MSFS-714 Workshop: Foreign Policy Formulation

Romero, Peter

This course examines decisionmaking processes in large organizations, focusing on the formulation of US foreign policy. Topics with illustrate the breadth and scope of the information upon which these
decisions are based and the role of the analyst in providing factual,
timely,and comprehensive briefings to principals. Students will
investigate and analyze policy decisions and the information flow that
went into these decisions as they relate to organizational biases.
Students will be required to participate in simulations as briefers,
principals and observers related to (inter-alia): the Congressional
debate on CAFTA; the decision to go to war in Iraq; planning for a
post-Castro Cuba; and the formulation of an effective policy towards
Iran. In taking on the roles of briefers and principals from distinct
Federal agencies and branches of the US Government, lectures and
interviews with active-duty and retired Federal officers will prepare
students for these presentations in learning about "organizational
culture" within these entities. Also assigned reading and lectures
will provide an historical and comparative context for these
simulations. During the latter third of the semester, students will
construct and defend ten guiding principles for US policy post 2008.
To prepare, there will be assigned readings and lectures on this
topic. Students will be evaluated primarily on the quality of their
oral and written presentations in the simulations. There will be a
written mid-term examination.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2005-2006 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.