Course Description

Why do states do what they do? This course introduces the theory and practice of foreign policy, first by exploring the fundamental concepts in foreign policy formulation and implementation, and then by applying these conceptual ideas to a number of different nation-states. We consider the tools, theories, and concepts necessary to analyze the foreign policies of different international actors. We examine a number of sources of foreign policy, including individual policy makers, characteristics of the domestic political environment, and international systemic factors. The course utilizes case studies of real foreign policy events to illustrate and evaluate the concepts introduced.

By the end of the course the students should have an appreciation and critical understanding of the basis and rationale for different countries’ policies in the world, and basic knowledge of the foreign policies of the countries we study in the course, as well as those of other countries.

Course Assessment

Course Requirements

Learning is not a spectator sport. This is an advanced course, and students are expected to be enthusiastic participants in a collective educational experience. It is essential that students attend class regularly, prepare assignments in advance, and participate actively in tutorial discussions.

There are two required texts for this course. It is also recommended that you invest in one or two other recommended texts, particularly if you are a second-year student or if you plan to continue graduate studies in international relations or political science. They will be necessary for keeping up with the lectures, and for your midterms. Some of these books are available in the bookshop, but most are not, and while I have requested that the bookstore order them, it is uncertain that they will arrive in time for the course. If you have access to a US-based book seller, particularly one that is internet-based, and you can acquire these books, then by all means do so. I will attempt to make the readings available to you via the course website, or via the reserve desk at the main library. Be sure to notify me if you are not able to get readings.

The readings and the lectures are complementary, and students should note that the midterm tests and final exam may cover all material in the readings, even where the topic was not covered in lecture in detail. There are other titles in the library that are relevant and useful for the course; feel free to consult them.

Required Books

• Penguin Dictionary of International Relations , Graham Evans and Jeffrey Newnham. London : Penguin, 1998.
  
• Laura Neack, The New Foreign Policy: U. S. and Comparative Foreign Policy in the 21st Century. Rowman & Littlefield, 2002.

Recommended books

1. Foreign Policy in Comparative Perspective: Domestic and International Influences on State Behavior by Ryan K. Beasley, Juliet Kaarbo, Jeffrey S. Lantis, Michael T. Snarr, CQ Press, 2001.
   
2. African Foreign Policies: Power and Process edited by Gilbert M. Khadiagala & Terrence Lyons. Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2001.
   
3. The Foreign Policies of Middle East States edited by Raymond Hinnebusch, Anoushiravan Ehteshami. Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2002.
   
4. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in World Politics edited by John T. Rourke. 11 th ed. McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, 2004.
   
5. Latin American and Caribbean Foreign Policy edited by Frank O. Mora and Jeanne A.K. Hey. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2003.
   
6. Small States in World Politics: Explaining Foreign Policy Behavior edited by Jeanne A.K. Hey. Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2003.
   

International Relations Academic Journals

Academic journals represent the very best source of information on international relations research, and they regularly publish cutting-edge work in the discipline. The information found in any issue of leading journals represents the core of contemporary scholarly debates on issues in international relations and foreign policy. Some of the leading journals in the discipline are: International Studies Quarterly, International Studies Review, International Studies Perspectives, International Security, International Organization, The Journal of Conflict Resolution, World Politics, International Affairs, and Comparative Politics. Policy-related journals include Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Washington Quarterly, and Orbis. Many of these journals can be browsed online using Ebsco Host.

It is highly recommended that students in this course, whether individually or in small groups, purchase and read the daily newspapers as well as the Sunday New York Times newspaper each week. It is available at Bookland bookstore, usually from Tuesday afternoons. Also, students should make every effort to listen to the National Public Radio programme, “All Things Considered”. It is broadcast on Radio Mona FM93 weekdays, 4,00-5,00 pm (changes to 3,00pm when U.S. daylight saving time commences).

Cell phone and class attendance policies

Cell phones must be turned off during class time, and should not be present or visible during class time.

I have learned from last semester that students feel they can come and go in and out of class whenever they please. This practice is disruptive and disrespectful, to me and to the rest of your classmates. Lecture starts at 5 minutes past the hour, has a break at about the end of the first hour, and ends 5 minutes before the hour. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you must wait until the break if you wish to come in. Similarly, do not leave unless it is break time or the lecture has come to an end. It is regrettable that it has to come to this, but it is obvious that without such strict rules, the class is perceived as a free for all.

Guidelines for take home tests

1. You will be graded on content, analysis, structure and grammar. If you reference other work, your referencing will also be subject to evaluation.
2. Tests must be typed. No handwritten tests will be accepted.
3. No plastic or manila file jacket covers. They will be discarded. Just staple the paper at the top left corner.
4. Do not put your name on your test, only your ID number.
5. Make sure you have a hard copy of your test for yourself, just in case.
6. Number your pages.
7. Put your ID number on each page.
8. If there is not enough space on one of the end pages for comments, leave a blank page for comments.
9. Do not quote lecture notes.
10. If you refer to a text or article, be sure to cite it in accordance with accepted style and referencing guidelines. Do not use block quotations.
11. Internet sources are NOT acceptable. Do not use them.
12. Tests will be graded for content, structure and grammar.
13. Cover page to be set out as follows (exactly!)

Internet resources

Communication with the class will be conducted via the campus pipeline email accounts. Please check your mailboxes regularly, and be sure to clear it as it does not have much capacity, and gets full quickly. The lecture notes, in power point format, will be sent each week before class. Most often they will be sent the evening before or the morning of class.

There is a course website that is in the process of being developed. Once it is fully operational, you should be able to download readings that are available online, as well as have access to links to relevant websites, and other information. You will be kept informed of the progress of the website.