The first sessions establish some theoretical grounding for the examination of the foreign policy of Latin American states. The course begins by exploring the structure/agency debate in foreign policy. Students are encouraged to consider the impact of structural variables on the establishment of long-term policies in Latin America. These include constraints such as relative state strength and sovereignty, security concerns, and the economic-productive structure of states. The course then explores the domestic construction of foreign policy and the agency of decision-makers, and the extent to which Latin American foreign policy has been subordinate to the pursuit of stable, historically constructed “national interests”. Conversely, it poses the question whether regime-type, accompanied by political and ideological shifts, have dramatically altered foreign policy and brought into question Latin America's políticas de Estado; particularly considering the advent of important changes in government at different moments in recent history. Students are invited to reflect upon the impact of “leader-preference” and the weight of presidential diplomacy; intra and inter-institutional rivalry and bureaucratic politics, including the nature and importance of the foreign service; the power of business lobbies, non-state actors and activist networks; the broader context of electoral politics and single party states; ideology, nationalism and nation-building.
With this framework in mind, the course delves into specific case studies. This will enable students to apply concepts discussed in the first sessions to practical cases in foreign policy, past and present. The discussion of specific case studies will also bring to life the choices and conundrums facing Latin American states in their relations with the global powers; Latin American approaches to regionalism and multilateralism; the importance of territory and sovereignty in foreign policy; the ongoing relevance of democracy and human rights in the formulation of foreign policy; the impact of security vulnerabilities, lawlessness, and civil conflict on foreign policy; and the importance of ideology and “principled belief” in the international politics of the region.
Students should reflect upon the preferences, constraints, and practical considerations faced by Latin American governments, when considering different options on the table. They will also be encouraged to identify the recurrent themes in the international relations of Latin America.
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will have a good knowledge of the most important historic and contemporary trends in the foreign policy of Latin American states.
2. Students will be able to identify the most relevant factors in the foreign policy decision-making processes of the Latin American region, and critically assess the foreign policy of several countries of their choice.
3. Students will be able to identify the contending issues in the international debates of the region.
Professional Skills
1. An understanding of “real world” and “everyday” diplomacy
2. An understanding of the most important and recurrent demands and policies of a region of the world which plays a crucial role in framing the issues dear to the Global South (and encompasses 600 million inhabitants today).
3. Tools for the analysis of international crisis situations and the interests and motivations of actors, and ways to diffuse them.
- Online learning activities: 15 minutes a week / 3 hours a semester
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 1 hour and half a week / 18 hours a semester
- Research and Preparation for Group Work / Class presentation: 1 in the semester / 4 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 1 in the semester / 8 - 12 hours a semester
(ii) A 7-10 minute class presentation, followed by questions by the class (30% of final grade)
(iii) A final 1500-word paper (+/- 10% word count) (45% of final grade)
I will give quick feedback on presentations, attendance, class participation, etc.
The mark for the final paper is given at the end of the course.