A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module.
Module Overview
The module seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of Foreign Policy Analysis to understanding and explaining current global events. It situates FPA particularly within the wider discipline of International Relations but reveals it as sitting at the nexus of IR and Political Theory. A case study on Russia is used in order to help students understand how a general theoretical framework can be applied to a particular case. Russian foreign policy-making is discussed within the wider global context, with focus being placed particularly on relations with the wider Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the USA.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None
Module Aims
Introduce students to the key debates in foreign policy
Introduce the main approaches in FPA
Help students see the relevance of Political and International Relations theories to the study of foreign policy
Understand current challenges for foreign policy decision-makers
Develop deep understanding of Russian foreign policy in respect of the wider Europe, the CIS and the USA particularly.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should have developed the skills to demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and understanding
A critical understanding of foreign policy analysis.
Knowledge of theoretical underpinnings in FPA
Understanding of the forces that shape foreign policy-making and the ability to critically evaluate their relative significance
The ability to formulate a case study, applying theoretical frameworks to empirical evidence.
Understanding of the specificities of the Russian situation.
Transferable and Practical Skills
Critical analysis
The ability to research independently and effectively
Good time-management and other organisational skills
Excellent communication skills – both oral and written
Reflective thinking – understanding of learning processes
Module Content
The module is divided into two parts. The first section focuses on the meta-debate in Foreign Policy Analysis and the identification of Two Generations therein. It considers the factors that must be considered in order to construct a framework for the analysis of foreign policy. Key literature is identified here in order to introduce students to significant debates in FPA, with particular focus being placed on the Change and Continuity debate. Consideration is also given to criticisms of FPA delivered in the aftermath of the revolutions in central and eastern Europe 1989-1991.
The second part delivers a Case Study of Russian Foreign Policy. Putnam’s two-level game theory is applied here, emphasising the formulation of foreign policy in both the domestic and international arenas. Particular emphasis is placed on ’s foreign policy in respect of Europe, the CIS and the .
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Lectures, seminars, independent study
Selected Texts/Journals
Carlsnaes, W, Sjursen, H & White, B (2004) Contemporary European Foreign Policy, London: SAGE
Clarke, M & White, B (1989) Understanding Foreign Policy. The Foreign Policy Systems Approach, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar
Donaldson, R & Nogee, J (2002) The Foreign Policy of Russia, Armonk, NY & London: M E Sharpe
Hill, C (2003) The Changing Politics of Foreign Policy, Basingstoke, Hants: Palgrave MacMillan
Lo, Bobo (2003) Vladimir Putin and the Evolution of Russian Foreign Policy Malden, MA, Oxford & Victoria, Australia: Blackwell
Smith, S, Hadfield, A, Dunne, T (2008) Foreign Policy. Theories, Actors, Cases, Oxford University Press
Waller, M (2005) Russian Politics Today, Manchester: Manchester University Press
Webber, M & Smith, M (2002) Foreign Policy in a Transformed World, Harlow, Essex: Pearson
White, B (2001) Understanding European Foreign Policy, Basingstoke, Hants: Palgrave
