Handbook

This topic explores America’s role in international politics by critically analysing the major dynamics and patterns shaping American foreign policy since the foundation of the republic. The topic analyses the main conceptual and theoretical issues in U.S. foreign policy, such as the definition of the “national interest” and the concept of national security, as well as the main actors involved in the formulation and implementation of the nation’s foreign policy. It also provides a historical perspective for understanding the development of U.S. foreign policy, as well as a reflection on the main challenges facing American officials in the future. The topic is designed to help develop students’ capacity to explain the foreign policy-making process in the U.S. and to better understand the underlying patterns, assumptions, and implications of America’s foreign policy and its involvement in the global affairs.