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Foreign Policy Decision-Making

Module description

In this module you will learn two different approaches to understanding international relations and foreign policy. They are often introduced as opposing worldviews, but here we will learn novel ways in which they can complement each other. Initial lectures will be centred around key psychological factors that are at the basis of concepts in international relations and foreign policy decision-making. Subsequent lectures will focus on rational choice theory. We will learn the basics of expected utility calculations and their role in understanding how behaviour that seems unreasonable is actually the effect of rational decision-making processes carried out by actors in the international arena.

This module will help you understand psychological approaches to foreign policy, as well as rational choice theory. We will learn the role they play in international relations and foreign policy theories, and how they can contribute to explain otherwise ‘unexplainable’ international behaviour. Both approaches will be used to analyse contemporary international conflicts and as well as some central themes of international relations theory today. Aspects of this course are quantitatively orientated (you will learn to calculate expected utilities as well as other basic elements of game theory). There are no quantitative prerequisites (the instructor will give all relevant training to perform well in the course, but you should be prepared to engage with quantitative work). 

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will aim to:

• To introduce you to key concepts in political psychology and rational choice theory.
• Apply these concepts to contemporary international issues.
• Provide you with an understanding of the psychological opportunities and barriers faced by key decision-makers, as well as how employing a rational choice framework can help governments design effective policies.
• Provide you a dynamic learning environment. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the effects of psychological factors in foreign policy and international relations and basic concepts from rational choice theory
• 2. Use substantive and methodological tools of analysis to critically interpret current global challenges

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Critically analyse empirical and theoretical material
• 4. Synthesize competing theories in order to apply them to novel social science problems

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Self-organization under time pressure
• 6. Demonstrate critical thinking skills, particularly as they relate to evaluate empirical evidence

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• introduction to key psychological concepts in foreign policy and international relations,
• decision-making models,
• decision-making in times of crisis,
• introduction to rational choice theory,
• strategies for political leaders across different regime types,
• the role of public opinion and leader motivations in coercive foreign policies. 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

The Feeling of Rationality: The Meaning of Neuroscientific Advances for Political Science Rose McDermott (2004)

Jack S. Levy. 1997. "Prospect Theory, Rational Choice, and International Relations." International Studies Quarterly 41, 1 (March), 87-113

Lake, David, and Robert Powell, “International Relations: A Strategic-Choice Approach”  (1999) Princeton University Press. Chapter One: International Relations: A Strategic-Choice Approach David A. Lake and Robert Powell 3-38 

Thomson, Catarina. “Public support for Economic and Military Coercion and Audience Costs” (2016) British Journal of Politics and International Relations” Vol 18 (2): 407–421

Bueno de Mesquita, Bruce, “Testing Novel Implications from the Selectorate Theory of War,” World Politics 56(3) 2004 368-388.

Geddes, Barbara, “What do we know about democratization after Twenty Years?”, Annual Review of Political Science 1999 2:115-44.

Pape, Robert. 2003. “The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism,” American Political Science Review 97(3), 343-361.

Baum, Matthew A. and Philip B. K. Potter. 2008. “The Relationship Between Mass Media, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: Toward a Theoretical Synthesis.”  Annual Review of Political Science 91-109. 

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Other materials and resources will be identified by the module convener in lectures and/or via ELE.

Key words search

Political Psychology, Rational Choice Theory, Foreign Policy, International Relations