This course completely changed how I think about global politics and the decisions countries make on the global stage. Before, I mostly saw foreign policy as something governments do based on their power or interests. But through this course, I learned that it’s much more complex because it involves different theories, strategies, and even human emotions. One of the most interesting parts for me was learning about different theories like realism, liberalism, and constructivism. These theories helped me understand why countries act the way they do. What really stood out to me, though, was the psychological aspect of leadership. It was fascinating to learn how leaders’ personalities, beliefs, and past experiences can shape major decisions. For example, a leader who’s more risk-tolerant might take bold, even dangerous actions, while someone more cautious might avoid conflict altogether. This made me think about how even in international politics, emotions and personal history can play a big role. It made me realize that foreign policy is not just about states and systems it’s also about the human factor, which can sometimes lead to unexpected or irrational decisions. Toward the end of the course, we analyzed the foreign policies of different countries, which helped me see how the theoretical approaches apply in real-world contexts. Comparing the policies of countries like the U.S., Africa, and smaller states gave me a broader perspective on how these decisions shape their actions on the global stage. This analysis was particularly eye-opening because it highlighted the similarities and differences in how countries approach common challenges, such as security, economic interests, and diplomatic relations. By studying these I gained a more comprehensive view of the factors that influence foreign policy decisions and how countries adapt to changing global dynamics. It made me appreciate how interconnected the world is and how every decision in one country can ripple across the international system.