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IRG-103 · School of International Relations & Geopolitics

Foreign Policy Analysis & Decision-Making

Credential: Certificate in Foreign Policy Analysis & Decision-Making

Course outline

Module 1: Foundations of Foreign Policy Analysis5 items
  1. 1.1Scope, Purpose, and Actorsvideo
  2. 1.2Interests, Objectives, and Prioritiesvideo
  3. 1.3Levels of Analysisvideo
  4. 1.4The Policy Process from Agenda to Reviewvideo
  5. 1.5Mapping a Foreign Policy ProblemAssessment
Module 2: Models of Decision-Making5 items
  1. 2.1The Rational Actor Modelvideo
  2. 2.2Bounded Rationality and Satisficingvideo
  3. 2.3Organizational Processesvideo
  4. 2.4Bureaucratic Politicsvideo
  5. 2.5Comparing Decision-Making ModelsAssessment
Module 3: Leadership, Psychology, and Perception5 items
  1. 3.1Beliefs, Experience, and Decision Stylesvideo
  2. 3.2Confirmation, Anchoring, and Overconfidencevideo
  3. 3.3Risk Perception and Framingvideo
  4. 3.4Dissent, Groupthink, and Advisory Processesvideo
  5. 3.5Diagnosing BiasesAssessment
Module 4: Domestic Politics and Institutions5 items
  1. 4.1Executive Authority and Legislative Oversightvideo
  2. 4.2Public Opinion and the Mediavideo
  3. 4.3Business, Civil Society, Diasporas, and Advocacyvideo
  4. 4.4Coalitions, Electoral Incentives, and Negotiating Constraintsvideo
  5. 4.5Domestic InfluencesAssessment
Module 5: Intelligence, Evidence, and Uncertainty5 items
  1. 5.1Intelligence Requirements and Analyst–Policymaker Relationsvideo
  2. 5.2Source Reliability and Corroborationvideo
  3. 5.3Competing Hypotheses and Structured Techniquesvideo
  4. 5.4Forecasting, Indicators, and Confidencevideo
  5. 5.5Evidence-Based AssessmentAssessment
Module 6: Instruments and Strategic Choices5 items
  1. 6.1Diplomacy, Mediation, and Coalitionsvideo
  2. 6.2Trade, Assistance, Sanctions, and Investmentvideo
  3. 6.3Defense Cooperation, Deterrence, and Military Optionsvideo
  4. 6.4Public Diplomacy and Instrument Coordinationvideo
  5. 6.5Selecting an Instrument MixAssessment
Module 7: Crisis Decision-Making5 items
  1. 7.1Recognizing Crisesvideo
  2. 7.2Signaling, Misperception, and Escalationvideo
  3. 7.3Crisis Communication and De-escalationvideo
  4. 7.4Contingency Planning, Thresholds, and Exitsvideo
  5. 7.5Crisis SimulationAssessment
Module 8: Policy Design, Implementation, and Evaluation5 items
  1. 8.1Problem Definition and Decision Criteriavideo
  2. 8.2Comparing Options and Unintended Effectsvideo
  3. 8.3Implementationvideo
  4. 8.4Evaluation, Attribution, and Adjustmentvideo
  5. 8.5Integrated Decision MemorandumAssessment

How you complete this course

  • Each module ends with an assessment. Score 80% or higher to unlock the next module.
  • After all modules: an applied final project and a proctored final examination.
  • Your progress is saved automatically, and you get reminders before deadlines.