DAFF 25A32 - US Foreign policy in a fragmented world: Historical, Ideological and Geopolitical perspectives
DAFF 25A32 · Fall semester 2026-2027
- Language of tuition
- English
- Course type
- Cours séminaire
- Number of hours
- 24
- Credits
- 5
Information
Description
The aim of this course is to analyze US foreign policy, primarily through the prism of American military power. The objective is to provide an overview of the major issues at stake regarding US international action, in a fragmented world. Is there a continuity in the US involvement in the world? Are their ruptures? How could we explain US foreign policy from an ideological point of view? What are the main geopolitical challenges to the American administration today? The course will be divided into three main parts, each of which addresses specific questions. The first will focus on the continuities and ruptures of US foreign policy, from the end of the Second World War to the post-9/11 period. The second part will examine US international strategy in its ideological dimension, through the major debates that surround it. Finally, the last part will look at the practice of American foreign policy and its major geopolitical challenges, with a special focus on Russia, the Middle East and China.
Prerequisites
Aucun
Assessment
- 1 final written exam with a topic discussed during the course (two hours on session 12) (60%)
- 1 group presentation with a topic chosen by the instructor (presented during the first session) (30%)
- Student engagement during the semester (participation in class discussions during and outside of class, ability to ask questions, and class citizenship etc.) (10%)
Readings
Main readings 5
-
Haass Richard N., “The Irony of American Strategy: Putting the Middle East in Proper Perspective”, Foreign Affairs, May/ June 2013.
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Ikenberry G. John, “The Rise of China and the Future of the West: Can the Liberal System Survive?”, Foreign affairs, vol. 87, n°1, Janvier/Février 2008, p. 23-37.
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Krauthammer Charles, Democratic Realism: An American Foreign Policy for a Unipolar World, Washington, AEI Press, 2004.
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Mead Walter Russell, Special Providence: American Foreign Policy and How It Changed the World, New York, Routledge, 2002.
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Zakaria Fareed, “The Future of American Power: How America Can Survive the Rise of the Rest”, Foreign Affairs, vol. 87, n° 3, May/June 2008, p. 18-43.
Further readings 5
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Layne Christopher, “America’s Middle East Grand Strategy After Iraq: the Moment for Offshore Balancing Has Arrived”, Review of International Studies, vol. 35, n° 01, January 2009, p. 5-25.
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Legvold Robert, “Managing the New Cold War.”, Foreign Affairs, vol. 93, n° 4, July/August 2014, pp. 74-78, 79-84.
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Nye Jr. Joseph S., “The Futures of American Power: Dominance and Decline in Perspective”, Foreign Affairs, vol. 89, n° 2, November/December 2010, p. 2-12.
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Posen Barry R., Restraint: A New Foundation for U.S. Grand Strategy, Ithaca, NY, Cornell University Press, 2014.
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Wright Thomas, “The Folly of Retrenchment: Why America Can’t Withdraw From the World”, Foreign Affairs, vol. 99, n° 2, March/April 2020, p. 10-18.
Teaching units
| Unit no. | Unit type | Teaching units | Teachers | Number of hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17427 | Cours séminaire | US Foreign policy in a fragmented world: Historical, Ideological and Geopolitical perspectives | Pierre BOURGOIS | 24 | 5 |
Teachers
- Pierre BOURGOIS
In the curricula
- Bachelor Exchange Programme, Seminars / Bachelor, Programme d'échange, séminaires - 26/27COLLÈGE UNIVERSITAIRE - CAMPUS PARIS
- Bachelor, semestre 3 : cours séminaires - 26/27COLLÈGE UNIVERSITAIRE - CAMPUS PARIS
Contacts and resources
- Contact
- NICOULEAU Svetlana