This model introducing a wide range of theoretical approaches to the study of foreign policy and developing a detailed understanding of their key variables, their causal claims, and, of central importance, their ability to explain contemporary and historical cases of foreign policy decision-making by applying them to a variety of states and policy issue areas. The primary objective of this module is to provide students with analytical tools necessary to address a fundamental question of politics and international relations: why do states behave the way they do in the international arena?

Introduction - How and Why to Analyze Foreign Policies: Research Questions, the Use of Theory, and Choosing an Appropriate Research Strategy Theories of Foreign Policy Decision Making - Individual-Level Theories 1: The Rational Actor Model, Emotions, Stress, and Crisis Thinking - Individual-Level Theories 2: Misperceptions, National Role Conceptions, Historical Analogies, Prospect Theory, and Other Cognitive Biases - Individual-Level Theories 3: Leadership Trait Analysis and Operational Codes - Group-Level Theories 1: Groupthink, Polythink, Legislatures, and Political Parties - Group-Level Theories 2: The Bureaucratic Politics and Organizational Process Models - State-Level Theories 1: Foreign Policy Decision-making in Democracies and Autocracies - State-Level Theories 2: Culture, Public Opinion, Interest Groups, Civil-military Relations, and the News Media - Systemic-Level Theories 1: Realist and Liberal Theories of Foreign Policy Decision-making - Systemic-Level Theories 2: Constructivist and Marxist Theories of Foreign Policy Decision-making Why Do States and Governments Pursue Different Foreign Policies? - Security and Diplomatic Policies - Economic and Environmental Policies - Comparing the Foreign Policies of Great Powers, Rising Powers, Regional Powers, and Minor Powers

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of individual-, group-, state-, and systemic-level theories of foreign policy decision-making and how these may be applied to real-world cases. Demonstrate their capacity to appraise theoretical and applied literature on foreign policy decision-making. Demonstrate their ability to use communication and information technology to retrieve and present information on the causal forces and apparent effects of foreign policy decisions.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate their capacity to understand the assumptions, arguments and norms that underpin the theory and practice of foreign policy decision-making. Display their ability and willingness to question the causal claims put forward by leading theories of foreign policy decision-making.

Not applicable.

The module is taught in a mixed lecture/tutorial format, in which substantial class time will be devoted to allowing students to converse with each other and their instructor about literature on foreign policy decision-making. Students are encouraged and expected to proactively and creatively articulate their knowledge and opinions of the research discussed during the tutorials in a collaborative and responsible manner (graduate attributes: curious, agile, courageous, and articulate).