Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy

Harvard Summer School

GOVT S-1550

Section 1

CRN 33308

View Course Details
This seminar surveys the theoretical and empirical literature on the influence of domestic politics on foreign policy and international politics, with a primary, though not exclusive, emphasis on American foreign policy. Scholars have long recognized that domestic politics influences states' decision making in international trade and finance. Yet, in recent years we have witnessed an explosion of interest in understanding the linkage between domestic politics and international relations more broadly, including the decidedly high politics arena of war and peace. We review a variety of theoretical perspectives concerning both international economics and international security, ranging from the role of individuals and individual psychology, to the influence of interest groups, political institutions, the mass media, and public opinion. The goal is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of domestic political explanations for policy outcomes in foreign policy and international affairs.

Instructor Info

Matthew A. Baum, PhD

Marvin Kalb Professor of Global Communications and Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School


Meeting Info

MW 8:30am - 11:30am (6/24 - 8/9)

Participation Option: Online Synchronous

Deadlines

Last day to register: June 20, 2024

Notes

This course meets via web conference. Students must attend and participate at the scheduled meeting time. Not open to Secondary School Program students. Harvard College students: This course is eligible for degree credit, but see important policy information.

Syllabus

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
33308 1 Online Synchronous Matthew Baum Field not found in response. MW 8:30am - 11:30am
Jun 24 to Aug 9