International Policy and Security Seminar

Catalog description

This course provides a practical survey on the underpinnings of the idea of the “international order” and how it affects trade, politics, and security for the United States and the world. Students will be able to consider and analyze what states mean when they appeal to the international community, to a putative liberal order, and why other states may contest it. The course will also provide a basic survey of key policy and security challenges in the contemporary international environment related to international policy and security. Does an international community really exist? Why does it matter? What’s the difference between the Yalta Agreement and the Helsinki principles, and how does this interact with the United Nations charter? Students will examine primary source texts, key analyses, and will have the opportunity reflect upon and develop policy advisories around international policy. Aligned with the Fels’ mission in service of praxis, the course will also allow students the opportunity interact with guest speakers involved in foreign and national security policy and present their policy recommendations on a key international public policy issue.