3.0. Decision Making and Global Politics Learning objectives: Familiar with the subject matter of decision- making Understand the context in which foreign policy decisions are made Apply the leader model and the group model

3.0. Decision Making and Global Politics 3.1. The Models of Decision Making 3.2. Applying the Models

3.0. Decision Making and Global Politics Decision Making and Foreign Policy Analysis The Decision Making Context Study Tip: Remember the various levels of inputs into foreign policy decision-making, and be prepared to discuss a decision using these inputs as an analytical tool.

3.1. The Models The Leader Model The Group Model The Rational Actor Model The Bureaucratic Politics Model

The Leader Model The Primacy of Leaders The Role and Influence of Leaders

The Leader Model The Role and Influence of Leaders: –Decisions reflect belief systems and values –Decisions reflect perceptions –Decisions reflect life experiences –Decisions reflect cognitive abilities

The Leader Model The Primacy of Leaders Influences of Leaders Limits on the Leader Model

The Leader Model Limits on the Leader Model: –Structure of the political system –Domestic political power of leader –Advisors –Information quality –Capabilities of the state/organization –Domestic and international norms

The Group Model The Primacy of the Group

The Group Model Group Psychology Example: Groupthink

The Group Model Decision-making Norms and Rules Voting procedures Unanimity? Consensus? The Lowest Common Denominator

Summary Learning objectives: After this class, you should feel comfortable with the various inputs that are relevant in an analysis of foreign policy decision-making. You should be able to identify and explain the leader model of decision-making, but you should also be able to identify the limitations of the model. You should be able to identify and explain the group model of decision-making, and in particular be able to discuss group think and the significance of norms and rules. You should be able to apply the leader model and the group model to a decision, and compare and contrast the two models.