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Dr. Rajdeep Pakanati

Welcome to The Making of US Foreign Policy course! This course seeks to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the United States’ Foreign Policy (USFP). Through this course, you will look at the evolution of USFP from its founding to the present. You will analyze the role of the institutions which play a role in defining USFP. You will also explore how the USFP relies on trade and economic interdependence to define global economic relations.

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Syllabus

The Development of American Foreign Policy
In this module, you will learn about America’s participation in world affairs from the republic’s inception in 1776 to the end of World War I. The module also discusses the Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt’s Corollary, Wilsonian Idealism, the League of Nations, and America’s Isolationism. You will also gain an insight into how the United States became a great power and reluctantly played a major role in world affairs.
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Institutions and Processes of the US Foreign Policy
In this module, you will explore prominent hallmarks of the US domestic political life and their impact on its foreign policy. This will specifically include the institutional structure of the Presidential form of governance with its separation of powers under the aegis of democracy. You will also learn about the powers and oversight of the apex offices, including the White House, the US State Department, the US Congress, Senate, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Council, etc. This module also delves into the role and impact of public activism, particularly in times of conflict, its consequence on foreign policy goals, and the role of public support in the democratic political process. You will also gain an insight into the bipartisan aspect of the US politics and analyze whether divergences on the domestic front are reflected in foreign policy aspirations. Lastly, the module also makes a comparative analysis with friends and foes of the US and how their domestic political environment is similar or dissimilar while looking at transnational institutions, particularly those where the US leadership has been critical in determining a regional or global balance of power.
The US During World War II and the Cold War
In this module, you will learn about the rise of the United States as a global power, its role in World War II, and the advent of the nuclear age. The module also analyzes the impact of the US foreign policy and global outlook and how the US shaped the liberal international order by creating the UN and its affiliated institutions. The module also discusses the Cold War with the Soviet Union, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the containment strategies for the USSR such as NATO, the Marshall Plan, and the Truman Doctrine. You will also gain an insight into US interventions in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan (1979), and detente with the USSR. The module also looks at the US and the Cold War in Asia and its continuing relevance in contemporary international politics. Lastly, through this module, you can appreciate how the US has dealt with fellow great powers and weaker powers, and the grand strategy that has motivated the US since 1945.
Configuring US Role in the Unipolar World
In this module, you will learn about how the United States has managed its rise following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, and why instead of countering the United States, many of the nations are bandwagoning with the superpower. You will also learn about different concepts such as hegemonic stability theory, balancing, and bandwagoning; the international power structure; and the role of smaller nations in configuring their best national interests. The module will also highlight the role that the United States has been playing in political, economic, cultural, social, and defense fields. Further, you will gain an insight into the power multiplier aspects of a nation which includes technology, information, connectivity, and the emergence of digital evolution. Finally, you will learn about the role that the US plays as a constabulary and expeditionary power and why it is critical for order at the international level.
The US Policy Toward Trade, Economics, and Globalization
In this module, you will learn about how the United States drives economic globalization and the role it plays in international economic institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The module also discusses the impacts of the global financial crisis of 2008 as well as the contemporary US-China trade war, which is redefining global economic relations. Finally, you will also gain an insight into the trade dimensions of the US-India relationship, delving into both past and possibilities.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for students in Political Science, International Relations, and History
Taught by experts in international affairs and US Foreign Policy
Examines the historical evolution of US Foreign Policy from its inception to the present
Covers the institutions and processes that shape US Foreign Policy
Provides insights into US Foreign Policy during World War II and the Cold War
Explores US relations with other countries and its role in the global economy

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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 The Making of US Foreign Policy with these activities:
Develop World History Research Skills
Build a stronger foundation in research skills for World History.
Browse courses on World History
Show steps
  • Review library research methods
  • Practice using online databases and scholarly journals
  • Organize and synthesize research findings
Read 'The Making of the Modern World'
Gain a context for the historical events covered in the course.
View The Insurrectionist on Amazon
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  • Read chapters 1-3
  • Take notes on key concepts and events
  • Summarize the main arguments of each chapter
  • Consider multiple viewpoints on the topics
Create a Timeline of US Foreign Policy
Strengthen understanding of chronology and significant events in US foreign policy.
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  • Identify key events and periods in US foreign policy
  • Research and gather information on each event
  • Create a timeline using a digital tool
  • Label and annotate the timeline with relevant details
Four other activities
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Analyze Primary Source Documents
Enhance skills in interpreting primary source documents related to US foreign policy.
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  • Identify and gather relevant primary source documents
  • Read and analyze the documents carefully
  • Identify the context, purpose, and bias of each document
  • Draw inferences and conclusions based on the analysis
Explore US Foreign Policy Think Tanks
Deepen knowledge of US foreign policy by exploring the perspectives of think tanks.
Browse courses on Research
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable US foreign policy think tanks
  • Visit their websites and read their publications
  • Attend online events or webinars hosted by the think tanks
  • Engage with researchers and experts through social media
Help a Peer with US Foreign Policy Concepts
Solidify knowledge by explaining concepts to others.
Show steps
  • Identify a classmate who needs assistance
  • Review the concepts and prepare to explain them
  • Provide guidance and support to your peer
  • Encourage questions and discussion
Organize Course Materials
Improve learning outcomes by keeping materials organized.
Show steps
  • Compile notes, readings, and assignments
  • Create a system for organizing materials
  • Review and consolidate materials regularly

Career center

Learners who complete The Making of US Foreign Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
US Foreign Service Officer
US Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad. They work in a variety of roles, including diplomacy, consular affairs, and economic development. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help US Foreign Service Officers to better represent the United States and to more effectively carry out their duties.
International Relations Professor
International Relations Professors teach and research about the interactions between countries. They may specialize in a particular region or issue area, such as US foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help International Relations Professors to develop more informed and engaging lectures and research.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study the theory and practice of politics and government. They may specialize in a particular subfield, such as international relations or comparative politics. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Political Scientists to develop more informed theories and to conduct more rigorous research.
Think Tank Analyst
Think Tank Analysts conduct research and analysis on a variety of policy issues, including foreign policy. They may specialize in a particular region or issue area. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Think Tank Analysts to develop more informed research and analysis, and to better inform policymakers.
US Intelligence Analyst
US Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and disseminate intelligence information. They may specialize in a particular region or issue area, such as US foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help US Intelligence Analysts to better understand the motivations and actions of foreign governments, and to provide more informed intelligence assessments.
Researcher
Researchers conduct original research on a variety of topics, including foreign policy. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Researchers to develop more informed research questions and to conduct more rigorous studies.
Diplomat
Diplomats are responsible for representing their country's interests in foreign countries. They negotiate with foreign governments, promote their country's policies, and provide information and assistance to their citizens abroad. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Diplomats better understand the motivations and actions of foreign governments, and to more effectively represent their country's interests.
International Development Specialist
International Development Specialists work to improve the social and economic conditions of developing countries. They may work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help International Development Specialists to better understand the context of their work and to develop more sustainable and effective development programs.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists represent the interests of their clients before government officials. They may specialize in a particular policy area, such as foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Lobbyists to better understand the motivations and actions of policymakers, and to more effectively advocate for their clients' interests.
Foreign Policy Analyst
Foreign Policy Analysts use their knowledge of international relations to research, analyze, and forecast political, economic, and military developments in foreign countries. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Foreign Policy Analysts better understand the motivations and actions of foreign governments, and to make more informed recommendations to policymakers.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular field, such as international relations or economic development. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Consultants to better understand the context of their work and to provide more effective advice to their clients.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may specialize in a particular policy area, such as foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Public Policy Analysts to better understand the context of their work and to develop more effective policies.
Journalist
Journalists cover and report on current events, including foreign policy. They may specialize in a particular beat, such as diplomatic or military affairs. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Journalists to better understand the stories they cover and to provide more informed reporting.
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including journalism, marketing, and public relations. They may specialize in a particular topic, such as foreign policy. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Writers to develop more informed and engaging content.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs that address social and environmental issues. They may specialize in a particular issue area, such as international development or human rights. This course may be useful because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, institutions, and processes of US foreign policy. This knowledge can help Nonprofit Program Managers to better understand the context of their work and to develop more effective programs.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Making of US Foreign Policy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Cold War. It valuable resource for understanding the origins, course, and consequences of the Cold War.
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding American foreign policy. It argues that US foreign policy is primarily driven by the desire to maintain its global hegemony.
Examines the rise of the United States to global dominance. It provides insights into the factors that have contributed to the US's superpower status.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of US foreign policy in the Middle East. It valuable resource for understanding the historical roots of US involvement in the region.
Examines the origins of American foreign policy in the early years of the republic. It provides insights into the ideas and beliefs that shaped the foreign policy of the United States.
Provides a comprehensive overview of American foreign relations from the colonial era to 1920. It valuable resource for understanding the historical roots of US foreign policy.
Examines the role of the United States in the world. It argues that the US has often pursued a unilateralist foreign policy that has alienated its allies and undermined its own interests.
Examines the changing nature of power in the 21st century. It argues that soft power is becoming increasingly important and that the US must adapt to this new reality.
Provides a critical assessment of American foreign policy. It argues that the US has often pursued policies that have been counterproductive to its own interests.
Examines the relationship between globalization and democracy. It argues that globalization can undermine democracy and that it is important to find ways to mitigate these effects.
Argues that the world is divided into different civilizations and that these civilizations are in conflict with each other. It controversial book that has sparked much debate.
Argues that the United States is in decline and that its global influence is waning. It controversial book that has sparked much debate.

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