How is US foreign and security policy formulated and implemented? How do individuals, government institutions, bureaucracies, the parties, the public and the media influence decision-making? This unit gives students a detailed overview of the processes of foreign policy and national security decision-making. This unit also considers a range of contemporary US foreign policy challenges, such as terrorism, military intervention, the use of intelligence, diplomatic engagement and negotiation, international law and multilateral engagement, and the use of public diplomacy.

Classes

Taught in Semester 1, 2023
1 x 2 hour seminar per week

"When I started studying with the Centre I was initially pursuing a passion, something that I loved. But I soon realised I could actually make a career out of my studies. The most influential unit I studied was 'US Foreign and National Security Policy’, where I learnt a great deal about security issues in Iraq, the concept of American decline and the US relationship with China — I just loved it. I also found that course took me to another level in terms of academic knowledge." Sarah MacDonald

Courses that offer this unit of study

• Executive Master of Public Administration
• Graduate Certificate in International Relations
• Graduate Certificate in International Studies
• Graduate Certificate in Public Administration
• Graduate Diploma in International Relations
• Graduate Diploma in International Studies
• Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies
• Graduate Diploma in Public Administration
• Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
• Master of International Relations
• Master of International Security
• Master of International Studies
• Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Strategic Public Relations

More details

Visit the University of Sydney website for information about fees, cross-institutional and non-award study, and more.

Unit coordinator

Professor Brendon O'Connor

Professor of US Politics and US Foreign Relations, United States Studies Centre (jointly appointed with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Sydney)