The focus is primarily on foreign policy decisions, often in crisis situations. It includes the decisions that led to the first and second world wars, the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam war. However, we also consider the decisions made by international organizations and non-state actors. The course uses a case approach, which requires intensive class discussion. Another useful reference is The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World .
Careful preparation is essential.
Your observations about theories and cases should be firmly grounded in the assigned readings. They should also be responsive to the contributions of other students. The project will be completed in two stages. Part 1 should present the essential facts of the case you have chosen. Part 2 should explain the decision, based on the theories covered in the course.