Università Roma Tre

This course covers the history of U.S. foreign policy from the early national period of the late 18th century to the post-9/11 world. Without limiting itself exclusively to a history of diplomacy and international treaties, the course also aims to provide an overview of the evolution, through the various historical phases, of American thinking in relation to their actions on the world stage. Particular attention will also be given to the weight that the U.S. domestic political situation has traditionally had on international policy choices. The course will pay particular attention to the implications of the shift from regional power to global hegemon that occurred during the 20th century. Time will also be devoted to discussing the topic of the alleged "crisis of the empire" and decline of U.S. power. A number of relevant historical documents and international treaties will be presented and discussed in class. By the end of the course, the student will be able to recognize the major pivotal moments of U.S. action on the international stage and what phases marked the transition from regional to continental and finally global power.