Foreign Policy Analysis and Globalization

Week 1: Foreign Policy Analysis and the Challenge of Globalization

• Introduction: Examines the evolving landscape of foreign policy analysis in the context of globalization.

• Key Concepts:

  • Nation-state: Traditionally viewed as the primary actor in international relations, but its influence is being re-evaluated in the era of globalization.
  • Globalization: Increased interconnectedness of societies across political, economic, and cultural spheres, impacting foreign policy decision making.

• Readings:

  • The Myth of the Nation-State by Sylva Walby: Analyzes the changing role of the nation-state in a globalized world.
  • Globalization, De-Globalization, and Re-Globalization by A. Madhok: Explores the historical context of globalization and its impact in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Week 2: Foreign Policy Analysis and the Evolution of FPA

• Evolution of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA): Examines the development of the field of Foreign Policy Analysis, its theoretical frameworks, and key methodologies.

• Key Concepts:

  • Rational Actor Model: Assumes states act rationally in pursuing their national interests.
  • Bureaucratic Politics Model: Emphasizes the role of competing interests within government institutions in shaping foreign policy.

• Readings:

  • The Situation and Evolution of Foreign Policy Analysis: A Road Map from Foreign Policy Analysis: A Critical Introduction by Hudson & Day: Provides an overview of the field and its major developments.
  • Why Study Foreign Policy Comparatively? by Breuning: Explores the value of comparative analysis in understanding foreign policy decisions.

Week 3: Influence and Leverage of Political Leaders

• Political Leaders in Foreign Policy: Examines the role of individual leaders in shaping foreign policy decisions, focusing on their psychological and cognitive factors.

• Key Concepts:

  • Leader Personality: Leaders' personality traits, beliefs, and values can significantly impact foreign policy choices.
  • Cognitive Biases: Systematic errors in thinking that may influence leaders' perceptions and decisions.

• Readings:

  • The Individual Decision-Maker from Foreign Policy Analysis: A Critical Introduction by Hudson & Day: Analyzes the psychological aspects of foreign policy decision making by leaders.
  • Do Leaders Shape Foreign Policy? and How Leaders Make Sense of the World? from Foreign Policy Decision Making: A Comparative Perspective by Breuning: Explore the influence and decision-making styles of leaders.

Week 4: Power of Bureaucracies and Government Administration

• Bureaucratic Influence: Analyzes the role of government bureaucracies and administrative structures in shaping foreign policy decisions.

• Key Concepts:

  • Bureaucratic Politics: Different government agencies and departments often have competing interests, leading to bargaining and compromise in foreign policy.
  • Organizational Process: The internal structure, routines, and procedures of government organizations can significantly influence foreign policy outcomes.

• Readings:

  • Group Decision-Making from Foreign Policy Analysis: A Critical Introduction by Hudson & Day: Explores the dynamics of group decision-making within government bureaucracies.
  • Leaders Are Not Alone from Foreign Policy Decision Making: A Comparative Perspective by Breuning: Examines the crucial role of advisors and bureaucracies in supporting and advising political leaders.

Week 5: Interest Groups and Domestic Constraints on Foreign Policymaking

• Domestic Factors: Discusses the influence of domestic factors like interest groups, public opinion, and national identity on foreign policy decision making.

• Key Concepts:

  • Interest Groups: Organized groups that seek to influence foreign policy decisions to benefit their specific interests.
  • Public Opinion: The attitudes and beliefs of a country's citizens can shape foreign policy decisions, particularly in democratic societies.

• Readings:

  • Culture and National Identity and Domestic Politics from Foreign Policy Analysis: A Critical Introduction by Hudson & Day: Examine the role of domestic factors in shaping foreign policy.
  • Leaders in Context I from Foreign Policy Decision Making: A Comparative Perspective by Breuning: Analyzes the constraints imposed on foreign policy decision making by domestic factors.

Week 6: Transnational Advocacy, the Rise of (Global) Civil Society and Global Social Media

• Non-State Actors: Analyzes the growing influence of non-state actors, including transnational advocacy networks and global civil society, in shaping foreign policy decisions.

• Key Concepts:

  • Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs): International networks of individuals and organizations working to promote specific issues or policies across national borders.
  • Global Civil Society: The interconnectedness of civil society organizations across the world, promoting global governance and promoting social change.

• Readings:

  • The Influence of Social Media on Contemporary Global Politics by Saaida & Alhouseini: Examines the impact of social media on global politics.
  • Transnational Advocacy Networks in International Politics by Keck & Sikkink: Explores the role of TANs in international politics.
  • The Critical Role of Non-State Actors from Globalization and International Organizations by Karns et al.: Discusses the growing influence of non-state actors in global governance.

Week 7: International Constraints on Foreign Policymaking

• International Constraints: Analyzes the constraints imposed on foreign policymaking by the international system, including international norms, alliances, and global institutions.

• Key Concepts:

  • International Norms: Shared expectations of behavior that influence state actions.
  • International Organizations (IOs): Formal institutions that set rules and norms, influencing state behavior and foreign policy decision-making.

• Readings:

  • The Level of National Attributes and International System: Effects on Foreign Policy from Foreign Policy Analysis: A Critical Introduction by Hudson & Day: Examines the influence of international factors on foreign policy decisions.
  • Leaders in Context II from Foreign Policy Decision Making: A Comparative Perspective by Breuning: Analyze the constraints imposed on foreign policy decision making by the international system.

This quiz explores the critical themes in foreign policy analysis amidst the challenges posed by globalization. Students will engage with key concepts such as the role of the nation-state and the historical context of globalization. Key readings provide diverse perspectives on these evolving dynamics.