Selected Topics: International Relations & Global Politics | Psychology of International Diplomacy - Selected Topics: International Relations & Global Politics |

Knowledge

This seminar is intended for students with foundational knowledge of international relations and political science theories. Familiarity with psychological approaches or an interest in understanding decision-making and behavior in diplomacy is beneficial but not mandatory.

Description

This course explores international politics through the lens of social psychology, examining what happens in the minds and emotions of state leaders, diplomats, and public officials as they navigate international diplomacy. Through a psychological perspective, students will analyze individual and collective decision-making and the cognitive and emotional drivers behind international security, war, peace, and conflict. Each session introduces psychological approaches in International Relations and applies them to real-world cases and examples.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand and critically assess psychological theories relevant to international diplomacy and foreign policy decision-making;
• Analyze the cognitive and emotional processes of diplomats and political leaders and their impact on international relations;
• Evaluate complex international diplomatic issues through psychological concepts, such as cognitive biases, personality traits, group dynamics, and the role of emotions;
• Apply psychological approaches to case studies like the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Camp David Accords, and the end of the Cold War, presenting and writing about their analyses in structured assignments.

E-learning

Course literature and additional resources are available on the ILIAS learning platform (https://learning.zu.de). Digital sessions are held via the BigBlueButton (BBB) conference system. Students are encouraged to read the assigned texts in advance to participate actively in discussions.

Preparation

Students should read the required readings and supplementary materials before each session. Assessments include presentations and an exam. Presentations should provide a brief summary, explanation of core theses, and a critical evaluation of each text.

Detailed information about the examinations

Regular attendance, presentation, written exam

Second additional field

Please indicate the language of the course here:

English