Given the anarchic nature of the international system-the lack of a world government-how do we explain peace? As the world globalizes, occasions for conflict grow exponentially. Yet each day, the world's 200 countries fail to start tens of thousands of possible wars, decline to seize each other's assets, and neglect to shoot down each other's satellites or to refuse incoming travelers, mail, or television signals. Most countries, most of the time, coexist without violence in an increasingly complicated, uncontrollable world. Peace is, apparently, in their interest. And it is a particular sort of peace, one that is governed by value-laden rules, not one enforced solely by coercion and fear. This course examines the ways that powerful countries have historically sought to forge and entrench cooperation: international treaties, international law, international organizations, and universalized values. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: two medium-length papers, one weighty quiz, one final exam; active and constructive participation in class discussion.
International Relations Subfield