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  3. US Foreign Policy

US Foreign Policy (POLS90007)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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This subject examines the formation and conduct of US foreign policy.It explores the actors, ideas, interests and institutions that shape US foreign policy, including the role of the President, the Executive branch, Congress, interest groups, lobbies, and political culture, including debates about American exceptionalism. It also examines competing theories of US foreign policy making and explores a range of case studies in the areas of security, interventionism, and democracy promotion.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:

  • Have a critical understanding of the actors, ideas, interests and institutions that shape US foreign policy
  • Have a critical understanding of competing theories of US foreign policy making
  • Have a critical understanding of key areas of US foreign policy
  • Have a critical understanding of debates about US power and the US's changing role in the world.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should:

  • Be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry
  • Be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic
  • Be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.

Last updated: 4 March 2025