International relations
The Politics of Foreign Policy
Module code: L2090
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Essay
Who acts in international relations, and why? Why are foreign policy decisions often secret, and does the public have any influence? If not, who shapes these decisions? How has privatisation changed foreign policy making? And what role does today’s rise in nationalism play?
International Relations often focuses on states or other large actors shaped by systemic forces. This can hide the fact that individuals make political choices. Foreign policy making is a political process with domestic effects and ideas like ‘the national interest’ are not as clear or agreed upon as elites suggest.
In this module, you’ll use classical and critical work in foreign policy analysis to explore the tension between agency and structure (domestic and international) in global politics. You’ll look at:
• how decision making in international politics may be less than rational
• how lobby groups and, at times, public opinion can influence foreign policy
• why foreign policy matters for the renewed focus on the nation state.
You’ll also study the current foreign policies of selected states. You’ll develop skills in writing, arguing and independent empirical research beyond the library.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a theoretical appreciation of the meaning of foreign policy in contemporary global politics.
- Demonstrate an empirical appreciation of the key contemporary issues in foreign policy.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and reasoning skills in writing about the analysis of foreign policy.