Course details
- DepartmentDepartment of International Relations
- Application codeSS-IR211
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Overview
This course examines the evolution of American statecraft since World War II, with special emphasis on the president’s role in defining the nation’s interests.
Drawing on historical and contemporary cases, we consider how international power and domestic politics have shaped presidents’ geopolitical strategic priorities, how America’s priorities have changed over time, and why some presidents are more successful in conducting foreign policy than others.
Several important questions will be examined and addressed including:
- How do American leaders define the nation’s interests?
- Why did US leaders pursue an expansive global role after World War II?
- What strategies did America’s leaders adopt during the Cold War?
- What explains the anti-globalist backlash in America today?
- How should the US respond to China’s rise as a great power?
Key information
Prerequisites: At least one introductory course in either social science (e.g. political science, international relations, sociology, economics), history or law.
Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs
Fees: Please see Fees and payments
Lectures: 36 hours
Classes: 18 hours
Assessment: One written essay (50%) and one written examination (50%)
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)
Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment
Is this course right for you?
The course is suitable; if you are interested in increasing your knowledge of US foreign policy, presidential leadership and decision-making in foreign affairs and what the American experience can tell us more generally about the international and domestic sources of grand strategy and statecraft.
Outcomes
- Understand how America's interests are defined by the nation’s leaders
- Discover the strategies America adopted during the Cold War and in relation to the rise of China as a great power
- Learn how America’s position has been impacted by globalisation
- Understand how the Presidents’ strategic priorities have changed over time
Content
LSE summer school has allowed me to expose myself to so many different areas of study I hadn’t had the opportunity to look at before.
Faculty
The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.
Professor Peter Trubowitz
Summer School Academic Director - Professor of International Relations
Department
The LSE Department of International Relations is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the world and remains a leading centre for the subject. It ranked 2nd in the UK and 4th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 tables for Politics and International Studies.
LSE International Relations teachers have world-class expertise in their specialist fields. Our faculty advise government agencies, multilateral institutions, NGOs, think tanks and the media on the most critical issues – from economic and environmental policies to counter-terrorism and foreign policy. From foundation level to advanced courses, students build real-world skills and gain exposure to critical issues, questions and state-of-the-art thinking on the most relevant topics in the field.
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Apply
Applications are open
We are accepting applications. Apply early to avoid disappointment.