How did the United States get involved in Vietnam, and why did it
stay in the war long after U.S. leaders knew we could not win?  Why did the
U.S. give Saddam Hussein the green light to attack Kuwait?  Why is Russia
helping Iran acquire nuclear weapons which could be targeted against Russian
cities?  States often act in highly puzzling ways in world politics.  This
course will help you understand why they do so.  It will examine some of the
many factors which influence foreign policy behavior: the impact of
individual leaders and personalities; the circumstances under which
decisions are made; individual and collective perceptions and
misperceptions; national values, beliefs and experiences; institutional
structures and processes; and political and socio-economic systems.  A
role-playing exercise at the end of the semester will give students an
opportunity to apply what they have learned in simulating the behavior of
foreign policy decisionmakers.
	Principal requirements; two exams (short answer and essay
questions); two short papers and participation in class.