Classical Theories and Contemporary Issues in International Relations

Catalog description

This course critically examines classical theories and frameworks for understanding the international political system. It addresses specifically the ways in which the end of the Cold War, the fall of the Soviet Union, the legacy of colonialism and the rise of non-state actors have challenged the traditional accounts of power and global politics. The course will begin by introducing students to the classical debates in International Relations: the basic units of analysis, the utility and legitimacy of the use of force, the balance of power, the nature of threats to peace and stability and the role of international institutions, etc. It then questions the utility of these theories for making sense of contemporary issues such as ethno/religious conflict, genocide (and other mass atrocities), the origins and consequences of terrorism, threats to global health, and the persistence of poverty and global inequality. In order to register for this course, the student must be an active member of the Global College Student Group.