PUBP 376 - Decision Making in Foreign Policy

Since the end of the Cold War the U.S. has occupied a relatively unique position in the international community. Through its cultural, military, and economic position the U.S. has had exceptional opportunities to influence international affairs.  

The world, however, is far from static. Proliferating information communication technologies have amplified the reach of nonstate actors, while global economic growth has triggered the ascendance of states seeking to counterbalance U.S. power. In a world of diverse perspectives and socio-cultural values, U.S. decision makers have also increasingly had to balance a world that is increasingly multi-polar. 

This course intends to provide students with an overview of the principal national security process of the U.S. that exists to manage these challenges and the diverse “tools” of statecraft available to policymakers. Students will explore the national security decision-making process, and they will analyze the utility of major foreign policy tools including diplomacy in bilateral and multilateral settings, aid, trade, sanctions, intelligence, and the use of force, among others.

What sets this class apart from similar coursework is that you will hear directly from the policymakers, staff members, and opinion leaders about their own approach and experience with foreign policy decision-making and implementation. By bringing in a range of actors in the foreign policy space and exposing you to several analytical models, you will be more prepared to understand and analyze work in this area.