International Conflict and Security

Catalog description

This course examines conflict in the international system. Upon completion of the course, you should have a better understanding of some of the main discussions in the study of violence involving political actors. In addition, you will possess the necessary analytical tools designed to deepen your understanding of past, present, and future violence in world politics as well as to engage in further research. Our focus will be on understanding peace and war as general political phenomena. Readings in the course are of two major types. Some of the readings are theoretical explanations for peace and war offered by scholars, which we will discuss and evaluate. Others use data, in the form of history, as examples of applications of concepts and theory to the real world. While this course is not intended as a detailed description of violence through history, we will see many forms and examples of violence as well as attempts at addressing violence during the course of the semester. Connections will be made to sustainability where and when appropriate. We will start from rather basic levels but students who have little or no background in international relations and world history should bring this to my attention during the first week of class. KU Course # INTL 374