The Politics of Foreign Policy (L2090)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

Who acts in international relations, and why? Why are foreign policy decisions often secret, and does the public have any influence? If not, who shapes these decisions? How has privatisation changed foreign policy making? And what role does today’s rise in nationalism play?

International Relations often focuses on states or other large actors shaped by systemic forces. This can hide the fact that individuals make political choices. Foreign policy making is a political process with domestic effects and ideas like ‘the national interest’ are not as clear or agreed upon as elites suggest.

In this module, you’ll use classical and critical work in foreign policy analysis to explore the tension between agency and structure (domestic and international) in global politics. You’ll look at:

•               how decision making in international politics may be less than rational

•               how lobby groups and, at times, public opinion can influence foreign policy

•               why foreign policy matters for the renewed focus on the nation state.

You’ll also study the current foreign policies of selected states. You’ll develop skills in writing, arguing and independent empirical research beyond the library.

Teaching

50%: Lecture
50%: Seminar

Assessment

20%: Coursework (Presentation)
80%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: