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POL
SCI 135: International Politics |
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The study of international politics is currently undergoing a transformation that reflects changes in the international order resulting from the conclusion of the Cold War. Whereas approaches to international politics in the Cold War period focused primarily on issues of national security, the end of that conflict, coupled with major changes in the global economy, inspired hope for a world order characterized less by insecurity and more by interdependence. Thus, theories of national behavior resting on the primacy of power in international politics began to recede in favor of theories emphasizing the more cooperative aspects of state relations Today, ten years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, optimism about the future of global politics has diminished. The advent of new states has provoked new conflicts, many of them centering around centuries old animosities. The hope that the United Nations would be a centerpiece of a new world order has waned as the world organization has struggled to find the resources and consensus that would support a more assertive role The signing of major disarmament agreements between the great powers has done little to curb the proliferation of weapons to smaller states. The hoped for integration of Western Europe has been slowed by competing nationalisms, while the advent of international trade regimes has not ended conflict over competing trade policies It would appear that global shifts, as much as they have changed certain aspects of international behavior, have not affected the core reality of international politics -- the anarchic structure of international politics and the continued tendency of states to promote selfish interests 1. World Politics:International Politics on the World Stage, Brief, by John T. Rourke and Mark A. Boyer (Dushkin/McGraw-Hill, third edition) 2. Classics of International Relations, by John A. Vasquez (Prentice Hall, third edition) 1. Midterm 40% Attendance is mandatory. More than three (3) unexcused absences will
result in lowering of your grade. B. Realism v. Idealism C. Contending Theories of Foreign Policy Behavior D. Attributes of National Power E. Diplomacy MIDTERM F. Force and The Evolving International System G. Restraints in the Struggle for Power 2. International Law & Morality 3. Arms Control H. The International Economy: Source of Conflict or Cooperation I. The World of the 21st Century All students are responsible to submit a 5-7 page paper (fully footnoted) which explains a contemporary problem in American foreign policy. A sample of such topics includes: 1. Financing the United Nations In researching and writing your paper you should identify the American interest in dealing with this problem (you may conclude that no such interest exists) and propose a policy that would best serve that interest. You must consult a combination of at least five (5) books and/or journal articles A sample of journals appears below American Political Science Review
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