EDS377 Foreign Policymaking and the Politics of Europe

International relations is shaped by and shapes domestic politics. This course focuses on the foreign policy making and strategies of Nordic and European countries in navigating global governance structures and geopolitical conflicts and struggles in Europe and globally. Conceptually, we focus on foreign policy analysis as a key analytical lens. Combining a discussion on theoretical and historical perspectives, this course will introduce key concepts in the study of foreign policy and the schools of thought that frame foreign policy strategies. Through the examination of case studies, the students will be able to understand how great powers and small states use foreign policy to achieve economic, political and national security objectives. We will explore how diplomacy and decision making function through foreign policy to address complex issues of global governance, security and various domestic and international agendas.