Introduction to Foreign Policy from Udemy

Unlock the Secrets Behind Global Decision-Making: An Introduction to Foreign Policy

Global headlines capture major decisions made by countries around the world, but have you ever wondered why certain policies are pursued or what factors drive these powerful decisions? In this introductory course on Foreign Policy, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and models shaping international actions and alliances today. Whether you're curious about U.S.-China relations, Russia’s global strategies, or just want to decode what lies behind diplomatic decisions, this course offers a clear, accessible path into the fascinating study of foreign policy.

From Beginner to Confident Analyst: No Background Required

Don’t let complex terminology hold you back. This course is designed for beginners, requiring no prior education in political science or international relations. From start to finish, it’s a straightforward guide that brings you up to speed on core concepts and practical theories used by experts to analyze and predict world affairs. Imagine discussing foreign policy with confidence, understanding not just what happens but why it happens. This course will give you that edge, building your knowledge step-by-step, so you’re equipped to confidently explore foreign policy on a global scale.

What This Course Will Teach You

1. Core Concepts in Foreign Policy

Define Foreign Policy and Its Impact: Uncover what “foreign policy” really means, and why it shapes our world in essential ways.
Tackle Key Puzzles: What drives countries to make certain decisions? Why do some policies work while others backfire? Learn how to analyze these complex questions.

2. Foundational Theories and Their Real-World ApplicationsMaster the essential theories in Foreign Policy Analysis, and understand their application in global events:

The Rational Actor Model: Discover how countries weigh options and calculate decisions to maximize their interests.
Bureaucratic and Cognitive Models: Learn how internal decision-making structures and psychological factors influence international strategies.
Groupthink Model: Understand how consensus or conformity in groups can drive decisions—often with unforeseen consequences.

3. The Power of Media and Public OpinionExplore the undeniable influence of media and public sentiment on foreign policy decisions. Understand how leaders respond to the court of public opinion and how narratives can shape policy directions.

4. Real-World Case Studies to Deepen Your UnderstandingApply everything you learn to pressing international issues:

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Analyze the policies and actions behind this major geopolitical conflict using a Foreign Policy Analysis lens.
U.S. Strategy with China: From economic competition to security concerns, unpack the complex motives behind America’s foreign policy towards China.

How You’ll Learn: Engaging Resources and Practical Tools

This course doesn’t just stop at theory—it’s packed with real-world insights and interactive tools to ensure your learning sticks:

Printable Handouts and Study Guides: Easy-to-reference guides covering essential concepts, theories, and models.
Quizzes and Study Aids: Multiple-choice quizzes to test your understanding as you progress through each section.
Audio Summaries and Case Studies: Reinforce your learning with engaging audio overviews and practical examples that link theory to current events.

Why Take This Course?

In a world where global policies impact everything from economies to security, understanding foreign policy is an invaluable skill. This course doesn’t just teach you the basics; it provides a structured approach that will empower you to think critically about world events, whether you’re interested in pursuing further studies, working in a related field, or simply gaining a richer perspective on global affairs.

If you’re ready to see beyond the headlines and into the strategies shaping our world, this Introduction to Foreign Policy course is your gateway to understanding how the world truly works.

Enroll now and start your journey into the compelling world of international relations.

My Promise to You

I promise that the tuition in this course is of the highest quality, based on genuine university-level teaching and research. It is presented in a highly-accessible and engaging way, designed specifically for those who do not have prior university degree in Politics or International Relations.

I invite you to send me a message if you have any questions about the content of this course.

From My Students:

"The course was very informative and helpful, and I will apply the knowledge I gain. The lecturer was incredibly fantastic. He explain all the concepts and the definitions of all the topics."
"Dr. Zwolski truly has teaching skills. He is a straightforward professor and his videos are both interesting and valuable."
"The course is really informative and provides a very in-depth analysis of several complex topics which otherwise would have been quite difficult to understand. The simplified analysis of various important speeches too help me understand the thinking patterns of a country's culture, thus making future moves more predictable. Overall, this course is totally worth the money and is really good irrespective of your geopolitical knowledge/prior exposure."
"The instructor is a good lecturer. Interesting material presented clearly and concisely."
"I'm just a 14 year old high school student who loves to know about current affairs and global conflicts. Mr. Zwolski's course helped me to understand the origins and key concepts of "Geopolitics" without having any university degree or any experiences in this field."
"I really enjoy listening this guy's lecture. I could sit for hours listening to him lecture and learning new things about International Relations."
"The lectures have been made very simple to understand. Kamil is doing an amazing job. "
"Crisp and clear videos, to the point, can be watched easily on the mobile phone."
"Wow. If your reading the comments and debating on whether or not to take this course,TAKE IT. If you read The Economist, Forbes, taking classes on International relations, or stationed on a foreign base, this class is for you. After this you should be able to decipher mainstream media news outlets. Semper Fi. "
"I applied to do M.A in International Relations and this course helped me to pass the interview examination as i don't have any back ground in the subject."

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define foreign policy
Understand the key puzzles of foreign policy
Learn how to study foreign policy
Understand the relationship between international relations theories and foreign policy
Define foreign policy analysis
Define comparative foreign policy analysis
Understand how fpa applies to international organisations
Understand the rational actor model of foreign policy analysis

Understand the bureaucratic model of foreign policy analysis
Understand the groupthink model of foreign policy analysis
Understand the cognitive model of foreign policy analysis
Understand the role of media and public opinion in foreign policy analysis
Apply foreign policy analysis to the russian invasion of ukraine
Apply foreign policy analysis to the us china strategy
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Define foreign policy
Understand the key puzzles of foreign policy
Learn how to study foreign policy
Understand the relationship between international relations theories and foreign policy
Define foreign policy analysis
Define comparative foreign policy analysis
Understand how fpa applies to international organisations
Understand the rational actor model of foreign policy analysis
Understand the bureaucratic model of foreign policy analysis
Understand the groupthink model of foreign policy analysis
Understand the cognitive model of foreign policy analysis
Understand the role of media and public opinion in foreign policy analysis
Apply foreign policy analysis to the russian invasion of ukraine
Apply foreign policy analysis to the us china strategy
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

What to Expect in this Course

What You Will Learn

How You Will Learn

About the Author

Learn about different aspects of studying foreign policy

What is Foreign Policy?

The Key Puzzles of Foreign Policy

How To Study Foreign Policy?

IR Theories and Foreign Policy

Checking on Your Progress

Audio Overview of 'Main Approaches to the Study of Foreign Policy'

Learn about Foreign Policy Analysis

What is Foreign Policy Analysis?

Comparative Foreign Policy Analysis

FPA and Non-State Actors

Audio Overview of 'Foreign Policy Analysis: New Approaches'

Learn about Rational Actor Model of Foreign Policy

Key Assumptions

Learn about Foreign Policy and Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Rational Decision-Making Process

Criticism

Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962

Audio Overview of 'Critiques of the Rational Actor Model'

Learn about Bureaucratic Model of Foreign Policy

Bureaucratic Decision-Making Process

Factors Influencing Bureaucratic Behaviour

War in Iraq 2003

Audio Overview of 'Bureaucratic Politics and the Foreign Policy Process'

Learn about Groupthink Model of Foreign Policy

Key Assumptions 1

Key Assumptions 2

Negative Consequences

Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961

Audio Overview of 'Groupthink and Presidential Power in the Post 9/11 World'

Learn about Cognitive Model of Foreign Policy

Cognitive Biases

Belief Systems and Cognitive Frames

Decision-Making and Information Processing

The Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations 2013-2015

Audio Overview of 'Cognitive Approaches to Foreign Policy Analysis'

Learn about Media, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

Media as Agenda Setters

Public Opinion, Legitimacy and Feedback Loop

Impact and Challenges

Brexit, Media and Public Opinion

Audio Overview of 'The Relationships Between Mass Media, Public Opinion, and FP'

Rational Actor Model

Bureaucratic Politics Model

Groupthink Model

Cognitive Psychology Approach

Domestic Politics and Public Opinion

Learn about Foreign Policy and US China Strategy

This lecture was recorded in February 2022.

Practice your knowledge and understanding of the course.

Introduction to Foreign Policy Quiz

Bonus Lecture

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a structured approach to critically analyze world events, which is valuable for further studies or related fields

Explores the influence of media and public opinion, which helps learners understand the narratives shaping policy directions

Applies Foreign Policy Analysis to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, which helps learners understand current geopolitical conflicts

Examines U.S. strategy with China, which is essential for understanding complex motives behind America’s foreign policy

Includes audio summaries and case studies, which reinforce learning by linking theory to current events

Requires no prior education in political science or international relations, making it accessible to beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Foreign Policy with these activities:

Review Key Concepts in International Relations

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Strengthen your understanding of foundational international relations concepts to better grasp the nuances of foreign policy analysis.

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Review textbooks or online resources covering international relations theories.
Create flashcards for key terms and concepts.
Summarize the main arguments of different IR theories.

Read 'Foreign Policy: Theories, Actors, Cases'

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Gain a broader and deeper understanding of foreign policy theories and their application to real-world cases.

View Foreign Policy on Amazon

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Read assigned chapters before each corresponding module.
Take notes on key concepts and arguments presented in the book.
Relate the book's content to the course lectures and discussions.

Write a Blog Post on a Current Foreign Policy Issue

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Apply your knowledge by analyzing a current foreign policy issue and communicating your insights in a clear and concise manner.

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Choose a current foreign policy issue that interests you.
Research the issue using reputable sources.
Write a blog post summarizing the issue and offering your analysis.
Share your blog post on social media or with classmates.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Create a Presentation on a Foreign Policy Theory

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Solidify your understanding of a specific foreign policy theory by preparing and delivering a presentation on its key concepts and applications.

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Select a foreign policy theory (e.g., Rational Actor Model, Bureaucratic Politics Model).
Research the theory and its key concepts.
Prepare a presentation outlining the theory and its applications.
Present your findings to classmates or colleagues.

Explore 'Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap?'

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Deepen your understanding of the US-China relationship and the potential for conflict through the lens of historical patterns.

View Destined for War on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on the core arguments and historical examples.
Relate the book's arguments to the course's discussion of US-China strategy.
Consider the implications of Thucydides's Trap for contemporary foreign policy.

Develop a Foreign Policy Simulation

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Apply your knowledge by creating a simulation that models the decision-making process in a specific foreign policy scenario.

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Choose a foreign policy scenario (e.g., a territorial dispute, a trade negotiation).
Define the actors involved and their interests.
Develop a set of rules and decision-making processes for the simulation.
Run the simulation and analyze the outcomes.
Write a report summarizing the simulation and its findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Foreign Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Relations Specialist

An International Relations Specialist works to understand and navigate the complex dynamics between nations, often in government or international organizations. This course provides a structured approach to understanding foreign policy, introducing you to critical concepts and practical theories. The course will provide a solid foundation in understanding the relationship between international relations theories and foreign policy. You will also gain knowledge of models like the Rational Actor Model, Bureaucratic Model, and Groupthink Model described in this course, which allow you to analyze the factors influencing international actions and alliances. This course will help lead to success in a role as an international relations specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Specialist

Intelligence Officer

An Intelligence Officer works for a government agency collecting, analyzing, and using intelligence information to inform national security and foreign policy decisions. This role requires a thorough understanding of the factors that influence international relations. This course provides a strong foundation for those interested in foreign policy by exploring key concepts, theories and models. You will be introduced to the rational actor model, the bureaucratic model, and the cognitive model of decision making, all of which are critical aspects of intelligence analysis. This course will help lead to success in a role as an intelligence officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Officer

Foreign Service Officer

A Foreign Service Officer works for their country's interests overseas, engaging in diplomacy and promoting international cooperation. This role requires a deep understanding of foreign policy including its history and core trends. This course provides valuable insights into the strategies and models that shape international actions, as well as introducing you to key concepts in foreign policy. This course examines different theories and models of foreign policy decision making, including the rational actor model, the bureaucratic model, and the cognitive model. This course will help lead to success in a role as a foreign service officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Diplomat

A Diplomat represents their country's interests in international affairs, engaging in negotiations, fostering relationships, and implementing foreign policy. This role requires a deep understanding of international relations and the ability to analyze different countries' motivations and strategies. This course provides that very foundation through its introduction to core concepts and its examination of decision-making models in foreign policy. Moreover, this course’s case studies concerning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the US-China relationship offer key insight into modern international conflicts. This course will help lead to success in a role as a diplomat.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and evaluates policies to make recommendations that improve outcomes for governments. This course is especially helpful for a foreign policy analyst, as it provides insights into the processes and factors that shape policy decisions on the international stage. The course's exploration of models like the Rational Actor Model and the Bureaucratic Model help you understand the decision making process. This course provides a foundation for analyzing the effectiveness and impact of foreign policy initiatives. Taking this course would give a clear advantage to anyone wishing to enter the field of policy analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Think Tank Analyst

A Think Tank Analyst conducts research and analysis on various topics to advise policymakers and the public. Specializing in foreign policy requires a deep understanding of how decisions are made on the international stage. This course provides a structured framework to understand the core concepts of foreign policy. The course covers key models such as the Rational Actor Model and the Bureaucratic Model, as well as examining the influence of media and public opinion on foreign policy decisions. This course will help lead to success in a role as a think tank analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Think Tank Analyst

Intelligence Analyst

An Intelligence Analyst gathers and interprets information to understand foreign policy trends and potential threats. This role requires a strong grasp of the underlying factors that drive international relations. This course, with its focus on foreign policy analysis, provides a foundation for understanding the motivations and decision making processes of various countries. By learning different models such as the Rational Actor Model, the Bureaucratic Model, and the Cognitive Model, you will be equipped to analyze and better predict international events. The course's case studies on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the US-China relationship provide valuable context for understanding current geopolitical dynamics. This course may be useful for an intelligence analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst

Political Scientist

A Political Scientist researches and analyzes political systems, behaviors, and policies. They often focus on the inner workings of governments and their international relations. This course directly addresses the core concepts of foreign policy, providing a framework for understanding how nations make decisions. The course delves into multiple models of analysis including the Rational Actor Model, the Bureaucratic Model, the Groupthink Model, and the Cognitive Model. This course may be useful for a political scientist. It will also equip you to consider the influence of media and public opinion described in the course, which play a key role in foreign policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Research Associate

A Research Associate assists in research projects usually in a university setting. This course helps build a foundation in foreign policy analysis, which is a critical area of study for many university departments. It will equip you with the methods and frameworks to evaluate international strategies, as well as an understanding of how media and public opinion inform foreign policy. This course will also introduce you to multiple models of decision making. This course will help lead to success in a role as a research associate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Associate

Geopolitical Analyst

A Geopolitical Analyst studies the influence of geography on international relations and political policy. This role needs a solid foundation in understanding foreign policy and the motivations of various international actors. This course provides a strong introduction to the topic, by examining the key concepts and puzzles of foreign policy. Moreover, the course delves into various models of foreign policy analysis. The course's case studies on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the US-China relationship offer key insight into modern conflicts. This course may be useful for a geopolitical analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geopolitical Analyst

Journalist

A Journalist researches and reports on world events and various policy decisions for the public. This course is helpful for a journalist, as understanding the underlying motivations and decision-making processes of countries allows for more thorough and nuanced reporting. This course provides a strong background in the core concepts of foreign policy, as well as offering models useful for analyzing international relations. You will learn important details concerning the role of media in shaping public opinion, which is key to this role. This course may be useful for a journalist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Academic Researcher

An Academic Researcher conducts in-depth research in a specific field, often at a university, with the purpose of contributing to scholarly knowledge. For those who focus on topics such as international relations or foreign policy, this course provides a fundamental understanding of core concepts and analysis methods. The course will also introduce you to the theories and models that scholars use to understand international dynamics. This course provides a foundation for an academic researcher. This course may be useful for an academic researcher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher

Political Risk Analyst

A Political Risk Analyst assess political and economic risks in foreign countries for businesses and organizations making decisions about international operations. These professionals need a strong foundation in understanding political systems and international relations, which this course provides. The course introduces you to key concepts in foreign policy, and offers a structured method for analyzing international actions. The course content regarding the role of the media and public opinion in foreign policy decision making is especially relevant to this role. This course may be useful for a political risk analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Risk Analyst

International Development Officer

An International Development Officer works with organizations to bring economic and social improvements to developing countries. An understanding of foreign policy is necessary for this role, which includes an awareness of the political and economic factors shaping the international landscape. This course provides that context, offering insights into how national decisions are made and how they impact global affairs. You will also gain an understanding of rational actor model, bureaucratic, and groupthink models of foreign policy described in this course. This course may be useful for an international development officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Officer

Lobbyist

A Lobbyist advocates for their clients and their interests, often by influencing the decisions of policymakers. This course is incredibly helpful for a lobbyist, as it covers key aspects of foreign policy, including the factors that shape policy decisions, and how public opinion can impact the political landscape. Understanding these core topics can give you a huge advantage in the field. The course's exploration of power dynamics and decision-making models will further enhance your ability to make strategic decisions. This course will help lead to success in a role as a lobbyist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

Introduction to Foreign Policy

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