Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: International Relations

POLÍTICA EXTERNA DOS ESTADOS - 2025/2026

3º curricular year
Semestralidade: 1st semester
ECTS: 6

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes

Class type and School hours

Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas
Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

The course aims to provide students with holistic knowledge about the area of ??Foreign Policy. The curricular unit will make connections with knowledge acquired in other previous courses, in order to prepare students for the multidisciplinary dimension that involves Foreign Policy Analysis.

Specific Aims/Objectives

The course aims to:
1. Introduce the different Theories of International Relations, when applied to Foreign Policy;
2. Explain the formation of Foreign Policy, from a theoretical point of view: decision methods, decision making, implementation;
3. Compare the effectiveness of Foreign Policy mechanisms, through case study analysis;
4. Distinguish the nuances of Foreign Policy, of the States with greater international relevance.

Skills to be acquired

1. Understand the theoretical frameworks applied to Foreign Policy, as well as their limitations;
2. Hierarchize and distinguish levels of analysis in Foreign Policy;
3. Distinguish decision-making and implementation in Foreign Policy;
4. Interconnect diplomatic mechanisms with Foreign Policy processes;
5. Explain the different agendas in Foreign Policy, by comparing case studies analyzed in class

Teaching Procedures

The course will combine three methodological approaches: expository classes to present and introduce concepts; classes using the "think pair share" active learning methodology and classes using the "problem based learning" active learning methodology.

Programme

1. Theoretical Perspectives
1.1. Realism applied to Foreign Policy
1.2. Liberalism applied to Foreign Policy
1.3. Constructivism applied to Foreign Policy
1.4. Critical Theories applied to Foreign Policy

2. Formation of the Foreign Policy agenda
2.1. Different levels of analysis in Foreign Policy
2.2. Decision-making methods and processes in Foreign Policy
2.3. Implementation of decisions in Foreign Policy
2.4. Interconnection between Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

3. Case Studies in Foreign Policy
3.1. The neoconservative vision of the United States of America
3.2. Beijing´s Approach to Foreign Policy
3.3. The Transformation of Russia´s Foreign Policy
3.4. New Delhi´s new foreign policy
3.5. Foreign Policy and religion: the case of Iran
3.6. The paradigmatic case of the European Union

Evaluation Type

The assessment system is carried out in accordance with the rules defined in the General Regulations for Knowledge Assessment of Lusíada Universities. In this sense, continuous assessment is taken into account, namely attendance, participation, completion of two mid-term assessment tests and research work.

Teaching Resources

Instructor´s powerpoints; texts previously made available + textbook indicated by the instructor; online resources

Sustainability Objectives

SDG 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Keywords

Decision;
Planning;
Implementation;
International Politics;
Foreign policy

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography