Political
Studies 104: International Relations
Prof. Baruah
Wed, Fri 3:00-4:20
The course introduces basic concepts of International Relations as a field
of study. It is organized around the question: how is world order maintained?
Projects to create world order are necessarily fraught with tension and
conflict. The course will examine the role of military power, alliance
systems, international organizations, and international law. The rules
and institutions that govern global cooperation in areas such as trade,
economic development, environmental policy, human rights or health-care
will be among our concerns. Are we seeing the emergence of a new world
order? Would it be different from the world order that prevailed during
the second half of the 20th century? What are the consequences of civil
conflicts, state failure, and international terrorism for world order?
What are the implications of the Bush administration's new national security
posture of pre-emptive action against hostile states? The goal of the
course will be to learn to think theoretically about "current events." |
