POLITICAL SCIENCE SPECIAL TOPICS SEMINAR
PLS 697

COMPARATIVE FOREIGN POLICY
FALL 2006
(WEDNESDAYS AT 6:00PM)

Dr. Dennis V. Hickey Office: Strong 325

Tel: 836-5850

Home Page: http://courses.missouristate.edu/dvh804f/hickey.htm

Office Hrs: Monday 4:00-6:00; Wednesday 1:00-3:00; 5:00-6:00

or by appointment

Class Objectives:

To paraphrase Jacques Cousteau, why do states do what they do? By comparing particular attributes of states, and the resulting foreign policies, the sources of foreign policy may be revealed. In the post-Cold War era with so many states facing new opportunities and constraints, a comparison of the foreign policies of states and an enhanced understanding of the sources of these policies may provide some predictions about the future. Further, by understanding how and why other countries behave as they do, we learn more about ourselves.

This course is a seminar on the comparative analysis of foreign policy. We will review, analyze, and evaluate several of the most important theoretical and analytical traditions in the study of foreign policy. We will examine the application of these traditions to an understanding of foreign policy in a range of empirical cases, including the United States, Great Britain, Russia, Japan, Israel, India, Brazil, Iran, Nigeria, South Africa, China and Taiwan. We will discuss a number of foreign policy issue areas, including nuclear weapons, counter-terrorism, national security, participation in international organizations, and international trade and finance. We will explore the impact on foreign policy formation of a range of factors, including the international balance of power, the nature of international institutions, globalization, domestic political institutions, public opinion, the mass media, political culture, crisis management, the dynamics of decision-making in small groups, and the characteristics and choices of individual leaders. Students will develop and apply analytical skills by engaging in scholarly analysis of foreign policy formation in a case (or cases) of their choice. In class, we will emphasize discussion and debate of reading materials, and we often will use the "case study method" of learning, in which students examine accounts of individual cases to understand and evaluate broader principles.

Course Requirements:

1. Reading, Class Attendance, and Participation (15% of final grade). This class is a seminar, and as such it requires students to maintain a high level of preparation and participation. Your meaningful contributions to our joint effort are extremely important to the success of this class. You are required to attend class regularly, complete all assigned readings in a timely manner, and participate actively in class discussions and other activities (with emphasis on the quality over the quantity of class participation). From week to week, "teams" of students will present material and lead discussion. As this is a seminar, your professor does not intend to lecture (although he will certainly express his insights, opinions and offer questions!). Any class absences must be excused in advance. Only unavoidable and documented emergencies are legitimate excuses for missing class. This portion of your grade will be determined by a combination of attendance (I will take attendance regularly), active and civil participation in class discussion, and careful and timely reading of all assignments (as reflected in class discussion and, if necessary, on unannounced reading quizzes. I reserve the right to use whatever means may be necessary to ensure that students complete assigned readings). On a final note, please be considerate of others. Please have the common sense and consideration to turn off your cell phone before coming to class.

2.Examinations (three exams with each 20% of final grade). Each student will take three examinations. The first two exams (essay and short answer) will be completed in class. Each student will take his/her examination on the scheduled examination day (see below). Be sure to bring a blue book to class with you on examination day. In order to prepare for examinations, attend class, take notes and read the texts. Academic dishonesty (cheating) is not tolerated. For more information, see BearFacts guidelines. The final exam is a take home exam. The take-home final examination will be handed out on the last day of class, and will be due in class at the scheduled time for our final exam. The exam must be typewritten, and it will consist of essay questions. Specific details will be announced as the time approaches

3. Term Paper and Class Presentation (25% of final grade). Each student will write a longer paper (12-20 pages) analyzing a foreign policy issue in a country (or countries) of their choice. Some example might include China and the Quest for Energy, India and the Struggle with Pakistan, Cuba and its ties with America or North Korea and it Relations with rogue regimes. In rare instances, a student may write a paper discussing the general foreign policy of a particular country (but it cannot be one of those examined in our seminar). As students will present the results of their research to our class, each student will focus on a different area. Topics will be assigned (approved) on a first come, first serve basis. In the event that two or more identical proposals are submitted on the same day, we will toss a coin, draw straws or otherwise resolve the issue quickly. You must submit your paper/presentation proposal no later than the beginning of week number four.

Term papers may take one of two forms: a conventional analytical research paper or a policy paper (such as a policy advisor may draft for the consideration of a policy maker). More detail will be provided later. The term paper is due in class at the beginning of week twelve (see below). We have an exam this week, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Students will present the results of their research in class during the last weeks of our seminar. Prepare your presentation carefully--it is advisable to use "working notes," but do not read your paper to the class. Also, you must use power-point in your presentation. After your presentation, there will be a Q & A session about your paper. Be prepared for questions. Remember that your grade depends upon your paper, your presentation and your ability to answer questions satisfactorily. So, it’s a good idea to practice your presentation prior to class. Finally, losing your work on the computer is not a legitimate excuse. Be professional and keep back-up files.

Disability Accommodation Policy: To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Katheryne Staeger-Wilson, Director, Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY) http://www.missouristate.edu/disability/ . Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://www.missouristate.edu/disability/8860.htm

Non-Discrimination Policy: Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to Jana Estergard, Equal Opportunity Officer, Siceluff Hall 296, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head.

Academic Integrity: MSU is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following MSU’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at the following link: http://www.missouristate.edu/provost/3935.htm and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy. Those planning to cheat would be well advised to read this document. Cheating on an exam or on the briefing book may result in a penalty ranging from a zero for that particular exam or project to a failing grade for the entire course.

Dropping the Class: It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. To drop a class anytime after the first week of classes, you must complete and turn in a drop slip at an authorized registration center (seehttp://www.missouristate.edu/recreg/chnsched.html). You do not need to obtain any signatures on the drop slip. It does not need to be signed by your instructor, your advisor, or a department head. If you wish to withdraw from the University (i.e., drop all your classes), contact the Registration Center, Carrington 320, 836-5522

Readings
There are two required purchases.

Ryan K. Beasley, Juliet Kaarbo, Jeffrey Lantis and Michael Snarr (editors), Foreign Policy in Comparative Perspective: Domestic and International Influences on State Behavior, Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Books, 2002.

Laura Neack, The New Foreign Policy: US and Comparative Foreign Policy in the 21^st Century, New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2003

Recommended Book:

Dennis V. Hickey, Foreign Policy Making in Taiwan: From Principle to Pragmatism (forthcoming Routledge Publishers, London). As this title is still at the publisher, a copy of the manuscript is on reserve at the library.

Hand-outs: From time to time, hand-outs will be distributed in class. Students are expected to read/study these materials.

On-line Readings: Please visit my homepage and scroll down to our class website to visit the on-line syllabus and find a link to on-line readings.

Films: From time to time, we will watch some documentary films. Students are expected to pay attention and take notes during films.

Attendance: As this class/seminar meets only once per week, attendance is critically important. Missing one class is the equivalent of missing an entire week of classes. And be forewarned--some questions on the exams may be from material NOT covered in your texts.

"You Better Attend Class, Pardner!"

Make-up Exams:There will be no make-ups for unexcused absences. In the event that you miss an exam, you must contact the professor before the next class period to arrange a make-up (phone 836-5850 and leave a message where you can be reached if I am not in the office). Unless you are lost somewhere in the Nevada desert, you or someone else should be able to reach a telephone and contact me. And note that there will be no make-ups for make-ups.

Class Schedule: A class schedule follows. Please note, however, that this schedule is subject to change. For example, cataclysmic world events (a revolution in China or the former Soviet Union, more wars in the Middle East, snow in Springfield, etc.) and/or class discussion may necessitate a change in the schedule. In this respect, attendance may be of critical importance--all changes in schedule will be announced in class.

PART I: FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS

WEEK ONE (AUGUST 23): Course Introduction & Foreign Policy Analysis as a Field of Study

WEEK TWO (AUGUST 30): TEAM MEETINGS (Details Presented in Class)

WEEK THREE (SEPTEMBER 6): International Relations Theory and Foreign Policy Analysis 1
Neack: Chapter 1, “Introduction to the New Foreign Policy”
Beasley: Chapter 1, “The Analysis of Foreign Policy in Comparative Perspective”
Neack: Chapter 2, “The Individual Level of Analysis: Leaders, Rational Choices, Cognition and Morality”
Neack: Chapter 3, “The State Level of Analysis: National Culture, Institutions, Domestic Politics, and Society
Paper Proposal Due!!!

WEEK FOUR (SEPTEMBER 13): International Relations Theory and Foreign Policy Analysis 2
Neack: Chapter 4, “The System Level of Analysis: Power, Position, and Foreign Policy Behavior
Neack: Chapter 5, “Conclusion: A Nested Game with Many Players
Beasley, Chapter 14, “Domestic and International Influences on Foreign Policy”

WEEK FIVE (SEPTEMBER 20): Examination
Note: This is a two hour exam. Students must bring a bluebook and pen with them to the examination. Following the exam, we will watch a short film related to foreign policy making in a specific country

Its Test Day On September 25th!

PART II: CASE STUDIES

WEEK SIX (OCTOBER 4): Case Studies: British, French and German Foreign Policies
Beasley: Chapter 2, “British Foreign Policy: Continuity and Transformation”
Beasley: Chapter 3, “French Foreign Policy: The Wager on Europe”
Beasley: Chapter 4, “The Evolution of German Foreign Policy”
On line Reading: “Partners in Frustration: Europe, the United States and the Broader Middle East.” A link may be found on our on-line syllabus at:

http://www.acus.org/docs/0409-partners_Frustration_Europe_United_States_Broader_Middle_East.pdf

WEEK SEVEN (OCTOBER 11): Case Studies: China, Taiwan and Japan Foreign Policies
Beasley: Chapter 6, “China: Defining Its Role in the Global Community”
Taiwan: Reserve reading including Dr. Hickey’s article “The Making of Taiwan’s Foreign Policy during the Post-Martial Law Era” and Dr. Hickey’s article on China’s relations with its neighbors.
Beasley: Chapter 7, “Japanese Foreign Policy”

WEEK EIGHT (OCTOBER 18): Case Studies: India, Iran and South Africa Foreign Policies
Beasley: Chapter 8, “Indian Foreign Policy: From Consensus to Disarray” Also see Department of State Background Notes for India at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3454.htm
Beasely: Chapter 9, “The Changing Character of Iranian Foreign Policy” and 20 Questions We Need to Answer About the Iranian Threat at http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060919_20questions.pdf
Beasely: Chapter 11, South African Foreign Policy: A New Regime in a New World Order”