American Politics & Foreign Policy

The United States arguably remains the most influential country in the world. However, a number of challenges in recent years have called into question the sustainability of American leadership abroad and prosperity at home. This includes, but is not limited to, the notion of American decline in relation to rising powers such as China and resurging ones like Russia, a political system that appears to have entered an extended period of dysfunction, recurring problems in race relations, and rising economic inequality.

This Graduate Diploma, the first of its kind to be established in Europe or North America, allows students to gain a sophisticated understanding of the United States, its foreign relations, and domestic politics.

This Graduate Diploma is designed for those people planning, or already engaged in, a career in the diplomatic service, journalism, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations. This Masters will also prepare you for a career in politics, political risk analysis, academia, and think tanks.

This program explores both US foreign and domestic politics. During the year you will study US relations with key regions of the world. You will also discuss issues of terrorism, nuclear proliferation, the global economy, and climate changed to name a few. You will also gain an extensive knowledge of the impact of emerging technologies, such as cyber, on international relations and the US place in the world. Race, gender, elections, and political polarization will also be addressed.

• Students should be able to communicate in academic language about American politics and foreign policy using historical and theoretical concepts.
• apply knowledge in a variety of professional settings or in the form of further study.
• demonstrate an ability to communicate in writing and in public speaking with a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• develop sophisticated judgments about American politics and foreign policy that encompass domestic and international/comparative perspectives.
• learn skills that will enable them to accumulate further knowledge in this or other subjects in an autonomous manner.

If you are not a UCD student and have not applied previously, you must register before using the system for the first time. You'll find step-by-step instructions on how to apply in our instructions for applicants [pdf] and video tutorial.

If you have already registered you can return to the secure system using the login details you registered with. If you are a current or previous UCD student, please use your UCD student number (the system will pre-populate your personal details and you will not be requested to send transcripts).

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