What are the key factors shaping a state's foreign policy? Is it rather the leaders with their personalities and ideologies, or the elaborate backroom routines of nameless bureaucracies? Is the conduct of foreign policy chiefly about power and interest, or do identity, memory and ethics also play a part? And what is the impact of the various actors in the domestic arena, such as political parties, NGOs and the public opinion? Structured around these questions, this course will offer an introduction to the subfield of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA). Combining lectures with seminar discussions and presentation of case studies, it will lead the students to develop both an understanding of the scholarly debates, and the ability to apply it critically to current affairs.
Last update: Eberle Jakub, doc., Ph.D. (19.08.2025)
Jaké jsou klíčové faktory formující zahraniční politiku státu? Určují ji lídři a jejich osobní dispozice, nebo zákulisní rutiny bezejmenných byrokratů? Je zahraniční politika především otázka moci a zájmu, nebo zde hrají roli také identita, kolektivní paměť a etické ohledy? A jaký je vliv různých aktérů na domácí scéně, jako jsou politické strany, nevládní organizace a veřejné mínění? Kurz nabídne úvod do analýzy zahraniční politiky (foreign policy analysis, FPA). Kombinací přednášek se seminárními diskusemi a prezentací případových studií povede studenty k porozumění vědeckým debatám a schopnosti je kriticky aplikovat na aktuální dění.
Last update: Eberle Jakub, doc., Ph.D. (18.09.2025)
Aim of the course
The aims of this course are
to introduce students to the academic subfield of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA)
to familiarise them with the key debates and arguments on the drivers and influences that shape state foreign policy
to connect concepts and theories to case studies
to foster critical thinking via discussion and application of academic concepts to current affairs
to develop oral and written presentation, discussion and persuasion skills
Last update: Eberle Jakub, doc., Ph.D. (19.08.2025)
Literature
The literature will be distributed via Moodle. All readings are in English, knowledge of other languages is not necessary.
Last update: Eberle Jakub, doc., Ph.D. (19.08.2025)
Teaching methods
There will be weekly sessions consisting of
40 min lecture
40 min seminar discussion based on assigned readings
Regular participation is a prerequisite for passing the course.
Use of generative AI tools:
The use and citation of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT or MS Copilot) in seminar papers and other coursework must comply with the decrees of the IMS Director No. 7/2023 and 9/2023. Generative AI tools may be used unless explicitly prohibited by the instructor. However, they may not be used to generate substantial sections of the text or replace the student’s own intellectual contribution. The student remains fully responsible for any content generated with assistance of AI tools. Presenting AI-generated content, whether verbatim, rephrased, or only slightly modified, as one's own work constitutes plagiarism. Every submitted paper must include a transparent statement specifying which generative AI tools were used, in which stage of the work they were employed, and how they were used, or confirming that no generative AI tools were used. If this statement is missing or incomplete, the instructor is not permitted to accept the paper for evaluation. Unless the instructor explicitly prohibits the use of generative AI tools, the decision to use or not to use them rests fully with the student. The student has the right to request that the instructor does not use AI assistance for evaluating their work.
Last update: Lochmanová Sára, Mgr. (06.10.2025)
Requirements to the exam
The grade will consist of 100 points divided between the following elements.
30 % for attendance and active participation
40 % for a case study of a country's foreign policy, divided as follows
10 % for a preliminary project outline (1 page)
20 % for oral presentation (based on a written draft)
10 % for a final written version of the case study (2 000 words)
30 % for final test (written in the exam period, with an early option before Christmas)
The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, or similar technologies is permitted to support critical thinking and analysis. You may use generative AI tools, with disclosure, e.g. for literature search, to check spelling and grammar correctness, to improve your academic writing and style, or to gather feedback on your ideas. On the contrary, you are not permitted to use AI to generate blocks of text or to provide arguments that you would then claim as your own. Importantly, you are the author of the final work and, therefore, are solely responsible for the content. If you use generative AI in any stage, you must include a brief note clarifying which tools were used and to what purpose. AI may be used in the preparation of teaching materials, but not in evaluating your work (apart from formal checks for plagiarism etc.). University and faculty regulations apply.
Last update: Eberle Jakub, doc., Ph.D. (18.09.2025)
Syllabus
Introduction: Foreign Policy Analysis as an academic field
Power, interests and foreign policy
Individual level and foreign policy: Leaders and their decision-making
Foreign policy, organisations and bureaucratic processes
