PSCI 120(F,S) World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations

International politics differs from domestic politics in the absence of centralized, legitimate institutions. Anarchy characterizes the world of sovereign states-there is no world government, nor agreement that one is desirable or even possible. This lack of a common authority means that any dispute among countries is up to the countries themselves to settle, by negotiating, appealing to shared norms, or using force. For this reason, while international relations involves many of the same topics that consume domestic politics-ethnic antagonisms, spending on aid, war, national identity, inequality, weapons manufacture, finance, loans, pollution, migration-it shares few of the same processes for dealing with them. This course covers problems central to international relations. It considers the importance that this radical decentralization has for achieving values we hold, and examines processes that might undermine or support the anarchical system in which we live. Requirements: depending on the instructor, either two papers and a final exam, or three papers, active and constructive participation in class discussions.
No prerequisites.

Hour:  First Semester: BARKIN, MACDONALD Second Semester: CRANE, MCALLISTER