Political Science: Intro International Relations (A)

About POLS 1500 A

Examines the major theories of international relations, important concepts in the study of international relations (such as the balance of power and democratic peace theory), dilemmas leaders face when formulating foreign policies, and current international events. Credit not awarded for both POLS 1500 and POLS 1015.

Notes

Open to Degree and PACE students. System waitlisting enabled for this section.

Section URL

14177

Section Description

This is an exciting time to be studying international relations. There is a great deal of instability and conflict in our world. First and foremost, there are many ongoing wars including the U.S./Israel war against Iran, and Russia’s war against Ukraine. Within this sea of conflict international institutions seem to be in crisis mode. NATO and the EU are experiencing unanticipated political, economic, and social consequences of expansion, including border closings in reaction to waves of refugees. Though no longer a member of the EU, Britain is increasingly working closely with EU member states to forge an alliance against various threats. The U.S. has withdrawn from critical international agreements including the Iran nuclear deal and and the TPP trade deal (Trans-Pacific Partnership). It has withdrawn from, joined, and then once again withdrawn from the Paris Climate. In recent years, key US government agencies that are symbols and instruments of America’s global influence, such as USAID, have been dismantled.

Global powers are asserting or reasserting themselves in this chaotic and unpredictable environment. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, militarily supported then-President Assad in Syria, meddled in the US 2016 elections, and launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. China continues to exert influence as it asserts its financial power abroad through the “Belt and Road Initiative,” which involves investment and infrastructure development in more than 100 countries. Trade is an increasingly controversial topic and activity. While China increases trade networks with Africa, the U.S. imposes tariffs on imported goods from China and Japan. The US and China remain deadlocked in a trade war – or is it a series of trade battles? Wars in Syria and Yemen seem to have no political solution, the Arab-Israeli conflict is ongoing, and political stability continues to evade Afghanistan as the Taliban once again governs the country. North Korea’s nuclear weapons tests present challenges to the international community but also opportunities for multilateral cooperation. The U.S./North Korea summit in 2018 was historic, but not a game changer.

Yet there are examples of cooperation between states in this sea of conflict. For example, after decades of mutual hostility and distrust, the US and Cuba are building a relationship marked by the 2015 opening of a US embassy in Havana. In 2018, NAFTA was renegotiated and the USMCA (US, Mexico, Canada Agreement) went into effect. The United States and its allies are united in efforts to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - though there are differing opinions on how this should be accomplished. Most recently, EU members agreed to grant Ukraine a 90 billion Euro loan to assist its defense capabilities.

The purpose of this course is to provide you with theoretical tools necessary to critically analyze the conflict and cooperation that characterize international relations. POLS 1500 will address a number of important questions regarding how states interact with each other, and how states interact with non-state actors such as the United Nations. We will explore competing dominant explanations for state behavior, such as realism and liberalism, as well as theories addressing the same questions including hegemonic stability theory, international regime theory, democratic peace theory, and the strategic model as it relates to terrorism.

Section Expectation

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain and differentiate between the two dominant theories of international relations: Realism and Liberalism. Students will also be able to identify the premise of hegemonic stability theory, international regime theory, and democratic peace theory. Finally, students will be able to apply Realism and Liberalism to an international event that is characterized by conflict and/or cooperation.

Evaluation

TBD but may include some or all of the following: in-class online/greenbook exams, in-class quizzes, attendance.

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

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