Foreign Policy Analysis

AY2023/2024 Semester 1

This course will familiarize the students with the key concepts and theories in foreign policy analysis and the complexity of variables influencing foreign policy decisions at individual, domestic and international levels. The course will unpack the role of key leaders and bureaucracies in discerning enablers and constraints (domestically and internationally) and how these impact foreign policy choices but also implementation strategies, the choice of instruments, and ultimately outcomes in FP. The course will also introduce students to main academic debates around these topics and privilege practical exercises involving the analysis of illustrative case studies (drawing from relevant historical and contemporary examples). The interactive nature of the seminars will foster students? critical analysis as well as argumentation and presentation skills. The course targets students who are interested in gaining a more structured understanding of how foreign policy is formulated and implemented and how it shapes international politics. By providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the main factors shaping and influencing foreign policy choices, HA2017 is an important asset for those of you who are considering a future career as a diplomat or in consultancy, or just interested in gaining a better understanding of foreign affairs in general.