guy Verhofstadt, and the two leaders held significant talks on trade and defence co-operation.
[217] Diplomatic relations were established on 4 April 1838 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Turkey baron O'Sullivan de Grass.
[246] Diplomatic relations were established on 3 August 1839 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to the Netherlands Prince J.
[264] Although politically the two nations are not closely connected, they have a long history of economic integration and trade, with Belgian investment playing a role in the contemporary Ukrainian economy.