Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Decision-Making in Foreign Policy
Course Code
PZK_029
Branch of Science
Political science
ECTS
4.50
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Andris Sprūds
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The course "Foreign Policy Decision-Making" systematically introduces conceptual theoretical approaches to foreign policy decision-making. The course focuses on different theoretical angles and assumptions within explicit analytical models. The theoretical aspects are also being applied to the analysis of empiricial case studies.
Preliminary Knowledge
Enhanced understanding of foreign policy processes.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students acquire knowledge of foreign-policy decion-making models.
Skills
1.Students facilitate their opinion formulation and expression as well as digital skills.
Competences
1.Students acquire competences of interdisciplinary research, assessement and empirical application.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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Requirements inlcude seminar preparation, and elaboration of opinion pieces and individual project.
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||
Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
-
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|
Quality, linkage between theory and case studies, critical thinking and own opinion.
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||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
|
Introduction. Foreign policy decision-making: factors. Allison's decision-making models
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
|
Rational decision-making model
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Cuba missile crisis and RAM
|
-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Organizational decision-making model
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Political decision-making model
|
-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Other
|
2
|
Topics
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Cuba missile crisis: organizational and political decision-making models
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
"World War Three: Inside The War Room': assessment
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
|
2
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Topics
|
Psychology, perceptions and risks in decision-making process
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Individuals and diplomats in decision-making process
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Simulation: decision-making gaming
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
|
2
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Topics
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Vietnam intervention: individuals, perceptions and risks
|
-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Decision-making in post-communist states. Foreign policy decision-making in Russia and Latvia: assessment
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
|
2
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Topics
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Dramatic actor model. Decision-making in transition countries
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Foreign policy decision-making in Latvia: mechanisms and capacities in crisis situations
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.50
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Graham Allison, Philip Zelikow. Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis (New York, 1999)
2.
Yaacov Vertzberger. Risk Taking and Decisionmaking. Foreign Military Intervention Decisions (Stanford, 1998)
3.
Eric K. Stern, Dan Hansen. Crisis Management in a Transitional Society: The Latvian Experience (Stockholm, 2000)
4.
Kimberly Marten. “Putin’s Choices: Explaining Russian Foreign Policy and Intervention in Ukraine” (The Washington Quarterly, Summer 2015)
5.
RAND Corporation Report, Reinforcing Deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank: Wargaming the Defense of the Baltics, 2016