This discussion group seeks an inside view of how U.S. foreign policy is made, drawing on cases developed by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) – Model Diplomacy Program. Our aim will be to understand organizations and agencies involved in the foreign policy process; second, how foreign policy decisions are made at the highest level within the National Security Council (NSC); and lastly, to obtain an understanding of the history/context for the policy issues under discussion.
The heart of the class will be role-playing, with participants taking on the positions of their chosen role, interacting with fellow participants, and making final foreign policy recommendations. Selected readings and background materials matched to the case involved, along with tips/guidance from the CFR Model Diplomacy program will help all participants in their preparation.
Apart from the first organizational meeting, each subsequent session will focus on a different foreign policy issue from the CFR case library. If the group wishes, we may substitute a foreign policy issue of our own choosing to role play.
Instructor John Fogarasi is both a lecturer and practitioner of U.S. foreign policy, having taught political science/international affairs earlier in his career and later as a senior U.S. diplomat with over 30 years-service in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Class will meet Monday afternoons from January 20 through February 17th.