The objectives of this course are to analyse the crucial determinants which formulate and influence the external relations of the US; acquaint and familiarize the nature and scope of US Foreign Policy, in its evolutionary trajectory; introduce students to the changing contours of a dynamic external-policy framework, vis-à-vis different regions of the globe, not to mention its policy-response to mutating thematic challenges manifesting themselves on the horizon and delineate the undercurrents, which underpin the American policy in the global realm, highlighting the forces, institutions and actors.
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Learning and teaching strategies |
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Course Title |
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25MIR 323-B |
Foreign Policy of the US (Theory) |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: CO91: identify and analyze the various determinants of US foreign policy. CO92: trace the evolution of US foreign policy over different eras, and understand the key drivers and shifts in its approach to international affairs. CO93: analyze the United States' role and relationships within key international institutions and evaluate its contributions and challenges in these forums. CO94: assess the United States' diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagements with major and regional powers and analyze the dynamics of these relationships. CO95: examine the United States' responses to global challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of its policies and strategies in addressing these pressing concerns. CO96: Contribute effectively in course specific interaction |
Approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation Learning activities for the students: Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks. |
Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects |
Determinants and Process: Constitutional and Institutional Actors; Geographical, Economical and Technological Factors; Domestic Context (Political Parties, Lobbies, Mass Media)
Evolution of the US Foreign Policy: Pre War, Post War and Post Cold War
US and International Institutions
United Nations, NATO, OAS, G7, G20, IMF/World Bank
US Engagement with Major and Regional Powers
China, Russia, India, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan and North Korea
US Responses to Global Challenges
International Terrorism, NPT and Environmental Issues
Ø Leffler, M. P. (2017) Safeguarding Democratic Capitalism: US Foreign Policy and National Security (1990-2015). Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Ø Cha, V.D. (2016) Power-Play: The Origins of the American Alliance System in Asia. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Ø Kalu, K and and Kieh, G. (2013) Eds. United States-Africa Security Relations: Terrorism, Regional Security and National Interests. London: Routledge.
Ø Brzezinski, Z. (2013) Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power. New York: Perseus Books Group
Ikenberry, J. (2012) Liberal Leviathan: The Origins, Crisis, and Transformation of the American World Order. Princeton: Princeton University Press
Ø Bacevich, A. (2018) Ideas and American Foreign Policy: A Reader. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ø Haas, R. (2017) A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order. New York: Penguin Books.
Ø Tow,W. and Stuart,D. ( 2017) The New US Strategy Towards Asia : Adapting to the American Pivot. London: Routledge
Ø Jentleson, B. (2013) American Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of Choice in the 21st Century. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
Ø Mead, W. R. (2012) Special Providence: American Foreign Policy and How it Changed the World. New York: Knopf
Ø Steil, B. and Litan, R. (2008) Financial Statecraft: The Role of Financial Markets in American Foreign Policy, New Haven: Yale University Press
Ø Cameron, F. (2007) US Foreign Policy after the Cold War: Global Hegemon or Reluctant Sherif ?. Washington DC: CQ Press
Links:
[1] https://politicalscience.iisuniv.ac.in/courses/subjects/foreign-policy-us-6
[2] https://politicalscience.iisuniv.ac.in/academic-year/2025-26