DSPO 27A30 - Foreign Policy of the United States

This seminar proposes to introduce students to the broad determinants of U.S. foreign policy making. It is divided into four parts. First, we provide a theoretical framework and an overview of the American foundational political principles in which to place the subject. Then, we examine the institutional dimension of foreign policy making – executive and legislative powers, the foreign policy apparatus within the administration, the role of presidential leadership – before raising the question of what other significant, extra-institutional actors may play a key role in influencing the shaping of foreign policy. Next, we focus on the post-WWII history of American foreign policy while guided by the question of whether, as argued by many analysts, American global power is in decline and we are witnessing a shift in the international order. We conclude with an overview of the current challenges faced by the United States as a world power, in particular the rivalry with a rising China and tension with Russia, democratic

backsliding across the world, terrorism, the global economy, climate change and nuclear proliferation.

• A research paper on a topic selected by the student with the instructor’s approval (2,800 to 3,000 words), to be turned in at the end of the semester: 40% of the final grade.
• An in-class pair presentation on a debate question selected from a list supplied by the instructor, in which the two students will defend opposite positions: 30% of the final grade.
• A group report on a contemporary issue of U.S. foreign policy selected with the instructor (2,000 words), to be turned in at the end of the semester: 20% of the final grade.
• Class participation: 10% of the final grade.