Domestic politics and foreign policy were once considered to be separate entities, such as in the old fashioned statement that governments could afford either "guns or butter." A more contemporary account notes that various ways that domestic politics and foreign policy are intertwined. Domestic politics shapes the foreign policy decisions of a country and foreign policy often impinges on domestic politics.
Topics covered in this class will include the role of the president, Congress, the bureaucracy and the courts in determining foreign policy. Conflicts and cooperation between these government entities will be highlighted. How public opinion and interest groups influence foreign policy also will be covered. Finally, the efforts of foreign policy decisions on domestic politics will be considered. Upon completion of this course, students will have a fuller understanding of how domestic politics and foreign policy are intertwined.