DAFF 25A53 - Culture, Identity and Foreign Policy

Students will acquire a strong understanding of key concepts in cultural security studies approaches (strategic culture, role theory, ontological security, historical memory) and understand key disciplinary debates, such as (i) material vs. non-material explanations for behaviour, (ii) culture as practice vs. ideas, and (iii) whether cultural variables link directly to policy decisions.

Even more importantly, students will be able to apply these theories to real world events to better understand how culture, history, and identity contribute to international politics in the past and present. In doing so, students will learn and apply interpretive methods to critically engage with identity discourse as it is espoused by elites and political leadership.

Any introduction course to International Relations

In-Class Presentations (15% Oral Presentation + 5% Written Component)