Global Politics

Catalog description

Global Politics (3) This course explores the driving actors, dynamics, and institutions of global politics and their historical development. The course surveys alternative macro-theoretical approaches to understanding global politics and the sources of political order and conflict. Students evaluate alternative approaches to explain developments in key historical periods that have had an enduring impact on contemporary global politics: Topics explored include the rise of the nation-state and the competitive state system; imperialism, colonialism, and de-colonization; the effects of the Cold War and competing global orders of the twentieth century; and the increase in the number and importance of international institutions. The course explores a range of contemporary debates in global politics: e.g. the fragmentation of the global liberal order; how different political systems (democracies, authoritarian regimes, etc.) and institutions impact a country's diplomacy and foreign policy; the implications of the rise of new powers and distinctive regional political dynamics or crises. Usually Offered: fall. Grading: A-F only.