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In this analysis of responses to threats to security in international and domestic politics, the focus is on decisions to use military force or to respond to the use of force, often in crisis situations. The course employs a case approach that involves intensive class discussion. We will discuss psychological factors (e.g., the role of misperceptions, belief systems, or cognitive structures) in decision making, the effects of historical analogies, the impact of domestic politics (or internal interests) and of the international system, and, in general, the adequacy of rational-actor models. This course, however, differs from conventional approaches to foreign policy decision making by including nongovernmental actors, integrating domestic and foreign policy issues, and extending the scope of the analysis to governments other than the American.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Discussion
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT Grading Mode: Graded
Prerequisites: GOVT155 OR GOVT311
Last Updated on MAR-26-2001
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459