Undergraduate Course: Foreign Policy Analysis in a Global Context (PLIT10188)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) is a key sub-field of International Relations that examines the processes, actors, and institutions shaping foreign policy, offering students a comprehensive framework to analyse decision-making in global politics. This course explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of foreign policy decision-making, examining significant actors, institutions, and controversies. Students will engage with diverse case studies and generalisable knowledge across regions and issue domains, equipping them to critique and apply FPA frameworks to contemporary global challenges. By combining theoretical exploration with practical analysis, the course prepares students to critically address pressing issues in world politics. |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) as a sub-field of International Relations. It examines how foreign policy decisions are made, focusing on the interplay of domestic and international factors, the roles of individual leaders, institutions, and public opinion, and the influence of different theoretical frameworks. The course aims to equip students with a strong understanding of the foreign policy process and its relevance to pressing global challenges. By integrating theoretical knowledge with empirical case studies, students will develop the skills to critically analyse and evaluate foreign policy decisions across diverse contexts.
Outline Content:
The course covers a range of topics central to Foreign Policy Analysis, providing students with the tools to examine decision-making processes and their outcomes. Topics may include the psychological and cognitive aspects of policymaking, the role of institutions and bureaucracies, the impact of domestic politics and public opinion, and the influence of political parties, international norms and structures. Students will also explore contemporary issues such as populist foreign policy, the dynamics of great power competition, and the effects of global crises like climate change and pandemics on foreign policy. Case studies from various regions and issue domains will provide practical applications of the concepts covered.
Student Learning Experience:
The course is delivered through a two-hour seminar. The seminar will introduce key concepts, theories, and case studies to the students while also providing time for discussion, debate, and collaborative work. Students will participate in group activities, engage with diverse viewpoints, and receive formative feedback on their contributions.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least four Politics/IR courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). Only university/college level courses will be considered. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the foreign policy process as a concept and the significant actors and institutions which comprise it.
- Describe, critique and operationalise distinct theoretical approaches to foreign policymaking.
- Demonstrate knowledge of empirical instances of foreign policy, including different countries, issue-areas, and dynamics.
- Marshal evidence of different kinds (empirical, theoretical, conceptual, methodological) to help address current controversies in the study of foreign policy.
- Demonstrate a strong grasp of the Foreign Policy Analysis literature and effectively apply and communicate insights through essays, discussions, and debates.
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Reading List
Alden et al. (2016) Foreign Policy Analysis: New Approaches (Second Edition). Routledge.
Kaarbo and Thies (2024) The Oxford Handbook of Foreign Policy Analysis. Oxford.
Hudson and Brummer (2015) Foreign Policy Analysis Beyond North America. Lynne Rienner.
Mello and Ostermann (2022) Routledge Handbook of Foreign Policy Analysis Methods. Routledge. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
1.Enhanced critical thinking and evaluation: Students will strengthen their generic cognitive skills by applying theory to case studies.
2. Improved communication skills: Through presentations, debates, and written analyses, students will develop their ability to express complex ideas clearly and effectively.
3. Increased autonomy: Independent research projects will support the development of self-direction and responsibility for learning.
4. Strengthened collaboration: Group discussions and debates will foster teamwork and the ability to work constructively with others. |
| Keywords | Foreign Policy Analysis,decision-making,political psychology,bureaucratic politics,leaders |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Benjamin Martill
Tel: (0131 6)51 1736
Email: benjamin.martill@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | |
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