Political Science 326 - Foreign Policy Analysis

This class introduces students to the analysis of foreign policy and foreign policy decision-making. The course starts with a historical and cultural exploration of world orders and illustrates how different contexts give varying meanings and goals to the practice of foreign policy. The class then questions theories of foreign policy and their application. In the last module, the course discusses analytical models of foreign policy decision-making: 1) a traditional rational model of international politics with applications of game theory, 2) two level games, 3) bureaucratic politics, 4) organizational dynamics, 5) a poliheuristic model.

Students will apply the analytical models to explore a historical case of foreign policy decision-making.

Global Classroom: This class will use technological resources to pair students with peers from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Colombia. Bi-national teams of students will complete group assignments.

Requisite: An introductory class on international relations is required (world politics, topics in international relations or similar). One or more courses on global history are recommended. Limited to 20 Students. Fall Semester. Professor Bitar.