This course is designed as a critical examination and in-depth evaluation of American Foreign Policy. The actors and processes involved in making and executing foreign policy will be examined, along with the policy perspectives of the major nation-states and international organizations with which the United States interacts. We will look at the history of US foreign policy, with a special emphasis on 20th century interaction. Specifically, we will study: US - Soviet/Russian relations, the rise and decline of US Hegemony, United States - Japanese and Sino relations, American policy toward West and East Europe, US policy in Central and Latin America, US policy toward Africa, and American foreign economic policy. Emphasis is placed on counter-revolution and counter terror policies.
We will also look carefully at the decision-making processes of American Foreign Policy. Here we will examine the roles of: the executive branch and bureaucracies; congress; the press; the public; and certain "exogenous variables" such as multinational corporations or foreign actors. One objective is to recognize the ways in which these actors interact and the constraints under which they operate.
- Faculty: ROGER DURHAM