POL S 321 A: American Foreign Policy

This course examines the sources of American foreign policy and their implications for world politics. We begin by reviewing how two dominant approaches, realism and liberalism, explain American foreign policy. We then turn to constructivist and rationalist approaches and also examine how domestic actors—the legislature, public opinion, and individual leaders—can influence foreign policy decision-making. 

We use these approaches to examine pivotal events and developments in U.S. foreign policy. We begin by explaining the end of the Cold War and its consequences for the design of U.S. foreign policy. Then we discuss four prominent issues in the post-Cold War period: military alliances, nuclear weapons and proliferation, diplomacy and peacemaking, and humanitarian intervention. Finally, we focus on a central issue in US foreign policy today: the implications of China’s rise for US-China relations.

This course will be delivered in-person. My lectures will comprise the majority of each session. That being said, I will facilitate short discussions to encourage student participation and close engagement with the readings. Students should come to class prepared to share their thoughts on the assigned readings. The final grade is likely to be based on exams, policy memos, and attendance/participation.