Course code

RIR6021.YK

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Riikide välispoliitika

Course title in English

Foreign Policy Analysis

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

This course introduces students to key theories, contexts and actors in foreign policy analysis (FPA) and thinks through the role of foreign policy in global politics. To deepen the conceptual discussions the course offers a chance to analyse and study historical and contemporary foreign policy case studies and challenges.

Brief description of the course

This course provides a basic introduction to the study of foreign policy in theory and practice. The course is divided into 2 key thematic sections. Section one of the course covers a variety of theoretical perspectives that are useful in analysing foreign policies. It discusses the changing sources, key actors and contexts involved in foreign policy-making. Section two introduces a variety of historical and contemporary foreign policy challenges and case studies that highlight how different theories offer different explanations about foreign policy processes and outcomes.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- understands & utilises key theoretical frames for doing foreign policy analysis (FPA);
- is able to navigate and debate key foreign policy challenges;
- demonstrates key skills in evaluating and constructing arguments, applying concepts to case studies, and conducting independent research.

Teacher

Madli Vain

Study programmes containing that course

Politics and Government (RIRIB/26-t.YK)
Politics and Governance (RIPGB/26.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/26-o.YK)
Politics and Governance (RIPGB/25.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/25-o.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/25-t.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/24-t.YK)
Politics and Governance (RIPGB/24.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/24-o.YK)