Foreign Policy Analysis and Foreign Policy Decision-Making (SZF_282)
About Study Course
Objective
The objective of the course "Foreign Policy Analysis and Foreign Policy Decision-Making" is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the processes of foreign policy formulation, implementation, and decision-making, combining a theoretical framework with an analytical approach. Within the course, students are systematically introduced to both the key questions and challenges of foreign policy research, and the factors influencing the foreign policy decision-making process and its role in international relations theory. Through the application of various analytical models and the study of specific events (case studies), the course fosters the development of students' critical and analytical thinking, strengthening their ability to critically evaluate policy decisions, their causes, and their consequences in the context of global processes.
Prerequisites
To fully master the course "Foreign Policy Analysis and Foreign Policy Decision-Making", students are advised to have previously acquired knowledge and background in the following areas:1)Political Science Knowledge: foundational knowledge in political theories, state governance structures, and international political processes, including an understanding of the distribution of power, the functioning of political systems, and policy-making mechanisms in various types of states;2)International Relations: an understanding of the international public order, forms of international cooperation, and the role of international organizations, as well as familiarity with the main theories of international relations: realism, liberalism, constructivism, and other theoretical approaches that form the analytical foundation of contemporary international politics;3)History: knowledge of significant historical events and their impact on contemporary foreign policy, including the Cold War period, decolonization processes, as well as the historical development of regional and international relations;4)Policy Analysis: the ability to critically analyze policy decisions using various analytical tools and methods, including comparative policy analysis approaches and the ability to assess the impact and consequences of policy decisions;5)Understanding of Diplomacy: an understanding of cultural differences and their influence on international relations and diplomacy, including the role of cultural factors in negotiation processes, conflict resolution, and the building of international cooperation;6)Research Skills: the ability to independently conduct research and critically analyze information on foreign policy issues, using a variety of primary and secondary sources, academic literature, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Learning outcomes
1.As a result of completing the course, students will acquire in-depth knowledge of the theoretical foundations of foreign policy formulation and implementation, including the main schools of thought and approaches in foreign policy analysis. Students will have gained knowledge of foreign policy decision-making processes, the factors influencing them - both domestic and international - as well as various decision-making models and their application in practice. In addition, students will acquire knowledge of specific historical and contemporary foreign policy cases that illustrate theoretical principles in practice.
1.As a result of completing the course, students will develop the ability to critically and systematically analyze foreign policy processes and decisions using various analytical models and frameworks. Students will have acquired the skill to identify and evaluate the factors influencing foreign policy decisions, conduct independent research using primary and secondary sources, and present their conclusions in a structured and well-reasoned manner, both orally and in writing. Students will also develop the ability to apply the case study method when analyzing specific foreign policy events and decisions.
1.Upon completing the course, students will gain the competence to independently conduct foreign policy analysis, integrating theoretical knowledge with empirical research and critically evaluating the foreign policy behaviour of various states in an international context. Students will be competent in assessing and comparing different foreign policy strategies, understanding their causes and consequences, and forecasting possible foreign policy scenarios based on the theoretical and analytical instruments acquired during the course. This competence will provide students with a solid foundation for further academic research in the fields of international relations and political science, as well as for practical work in professional spheres related to foreign policy issues.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations - European Studies | 5 | Bachelor | Limited choice |
