POL S 321 A: American Foreign Policy

Over the past twenty years, there have been many changes that have challenged US international primacy and raise questions about the nature and use of American power and continued global leadership in the Twenty-first Century.

The question of decline arises periodically and has become especially relevant in the face of the retrenchment towards a more isolationist stance in response to the 911-era wars and the rise of increasingly assertive economic and strategic competitors, non-state actors, and matters of global health. 

This quarter we will critically analyze the historical development of U.S. foreign policy. Proceeding chronologically, we will trace the enduring values, interests, institutions, and processes of American foreign policy to throw into relief modern elements of continuity, change, and chronic contradiction. We will end by considering contemporary challenges to American Hard and Soft Power as they shape the twenty-first-century international environment and bear on the question of decline. 

Special notes

Asynchronous Online Learning: This is an asynchronous online course with pre-recorded lecture materials and deadlines for papers and discussions. This approach emphasizes flexibility and self-pacing within established deadlines. It works best for students needing to accommodate family, work, and other academic demands and those taking courses from different time zones. The instructional team is available for one-on-one meetings in addition to established office hours. 

Optional "W" Credit: This course may satisfy the University Writing Credit requirement; see the syllabus for details on the "W" credit option. 

For POLS Majors: This class counts for Field C or D requirements and is a required course for the Security Option in the major; see the Political Science Major Information page for details. 

General Method of Instruction + Assessment

Course Materials: Recorded lectures, documentaries, podcasts, textbooks, and readings drawn from foreign policy literature and popular press. 

Assessments: Students in this class will write two critical response papers and participate in weekly group discussions (graded). A writing Credit Option is available.

Instructional Team

Instructor -  Robin Datta
Best Contact -  rdatta@uw.edu 
Office Hours - M 9:00 - 11: 00 and by appointment
Location - Online (Zoom) 

TA - Jessica Sciarone
Best Contact -  jsciar@uw.edu
Office Hours - W 9:00-11:00 and by appointment
Location - Online (on Zoom)  

Texts and Materials

Kaufman, Joyce P.A Concise History of U.S. Foreign Policy, 5th Edition. Rowman & Littlefield, 2021. Print. ISBN: 978-1-5381-5136-5 (paper) / 978-1-5381-5137-2 (ebook). The fourth edition of Kaufman is available for free online reading via the UW Library (please read the book online or download the chapters you need instead of checking it out).

Additional readings are listed in the overview for each week. These readings may require off-campus authentication with your UW NetID.

Recommended Preparation and Learning Goals

Students should have a general awareness of the historical development of the International System and the core International Relations Theory (Idealism/Constructivism, Realism, and Liberalism). 

Regular reading of foreign policy news and opinion is encouraged - Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy, two foreign policy journals, are highly recommended.

When you have finished this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of US Foreign Policy.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role that culture and ideology plays in the conceptualization and conduct of US Foreign Policy.
• Demonstrate a better understanding of the impact of political pluralism and stakeholder politics on the development and the conduct of US Foreign Policy.
• Use the lessons of history to consider contemporary challenges in foreign policy.

Topic List

1. Week 01: What is Foreign Policy?
2. Week 02: “The American Way” of Foreign Policy
3. Week 03: Was the US Ever Isolationist?
4. Week 04: The Rise of Hegemony
5. Week 05: The Cold War, Containment, and "The Bomb"
6. Week 06: Searching for a Post-Cold War Center
7. Week 07: 9/11, Neo-Sovereignty, and Preemption
8. Week 08: Bending or Breaking History - Obama and Trump
9. Week 09: Restoration (?), Renewal (?), Biden, and 2024 (?)

Official Course Syllabus

Download a PDF of the syllabus, which contains general course and instructor information, a description of the assignments, and grading criteria. Retain for your records.