Module description
This module introduces students to the main theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of foreign policy widely conceived. Analysis is a field of inquiry that aims to understand and explain how foreign policy is made and who shapes it, but is also interested in impact and the assessment of performance. Theories of international relations are relevant to FPA to understand pressures and opportunities the international system, but states are not seen as unitary bodies that respond in the same way. They differ amongst each other and contradictory forces and competing actors.
FPA investigates the interplay between systemic, national and sub-national factors, actors and processes, including bureaucracies, public individual decision-makers. FPA pays significant attention to decision-making processes and their outcomes, including group dynamics, and cognitive theories.
The first part of the module is conceptual, theoretical and methodological, while the second part will compare and contrast the foreign countries to understand national idiosyncrasies as well as common features and factors that shape foreign policy-making.
Assessment details
3,000-word essay (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
The aim of this optional module will be to:
(1) Introduce students to the main theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of foreign policy widely conceived including realism, liberalism, constructivism, poststructuralism, leadership trait and operational code analysis, governmental politics, discourse analysis, and emerging theories.
(2) Explore Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) as a distinct field of inquiry that aims to understand and explain how foreign policy is made and who shapes it in comparison to International Relations (IR) and diplomatic studies.
(3) Analyse foreign policy outcomes, their impact and the assessment of performance, and acquire analytic tools to make sense of divergent outcomes.
(4) Understand the interplay between systemic, national and sub-national factors, actors and processes, including bureaucracies, public opinion and individual decision-makers as well as decision-making processes and their outcomes, including group dynamics, leadership styles and cognitive theories.
(5) Compare and contrast the foreign policies of selected countries to understand national idiosyncrasies as well as common features and factors that shape foreign policy-making.
(6) Relate the foreign policies of selected countries to FPA frameworks and methodologies and evaluate the usefulness of different theories, frameworks and methodologies for understanding the conduct of foreign policy in international affairs.
Learning outcomes
Objectives
(1) To demonstrate knowledge of the nature, history and current state in the study of Foreign Policy Analysis and the foreign policies of selected countries.
(2) To conceptualise the structural characteristics and features of foreign policy in international affairs and to offer a framework for the study of the foreign policy of selected countries.
(3) To critically analyse common features and challenges in foreign policy while exploring diversity, distinctiveness and contingency with regards to the conduct of foreign policy.
(4) Through comparative case studies, to explore and critically discuss comparative methodologies relevant to specific countries and to explain their inapplicability in certain contexts.
(5) To demonstrate competence in selecting an appropriate mix of methods and sources to critically assess the maintheoretical and empirical debates in Foreign Policy Analysis and the foreign policies of selected countries, and tounderstand the linkages between foreign policy challenges and political outcomes.
(6) To develop research skills and independent thinking in exploring topics in relation to Foreign Policy Analysis and theforeign policies of selected countries through rigorous conceptual and methodological engagements with both historical andmore contemporary issues.
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
(1) Have a good understanding of both common features and heterogeneity with regards to foreign policy in international affairs.
(2) Understand the challenges of political leadership in foreign policy and the forces shaping its conduct both historically and in the contemporary international system.
(3) Have a comprehensive picture of the possibilities of change in foreign policy in the light of past performance and vision.
(4) Understand how countries in the international system relate to each other both cooperatively and coercively and through distinct foreign policy instruments including diplomacy, negotiations, inducements, sanctions and military campaigns
(5) With acquired tools and knowledge, analyse ongoing foreign policy dynamics in international affairs.
Transferable skills:
(1) Logical thinking
(2) Intellectual independence
(3) Communication skills
(4) Analysis of complex ideas, arguments and theories
(5) Craft written commentary and summarise extensive information concisely
(6) Struture and present arguments with clarity and effectiveness
(7) Learn to work as a team, to listen and question effectively and to contribute in a group
Teaching pattern
1 hour lecture, 2 hours seminar/tutorial