Module 1: Introduction to International Politics

1.​ International System: The international system is the set of relationships among states and other
international actors, governed by rules and norms. Its two main components are actors (states,
international organizations, NGOs, etc.) and structure (the overarching political, economic, and
social context).
2.​ Thinking Systemically: To think systemically means to analyze how the parts of a system
interact with one another, recognizing the interconnectedness between actors and structure in
shaping international outcomes.
3.​ Structure: Structure refers to the arrangement of the international system, including the
distribution of power and economic relationships. Examples: balance of power, global trade
networks, alliances. Structure influences outcomes by setting the context in which actors operate.
4.​ Structure Constraining Behavior: Structure limits choices. Example: during the Cold War, the
bipolar structure (U.S. vs. USSR) constrained states to align with one of the two powers.
5.​ Structure Constituting Actors: Structure can shape identities/interests. Example: NATO
membership may influence a state's identity as a liberal democracy and its interests in collective
defense.
6.​ Anarchy: The absence of a central authority in the international system. It is significant because
it leads to self-help behavior among states and security dilemmas.
7.​ Prisoner’s Dilemma: A game theory model showing how rational actors might not cooperate
even when it is in their best interest. It reflects challenges like mistrust in arms control
agreements.
8.​ Prominent Actors: States (most powerful), IOs (e.g., UN, IMF), NGOs, MNCs, terrorist groups.
Differentiated by sovereignty, capabilities, and roles.
9.​ Iran Nuclear Accord: Contributing factors: shared interest in nonproliferation, U.S. diplomatic
engagement, UN sanctions. Undermining factors: domestic opposition in the U.S., regional rivals
(e.g., Israel, Saudi Arabia).

Module 2: U.S. Foreign Policy Apparatus

1.​ Foreign Policy: Government actions aimed at achieving international objectives. Differentiated
by:
●​ Beliefs: worldviews
●​ Capabilities: power/resources
●​ Interests: goals
●​ Actions: implementation
2.​ Bureaucracy Components:
●​ State Department (diplomacy)
●​ Defense Department (military)
●​ National Security Council (policy coordination)
●​ Intelligence Community (threat assessment)
●​ Treasury (economic sanctions/aid)
 3.​ National Interest: A set of goals a country aims to achieve internationally (e.g., security,
economic prosperity).
4.​ Biden Doctrine (Brands): Defends democracy globally, addresses autocracy, climate change,
pandemics. Uses multilateralism, alliances.
5.​ Trump vs. Bush on Terrorism: Trump focused on U.S. homeland, limiting immigration, military
force. Bush emphasized global war on terror and democracy promotion abroad.

Module 3: Grand Strategy I and Isolationism

1.​ Grand Strategy: An overarching plan that guides foreign policy. Often linked with partisanship
but can transcend it.
2.​ Components: Interests, threats, means, scope, national priorities.
3.​ Obama West Point Speech: Emphasized multilateralism, limits of military force, leadership
through example—reflecting liberal internationalism.
4.​ Isolationism: Limited international involvement. Examples: U.S. post-WWI, 1930s neutrality
acts.
5.​ Restraint: Advocates reduced military engagement, limited alliance commitments. Critiques
liberal internationalism (too idealistic) and primacy (too costly).
6.​ Ashford on Restraint: Successes include avoiding costly wars, focusing on diplomacy.
7.​ Domestic Support for Restraint: Libertarians, anti-war progressives, some veterans’ groups.

Module 4: Grand Strategy II: Liberal Internationalism and Primacy

1.​ Liberal Internationalism: Promotes democracy, multilateralism, and international law. Critique:
too ambitious, leads to military overreach.
2.​ Examples: Wilson's League of Nations, Clinton's Kosovo intervention, Obama's policies.
3.​ Ikenberry: Crisis due to rise of autocracies, nationalism. U.S. must strengthen alliances, invest in
institutions.
4.​ Primacy: U.S. dominance through military, economic power. Critique: unsustainable, provokes
backlash.
5.​ Bush and Primacy: Preemption, unilateralism, democracy promotion (e.g., Iraq War).
6.​ Trump’s "America First": Prioritizes U.S. economic/military interests, skepticism of alliances.
7.​ Neomercantilism: Economic nationalism, trade deficits as threats. Shaped Trump's tariffs, trade
wars.
8.​ Trump on Multilateralism: Withdrew from Paris Accord, WHO; used military force (e.g., strike
on Soleimani).
9.​ Trump's Grand Strategy: Mix of primacy and isolationism.
10.​Biden’s Goals: Defend democracy, rebuild alliances, address global challenges.
11.​Biden's Fit: Liberal internationalism with moderate restraint.
Module 5: The President in Foreign Policy

1.​ Constitutional Foundations: Commander-in-Chief, treaty negotiator, diplomatic appointments.

2.​ Challenges: Managing diverse agencies, limited time/info, political constraints.
3.​ Coordination Problem: 1990 Kuwait invasion—intelligence miscommunication led to slow U.S.
response.
4.​ Agency Competition: Post-Iraq invasion—State vs. Defense disagreement over rebuilding Iraq.
5.​ Resource Competition: Agencies push their agendas based on budgets.
6.​ War and Presidential Power: War expands executive power due to urgency. Congress has local
constituencies, less unity.
7.​ AUMF: 2001 AUMF enables military action against Al Qaeda and affiliates. Criticized for broad
scope, lack of sunset clause.
8.​ Goldgeier & Saunders: Erosion of checks due to polarization, lack of oversight, expansion of
executive tools.
9.​ Executive Orders and Immigration: Circumvent Congress, e.g., DACA. Courts and public
opinion push back. Reflects separation of powers tension.

Module 6: Congress in Foreign Policy

1.​ Constitutional Role: Declare war, fund military, ratify treaties, oversight.
2.​ War Powers Act: Requires notice within 48 hrs, limits engagement to 60 days. Reinforces
Congressional role.
3.​ Shaping Policy: Hearings, budgets, sanctions, laws.
4.​ Partisanship: Affects oversight and support. Example: GOP opposing Obama Iran Deal.
5.​ Divided Government: Different parties control Congress/Presidency—limits action.
6.​ Shaping Public Opinion: Congressional debate/media coverage influences public.
7.​ Weissman Argument: Congress has abdicated war powers. Examples: Libya, Syria, Yemen.
8.​ McKeon & Tess: Reassert power by repealing outdated AUMFs, enforcing oversight.

Module 7: American Public and Foreign Policy

1.​ Domestic Model: Voters, interest groups, media affect FP. Elections, protests, lobbying shape it.
2.​ Two-Level Game: International negotiations must also satisfy domestic actors (Congress,
voters).
3.​ Nonstate Groups: AIPAC, NRA (guns and security), environmental groups. Interests: Israel,
defense, climate.
4.​ Domestic Institutions: Mediate conflict—e.g., Congress balances interest groups.
5.​ Rally Effect/War Fatigue: Support during crises, decline over time. Casualty-phobia = low
tolerance for deaths.
6.​ Voter Interest Diversity: Economic (trade), ideological (human rights), security.
7.​ Effective Nonstate Actors: Money, organization, access to media/politicians determine success.
8.​ Public Good: Non-excludable/shared (e.g., national defense).
9.​ Free Rider Problem: Benefit without paying—common in alliances.
10.​Lobbying Groups: Incentivize participation (e.g., AIPAC’s benefits, access).