International Policymaking in Practice (POLS90034)

How is foreign policy made? What factors determine which issues and problems get priority government attention? What determines success or failure in areas such as external interventions, conflict prevention and resolution, multilateral organisation building, bilateral initiatives and treaty negotiations? Who are the key actors involved in foreign and trade policymaking? What factors and information sources do they consider? How do new ideas, and new approaches to problem solving, gain traction with international policymakers? What strategies are most useful in building support in the multilateral organisations? How much influence do non-governmental organisations and other civil society actors have in international policymaking? What are the frames of reference that national and international policymakers bring to bear, the obstacles they confront, and the strategies and techniques of diplomatic persuasion they are most likely to find effective in moving issues forward?

This subject is based around a series of case studies taught by the Subject Coordinator as well as a number of senior guest lecturers from the sector. In previous years, guest lecturers have included a former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs who has chaired international panels and commissions, senior diplomats, officials and advisers in the sector and an Ambassador to Australia. The subject has a very practical focus, and all lecturers speak from their own extensive and diverse experience. The subject focuses on Australian foreign policy and national interest; however, it is not necessary for students to have extensive prior knowledge of Australian foreign policy or politics to successfully complete the subject.

Case studies and specific issues will include:

• Economic diplomacy: old or new policy?
• Australia and the G20;
• Australia as a member of the United Nations Security Council 2013-2014;
• Refugees – international policymaking in the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR);
• Bilateral relationship development and management – Latin America as a case study;
• Australia’s bilateral relationship with China – developing policy on a great power;
• The international response to genocide and other mass atrocity crimes;
• Trade policy development including the roles of Ministerial advisers and stakeholders; and
• The role of news media in international policymaking.
• The subject examines the roles and opportunities for influence of various actors in the sector, such as advisers and MPs, diplomats and departmental officials, and the intelligence community.