Since independence in 1960, Malian governments have shifted from an ideological commitment to socialism and a policy alignment with communist states to a pragmatism that judges issues and their merits, welcomes assistance from all sources, and encourages private investment. The present government, which assumed office in September 1997, is committed to democracy, economic reform, free market policies, and regional integration.

Mali is a member of the United Nations and many of its specialized agencies, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank; International Labor Organization (ILO); ITU; Universal Postal Union (UPU); International Criminal Court (ICC). It also belongs to the Organization of African Unity (OAU); Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC); Non-Aligned Movement (NAM); an associate member of the European Community (EC); African Development Bank (ADB); and INTELSAT.

Mali is active in regional organizations. It participates in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA) for regional economic integration; Liptako-Gourma Authority , which seeks to develop the contiguous areas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso; the Niger River Commission ; the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS); and the Senegal River Valley Development Organization (OMVS).

Disputes - international: none