POLS 420: Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy

Professor Shelley Hurt

This course addresses the historical influences and theoretical assumptions behind contemporary U.S. foreign policy. We examine several competing perspectives surrounding recent developments of America’s role and place in the world. These various perspectives of American power and influence are explored while introducing students to the main concepts used to analyze U.S. foreign policy, such as international influences, domestic institutions, public opinion, elites, ideas, and economic forces. These in-depth analyses will provide us with a firm grounding in understanding contemporary U.S. foreign policy. Our primary objective is to question whether America will remain the sole superpower in the 21st century or be replaced by an ally or adversary.