Learning Objective 3.1: Summarize the three theories with assumptions about the international system that inform U.S. foreign policy decision making.

Video

• Iran is a Rational Actor
  
  • Summary: A video in which Fareed Zakaria gives an argument for considering the Iranian regime as a rational actor on the world stage.

Web Resources

• China's Security Dilemma
  
  • Summary: An article describing concerns that internal political pressures in China could result in an arms race in East Asia.

• Facing Global Challenges
  
  • Summary: A portal to the Center on Foreign Relations’ Global Governance Monitor tracking work on particular global policy challenges.

 

Learning Objective 3.2: Describe the three spheres of political activity and their importance in foreign policymaking.

Video

• Eisenhower Military Industrial Complex speech
  
  • Summary: A video containing excerpts of President Dwight Eisenhower’s farewell speech warning about the growth of the “military-industrial complex.”

Web Resources

• Surge then exit
  
  • Summary: An article describing President Barack Obama’s 2009 announcement of an increase in the number of soldiers committed to the conflict in Afghanistan.

• Arizona immigration law
  
  • Summary: An article describing pushback from GOP senators and governors against an Obama Administration lawsuit against Arizona’s 2010 immigration law.

 

Learning Objective 3.3: Identify the ways in which U.S. civil society participates in foreign policymaking.

Web Resources

• Public opinion on Syria intervention
  
  • Summary: The results of a March 2012 public opinion poll by Pew Research Center regarding U.S. intervention in Syria.

• Influence of Cuban-Americans
  
  • Summary: A Huffington Post report arguing that U.S. policy on Cuba is being influenced via campaign contributions by a network of Cuban-American donors.

 

Learning Objective 3.4: Explain the role of bureaucratic politics in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Web Resources

• September 11: A Warning
  
  • Summary: An opinion article alleging that the administration of President George W. Bush ignored intelligence regarding the 9/11 attacks and offering several presidential intelligence briefings as evidence.

 

Learning Objective 3.5: Discuss the influence of political psychology on the making of U.S. foreign policy.

Video

• U.S. wartime propaganda
  
  • Summary: A WWII-era film depicting Japanese culture in a generally negative light.

Web Resources

• George W. Bush: A Personality Assessment
  
  • Summary: A collection of statements about President George W. Bush from journalists and others made regarding his personality and temperament in the run-up to the 2004 presidential election.