Environmental and political crises have devastated populations throughout human history, but became a global political problem only in the twentieth century. This course will examine the origins of, and changing international responses to, humanitarian disasters in a variety of countries and regions. Cases covered include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, the Sudan, Somalia, Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Kosovo. Each of these crises has been handled by a combination of private and public, national and international agencies, whose interactions are complex, and which have left an enduring legacy for local institutions. We will examine how the international response to disaster has evolved-why we have done what we have, but no more. Seminar/discussion format. Requirements: one paper describing and analyzing the result of the student's attempt to achieve refugee status in two countries; one 5- to 7-page comparative paper; one final research paper; weekly short responses to readings; active and constructive participation in class discussions. Prerequisites: two classes in Political Science or junior or senior standing. International Relations Subfield