Why do states do what they do in their interactions beyond their borders? This course introduces the theory and practice of foreign policy, first by exploring the fundamental concepts in foreign policy formulation and implementation, and then by applying these conceptual ideas to a number of different nation-states. We consider the tools, theories, and concepts necessary to analyze the foreign policies of different international actors. We examine a number of sources of foreign policy, including individual policy makers, characteristics of the domestic political environment, and international systemic factors. We will examine case studies of real foreign policy events to illustrate and evaluate the concepts introduced.
By the end of the course students should have an appreciation and critical understanding of the basis and rationale for different countries' policies in the world, and basic knowledge of the foreign policies of the countries we study in the course, as well as those of other countries.
This course will comprise one 2-hour lecture per week for 13 weeks.