We will discuss contending theoretical approaches, both new and old, to explaining conflict and cooperation, with attention to contemporary concepts and issues such as the end of the Cold War, the democratic peace proposition, liberal internationalism, military intervention, peacebuilding, sovereignty, alliances, nuclear proliferation, and civil conflict. In many ways G388 is a more advanced version of the introductory course, G155, since it covers many of the same topics. However, it does not duplicate that course and may be taken as the next stage for students interested in theoretical explanations of international politics. The course may also be substituted for G155 for purposes of fulfilling the requirements of the international relations certificate. Students who have not taken G155 should be prepared to do more background reading.
Most journals are available in electronic form through the library.
Everything else will be on reserve. Students are expected to complete all reading assignments and to participate actively in class discussions, which will involve some student presentations on assigned readings. Each activity will count equally in the final grade for the course. Incompletes will not be possible nor will late papers be accepted unless there is a compelling reason such as a medical emergency. Class protocol requires that students arrive on time, stay for the duration of the class, and refrain from eating.