University of Languages and International Studies, VNU – Hanoi

FACULTY OF LINGUISTICS AND CULTURES OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES

Division of International Studies

AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY AFTER WWII

Course Code: ENG3016

Course Status: Required
Prerequisites: English proficiency B2-CEFR and ENG2052
Number of credits: 03
Language of instruction: English
Class size: 20-30 students
Course coordinator: Hoàng Hải Anh, M.A.
(Email: [email protected]; Phone: 0986151582)
Unit: Division of International Studies:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationalstudiesulis/
Wordpress: https://quoctehoc.wordpress.com/

OVERVIEW

This course explores the evolution of U.S. foreign policy from the end of World War II to the
present day, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of its historical trajectory,
key events, and major decisions. It examines how dominant international relations theories
have shaped the policy formation process and analyzes the role of institutions in influencing
foreign policy. The course also investigates the global and domestic impacts of U.S. foreign
policy, offering insights into how it has affected various nations and regions.

Moreover, students will have opportunities to critically engage with diverse perspectives,
assessing American and international responses to U.S. foreign policy decisions. Through this
approach, the course encourages a nuanced appreciation of the complexities and
consequences of America’s global role in the postwar era.
OBJECTIVES

If you successfully complete the course, you will demonstrate the following competences:

Knowledge

 Understand key concepts related to international studies and foreign policy.

 Describe pivotal events, key actors, and major developments in U.S. foreign policy since
World War II.
 Recognize how various dynamics in American history have influenced the evolution of
foreign policy.
 Explain the rationale behind foreign policy decision-making processes.
 Analyze the impacts of foreign policy on its targets and broader subjects.

Skills

 Utilize government documents, official records, and newspapers as primary sources for
analysis.
 Work both independently and collaboratively to achieve academic and professional
goals.
 Effectively apply technology to acquire and manage knowledge.

Attitudes

 Demonstrate awareness of and respect for diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

 Take responsibility for your learning and engagement with course materials.

ASSESSMENT

1. A Journey Through US Foreign Policy After WWII: 20%

Students will work collaboratively in groups to explore selected issues in American foreign
policy, including U.S. and Asia relations, U.S. and the Middle East, U.S. and Europe relations,
and American foreign policy in the context of globalization. Each group will analyze articles from
various sources, such as news reports, editorials, op-eds, and reviews, gathered from both U.S.
and international newspapers, in print and digital formats.
Each week, groups will share one article on the class Facebook group and engage with
comments and questions from peers. This activity is designed to:

 Enhance students’ reading and comprehension skills.

 Expand their understanding of foreign affairs.
 Foster critical thinking and the ability to evaluate diverse viewpoints.
 Develop the habits of informed and discerning news consumption.

2. The Project Reports: 20%

Over the course of the semester, students will participate in four report and discussion sessions
focusing on case studies related to U.S. foreign relations. During Weeks 13 and 14, each group
will deliver a report and lead a class discussion on the topic they have studied for approximately
10 weeks.

Discussions will emphasize the influence of U.S. policies on key stakeholders, including the
United States and the global community. Activities will encourage comparison, evaluation, and
analysis, enabling students to:

 Reflect on and summarize their project methodology.

 Gain deeper insights into the impacts of foreign policy decisions.
 Strengthen their ability to critically evaluate international relations.

3. Final Exam: 60%

The final exam is divided into two parts:

 Part 1: Structured questions covering foundational concepts in international studies,

foreign policy, and key facts learned throughout the course.
 Part 2: A conceptual essay requiring students to synthesize knowledge and skills
acquired during the course. This essay will assess their ability to integrate and apply
course concepts to analyze foreign policy issues.

CONTENTS, MATERIALS, & SCHEDULE

MATERIALS

Compulsory Reading:
- Bruce W. Jentleson, American Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of Choice in the 21st Century. W.
W. Norton & Company, 2000.
Supplementary Readings:
1. Biggs, J.B., From theory to practice: A cognitive systems approach. Higher Education
Research and Development, 1993
2. Brill, Henry, How to understand a policy. Cedar Rapids: Instistue of Foreign Affairs, 2009.
3. Steven W. Hook & John Spanier, American Foreign Policy Since World War II, CQ Press,
Washington 2010.
4. Thomas J. McCormick, America’s Half Century: United States Foreign Policy in the Cold
War and After, The John Hopkins University Press, 1995
5. Tyler, R.W., Basic Principles of Curriculum and Instruction, Chicago: University of Chicago
Press 1994

SCHEDULE

Week 1: General Introduction and The Historical Context 1789-1945

This week provides an overview of how American foreign policy evolved over 200 years,
focusing on key historical events and policy shifts leading up to 1945. A central theme of the
week is the "great debate" between isolationism and internationalism, exploring how these
opposing approaches have shaped U.S. foreign policy choices.

Key Topics

 Historical development of U.S. foreign policy from the nation’s founding to the end of
World War II.
 The ideological and practical tensions between isolationism and internationalism.
 The implications of these strategies for U.S. national interests, military power, and
global peace.

Study Questions

1. Can the U.S. best fulfill its national interest in all its components through isolationism or
internationalism?
2. How large a military and how much defense spending are required to ensure U.S. power
and maintain global peace?

Materials

 Jentleson, Chapter 3
 Supplemental Readings 3.1 and 3.2
Week 2: The Domestic Contexts

This week examines the domestic factors that influence the formulation and execution of U.S.
foreign policy. The focus will be on understanding the roles and interactions of key players
within the domestic sphere, including government branches, intra-executive-branch politics,
interest groups, the news media, and public opinion.

Key Topics

 The interplay between the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and
judicial) in shaping foreign policy.
 Dynamics within the executive branch, including intra-agency politics and competition.
 The influence of interest groups and their agendas on foreign policy decisions.
 The role of the news media in shaping narratives and public understanding of foreign
policy issues.
 The impact of public opinion on foreign policy formation and implementation.

Study Questions

 How do the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) interact
in shaping U.S. foreign policy?
 What is the role of the executive branch in the formulation of foreign policy, and how do
intra-agency dynamics and competition within the executive influence decision-making?
 In what ways do interest groups influence U.S. foreign policy decisions?
 What role does the news media play in shaping public understanding of foreign policy
issues?
 How does public opinion affect the formation and implementation of U.S. foreign
policy?
 What are the challenges of balancing competing domestic interests (e.g., political
parties, interest groups, public opinion) when formulating foreign policy?
 How do political parties and party ideologies influence U.S. foreign policy?

Materials

 Jentleson, Chapter 2
 Supplemental Readings 2.2 and 2.3

Week 3: The Strategic Contexts

Overview
This week delves into the strategic foundations of U.S. foreign policy, focusing on how national
interests guide decision-making. A central framework for understanding these interests is the
"4Ps":

1. Power – The role of military strength and geopolitical influence.

2. Peace – Efforts to maintain international stability and prevent conflicts.
3. Prosperity – Economic priorities, including trade, investment, and global economic
leadership.
4. Principles – The promotion of values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of
law.

By exploring these four dimensions, students will gain insight into the balancing act required to
align competing priorities in U.S. foreign policy.

Key Topics

 Defining and prioritizing the national interest.

 Understanding the 4Ps framework and its application to policy decisions.
 Analyzing historical and contemporary examples of policies shaped by the 4Ps.

Study Questions:

 What is meant by the "national interest" in the context of U.S. foreign policy?
 What are the 4Ps (Power, Peace, Prosperity, and Principles), and how do they each
guide U.S. foreign policy?
 How does military strength and geopolitical influence (Power) shape U.S. foreign policy?
 How do efforts to maintain international stability and prevent conflicts (Peace) impact
U.S. foreign policy decisions?
 How does economic prosperity (Prosperity) guide U.S. foreign policy, especially in terms
of trade, investment, and global economic leadership?
 What role do principles, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, play in
shaping U.S. foreign policy?
 How does the U.S. balance competing interests between the 4Ps in foreign policy
decision-making?
 What are some historical or contemporary examples where the 4Ps framework
influenced U.S. foreign policy?
 In what ways has the changing global landscape affected the relative importance of the
4Ps in U.S. foreign policy?
 How might the 4Ps framework help explain the evolution of U.S. foreign policy over
time?

Materials

 Jentleson, Chapter 1
  Supplementary Readings 1.1 and 1.4

Week 5: Post Cold War and Grand Strategies

The Cold War was a defining period in shaping American foreign policy, influencing strategies,
alliances, and global dynamics for decades. This week focuses on understanding the Cold War’s
pivotal role in U.S. foreign policy by exploring two key questions:

1. Why did the Cold War end?

o Examination of the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the
Cold War’s conclusion.
o Analysis of the roles played by the U.S., the Soviet Union, and other global
actors.
2. What are its consequences for American foreign policy?
o Discussion of how the end of the Cold War reshaped U.S. global strategy,
including shifts in alliances, military focus, and policy priorities.

Key Topics

 Origins and evolution of the Cold War.

 Factors leading to the Cold War’s end, including internal and external pressures.
 Post-Cold War foreign policy dynamics, including the emergence of unipolarity and new
global challenges.

Materials

 Jentleson, Chapter 4
 Supplemental Readings 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3

Week 6: Self Study

Week 7: America and the Middle East

Overview

The relationship between America and the Middle East has been pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign
policies and strategies. This week examines key events and issues that have transformed this
complex relationship, focusing on their implications for foreign policy and international
relations.

Key Topics

 U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East post-9/11.

 The Iraq War and its implications for international law and U.S. global standing.
  The Arab Spring as a test of U.S. strategies in balancing idealism and realism.

Study Questions

 What are the impacts of 9/11?

o Explore how the 9/11 terrorist attacks reshaped U.S. foreign policy priorities,
particularly in terms of national security, counterterrorism, and military
intervention.
o Analyze the long-term consequences of the "War on Terror" on U.S.-Middle East
relations.
 What is the validity of the Iraq War?
o Investigate the rationale behind the U.S. decision to invade Iraq in 2003.
o Evaluate the legitimacy, outcomes, and criticisms of the war.
 How can Power and Peace be observed in the Arab Spring?
o Examine U.S. responses to the Arab Spring uprisings.
o Discuss the balance between promoting democratic principles (Peace) and
safeguarding national interests (Power) during this period.

Materials

 Jentleson, Chapter 6
 Supplementary Readings 6.3 and 6.4

Week 8: America and Asia

Overview

This week examines the dynamic role of the United States in the evolving global order,
particularly in the context of Asia's rise as a major power center. A significant focus is on the
U.S.-China relationship and its implications for global politics, trade, and regional economies,
with an emphasis on the ongoing trade tensions.

Key Topics

 The role of the U.S. in maintaining balance in Asia amidst China's rise.
 Economic and political strategies employed by the U.S. in its competition with China.
 Vietnam as an emerging player in the global trade landscape, influenced by U.S.-China
dynamics.

Study Questions

 How has the rise of Asia, particularly China, shifted the global power balance, and what
role does the U.S. play in maintaining stability in the region?
  What are the key strategies employed by the U.S. to counter China's growing influence
in global politics and trade?
 How do ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions impact regional economies in Asia?
 In what ways has Vietnam emerged as a significant player in the global trade network,
and how is its position shaped by U.S.-China relations?
 How does the U.S.-China relationship influence multilateral organizations and alliances
within Asia?
 How have the themes discussed in Jentleson, Chapter 7, and the supplementary
readings (7.2 and 7.5) enhanced your understanding of U.S. strategies in Asia?

Materials

 Jentleson, Chapter 7
 Supplementary Readings 7.2 and 7.5

Week 9:

Overview

The relationship between America and Russia has evolved significantly over the past century.
Once allies during World War II, the two nations became adversaries during the Cold War, and
now in the post-Cold War era, they face a complex relationship that involves cooperation,
competition, and confrontation. This week’s focus will be on the role of NATO and its expansion
in shaping U.S.-Russia relations, as well as analyzing Russia’s current position in global
geopolitics.

Key Topic:

 Understand the historical evolution of U.S.-Russia relations from WWII to the Cold War
and post-Cold War periods.
 Analyze the influence of NATO’s expansion on U.S.-Russia relations.
 Debate whether Russia should be viewed as a friend, competitor, or adversary in the
current international order.
 Explore the future trajectory of NATO and its relevance to global security.

Study Questions:

1. How did the relationship between the U.S. and Russia shift from WWII to the Cold War,
and what were the main drivers of this change?
2. What are the key implications of NATO's expansion for U.S.-Russia relations?
3. In your opinion, based on current events, is Russia a friend, competitor, or adversary to
the United States? Why?
4. What do you think the future holds for NATO, and how might this influence U.S.-Russia
relations?
Materials:

 Jentleson, Chapter 8
 Supplementary Readings 8.1 & 8.2

Week 10:

Overview

Globalization has reshaped the world in profound ways, with both positive and negative
consequences for the United States. While the U.S. remains a global economic leader, the
increasing interdependence with the rest of the world presents both opportunities and
vulnerabilities. Issues like global public health and environmental challenges are central to
international policy debates. This week will focus on how globalization influences U.S. foreign
policy, the roles of international organizations, and the economic interconnections that define
the 21st century.

Key Topics:

 Understand the concept of globalization in the political context and its impact on U.S.
foreign policy.
 Analyze the roles of key international organizations in addressing global challenges.
 Examine the positive and negative aspects of economic globalization for the United
States.
 Reflect on the intersection between global public health, environmental issues, and U.S.
foreign policy.

Study Questions:

1. What is the globalization of politics? How has the political landscape changed with the
rise of globalization, and how does it affect U.S. foreign policy?
2. What roles do international organizations play in globalization? How do organizations
like the United Nations, World Health Organization, and World Trade Organization
influence global politics and American foreign policy?
3. How has America’s increasing economic interdependence with the rest of the world
created vulnerabilities for its foreign policy, and what can be done to address these
challenges?
4. In what ways do global public health and environmental issues shape U.S. foreign policy
today? Can the U.S. effectively lead in these areas without international cooperation?

Materials:

 Jentleson, Chapter 10
 Supplementary Readings 10.2 & 10.3
Week 11: Self Study
Week 12: Report and Discussion
Week 13: Report and Discussion
Week 14: Report and Discussion
Week 15: Report and Discussion

CLASS POLICIES
- 90% of class attendance is mandatory.
- Participation in lecture affects positively the final results.
- Exams must be taken on the scheduled date.
- Students must complete all requirements.