International Politics: New Zealand Foreign Policy

Description

New Zealand is a small, Anglophone, increasingly multicultural, democratic state in a remote corner of the world; with a remarkably high level of international participation and interests. Our country’s history has pulled us into close alliances with the UK, USA, and Australia; but our trading relationships are increasingly pulling us in another direction: the dynamic Asia Pacific. Meanwhile, shifts in the global strategic environment are bringing about a rebalancing in the formerly relatively stable post-WWII global order. The outcome of all of this upheaval is hard to predict. How will New Zealand adjust to this changing geopolitical environment? Will we be forced to choose between continuing our military-strategic alliance with the USA or deepening our partnership with China? Could New Zealand choose a more independent foreign policy path? This course will critically examine New Zealand’s past and present foreign policy while exploring future foreign policy directions. The course will feature guest lectures from New Zealand foreign policy thought leaders such as the Right Hon. Phil Goff, Dr Kennedy Graham, the Right Hon. Murray McCully, Nicky Hagar, and leading New Zealand diplomats. Students will be encouraged to engage critically with debates and help contribute to new thinking on New Zealand’s place in the world.