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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 209-2"
COURSE NAME: "World Politics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Luigi Sensi
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 11:30 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: TBD
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the theory and practice of international affairs, this course discusses the main schools of world politics as well as actors, structures and institutions of international relations. Through this framework the course explores key conflicts and issues in the post-World War II era, including problems of war, armed conflict, and peace, and the impact of recent trends in globalization on world politics.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Summary of Course Content

This course offers us the opportunity to explore questions regarding world politics with the help of scholars who have studied international relations from a variety of perspectives. As we contemplate the different explanations proposed by them we will attempt to apply them to recent historical events and current affairs.

The first part of the course will focus on key concepts, theories and approaches used in the study of world politics. We will weigh the importance of national power, non-state actors, international structures and processes, national interest, complex interdependence. We will sample writings from the leading proponents of realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism and dependency theory. In parallel to our theoretical review we shall refresh our understanding of recent historical phenomena and key events such as imperialism, the two world wars, the Cold War and its aftermath. In our efforts to explain the later we will distinguish between types of causal factors according to whether they pertain to the international system as a whole, the domestic environment of the states involved or the personalities of their leaders. We will also borrow tools from the anthropologists and psychologists in an attempt to make sense of the marked variance, across historical and political contexts, in the incidence of individual and politically organized violence.

The second part will be devoted to analyzing the interplay of conflict and cooperation that characterizes contemporary world politics and to interpreting the relevant trends. We will study how international law, international regimes, global and regional institutions contribute to managing international competition and bringing under control. We shall investigate the causes of the most egregious of all failures of cooperation, war.

In the third part of the class we will turn our attention to the challenges posed by recent developments such as transnational terrorism, large scale human rights abuse and third party intervention, and nuclear proliferation.  We will conclude by formulating predictions about alternative future scenarios based on our understanding of the current trends and of the lessons of history.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE TOPICS WE SHALL ADDRESS:





  • CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THEORY AND HISTORY

  • KEY CONCEPTS: INTERNATIONAL ACTORS, THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM, POWER AND THE NATIONAL INTEREST

  • KEY CONCEPTS: IMPERIALISM

  • KEY CONCEPTS: LEVELS OF ANALYSIS

  • KEY CONCEPTS: THE BALANCE OF POWER

  • THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS: A FIRST CUT

  • THE POLITICAL SCIENTIST'S LABORATORY: HISTORY

  • -- World War One

  • -- World War Two and the failure of the collective security system

  • -- The Cold War and its aftermath

  • THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS: A SECOND CUT:

  • --Classical and Neo-Realism

  • --Liberalism, Neo-Liberalism and Complex Interdependence

  • --Marxism and Dependency Theories

  • --Constructivism

  • THE HUMAN FACTOR: ANTHROPOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

  • COOPERATION IN WORLD POLITICS:

  • --International law and international regimes

  • --Global and Regional Institutions

  • IS INTERSTATE WAR GOING OUT OF FASHION?

  • INTERNATIONALIZED CIVIL WARS AND OTHER NEW THREATS TO GLOBAL STABILITY:

  • --Civil Wars, Human Rights and Third Party Interventions

  • --Terrorism: Transnational and Local

  • --Weapons of Mass Destruction

ALTERNATIVE FUTURE SCENARIOS




LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 

Learning outcomes:

As we set sail in the troubled waters of world politics, our objective is to pick up the following during our journey:

a) a better understanding of some of the most interesting international events that have marked recent human history;

b) insight into the key theoretical approaches developed by leading international relations scholars;

c) the capacity to use principles and methodologies of different theories of international relations to shed light on international phenomena. 

 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: An Introduction to Theory and HistoryJoseph Nye and David WelchPearson (2013 Ninth Edition)13:978-0-205-85163-8     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Classic Readings and Contemporary Debates in International RelationsPhil Williams, Donald M. Goldstein, Jay M. ShafritzThomson Wadsworth (2006 THIRD Edition)0-534-63189-4  
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has DeclinedSteven PinkerPenguin (2011)978-0-14-312201-2  
The Twentieth Century World and Beyond: An International History since 1900William R. KeylorOxford University Press (2010 FIFTH Edition)978-0-19-539979-0  
A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of GenocideSamantha PowerHarper Collins (2003)0-00-717299-0  
The One Percent Doctrine: Deep Inside America's Pursuit of Its Enemies Since 9/11Ron SuskindSimon & Schuster (2006)13:978-0-7432-7109-7  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
TWO in-class exercises 20% aggregate
class participation 20%
mid-term exam 20%
final exam 40%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cour
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY















You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until December 11, 2015.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Week 1

WHAT IS WORLD POLITICS?

“Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: Introduction to Theory and History”, by Joseph Nye and David Welch, 2013 Ninth Edition, Pearson (UGCC), pp. 2-16

CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THEORY AND HISTORY

“The Peloponnesian War” pp. 16-24 of UGCC

Thucydides, “The Peloponnesian War and the Melian Debate”, pp. 40-48 of “Classic Readings and Contemporary Debates in International Relations”, by Phil Williams, Donald M. Goldstein and jay M. Shafritz, 2006 Third Edition, Thomson Wadsworth (CRCD)

Week 2

KEY CONCEPTS: INTERNATIONAL ACTORS, THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM, POWER AND THE NATIONAL INTEREST

UGCC, pp. 38-52

“Prologue to the Twentieth Century”, pp. 1-16 of “The Twentieth Century World and Beyond: An International History Since 1900” by William R. Keylor, 2010 Fifth Edition, Oxford University Press (TCWB).

KEY CONCEPTS: IMPERIALISM

TCWB pp. 16-36

Hobson, “The Economic Taproots of Imperialism”, pp. 73-76 of CRCD

Additional suggested readings: "The Imperialism of Free Trade", by John Gallagher and Ronald Robinson, The Economic History Review, 2nd series, Vol. 6, N.1, 1953.

Week 3

KEY CONCEPTS: LEVELS OF ANALYSIS

“Levels of Analysis”, pp. 52-62 of UGCC

J. David Singer, “The Level-of-Analysis problem in International Relations”, CRCD pp. 133-147

THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS: A FIRST CUT

 “Paradigms and Theories”, UGCC pp. 62-76

Suggested Additional Readings: Ole Holsti, "Models of International Relations and Foreign Policy", in CRCD pp. 147-171

Week 4

WORLD WAR I

TCWB pp. 39-65

THE BALANCE OF POWER: THEORIES, HISTORICAL EXAMPLES, CRITIQUES

“The balance of Power”, UGCC pp. 81-94

“Explaining World War I”, UGCC pp. 94-111

A.F.K. Organski, “Criticism of Balance of Power Theory”, CRCD pp. 285-289

Additional suggested readings:

Kenneth Waltz, “The Stability of a Bipolar World”, CRCD pp. 98-106

Karl W. Deutsch and J. David Singer, “Multipolar Power Systems and International Stability”, CRCD pp. 106-109

Hans J. Morgenthau, “The Balance of Power”, CRCD pp. 281-285

Week 5

WORLD WAR TWO AND THE FAILURE OF THE COLLECTIVE SECURITY SYSTEM

UGCC, pp. 111-141

THE COLD WAR

UGCC, pp. 141-192

Week 6

THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS: A SECOND CUT

Classical and Neo-Realism

Thomas Hobbes, “Relations Among Sovereigns”, pp. 49-53 of CRCD

E.H. Carr, "The Realist Critique and the Limitations of Realism”, pp.53-57 of CRCD

Kenneth Watz, “The Origins of War in Neorealist Theory”, CRCD pp. 63-73.

Liberalism, Neo-Liberalism and Complex Interdependence

Michael W. Doyle, “Kant’s Perpetual Peace”, CRCD pp. 19-32

UGCC, pp. 254-284

Week 7

Marxism and Dependency Theories

Stephen Krasner, “Two Alternative Perspectives: Marxism and Liberalism”, CRCD pp. 76-81

Theotonio Dos Santos, “The Struggle of Dependence”, CRCD pp. 81-90

Wednesday, October 14th: MIDTERM EXAM 

Week 8

Constructivism

Alexander Wendt, “Anarchy Is What States Make of It”, CRCD pp. 352-374

THE HUMAN FACTOR: ANTHROPOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

“The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined”, by Steven Pinker, 2011 Pearson, pp. XXI-XXVI (Preface), and pp. 31-58 (The Pacification Process)

Week 9

“The Better Angels of Our nature”, pp. 161-168 (the decline of major wars), and pp. 361-377 (Where Angels Fear to Tread).

Additional suggested readings:

Chapters 8 and 9 of “The Better Angels of Our Nature”

***===***

Robert Jervis, “War and Misperception”, CRCD pp. 485-506

Additional suggested readings:

Dean G. Pruitt and Richard C. Snyder, “Motives and Perceptions Underlying Entry into War”, CRCD pp. 465-485

Week 10

COOPERATION IN WORLD POLITICS

International law and international regimes

UGCC pp. 192-206

Robert Keohane, “Cooperation and International Regimes”, CRCD pp. 320-331

Global and Regional Institutions

Chapter 1 of “The United Nations and Changing World Politics”, (2014 Seventh Edition) by Thomas G. Weiss, David P. Forsythe, Roger A, Coate and Kelly-Kate Pease, Westview Press (on Reserve)

Additional suggested readings:

Michael Barnett and Martha Finnemore, “The Politics, Power and Pathology of international Organizations”, CRCD pp. 221-244

Week 11

IS INTERSTATE WAR GOING OUT OF FASHION?

“Interstate Conflicts: Current Flashpoints”, UGCC pp. 218-253

***===***

Kenneth Waltz, “International Conflict and International Anarchy: The Third Image”, CRCD pp. 260-262

Robert Gilpin, “The Theory of Hegemonic War”, CRCD pp. 263-268

Christopher F. Chivvis, “The Baltic Balance: How to reduce the chances of war in Europe”, in Foreign Affairs, July 1, 2015

Week 12

INTERNATIONALIZED CIVIL WARS AND NEW THREATS TO GLOBAL STABILITY

Civil Wars, Human Rights and Third Party Interventions

Samantha Power, “Rwanda: Mostly in a Listening Mode”, chapter 10 of “A problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide” by Samantha Power (2003, Harper Collins)

UGCC pp. 206-218

Benjamin Valentino (2011), “The True Costs of Humanitarian Intervention: the hard truth about a noble notion”, Foreign Affairs Nov/Dec 2011

Week 13

Terrorism: Transnational and Local

Steven Pinker, “The Trajectory of Terrorism”, in “The Better Angels of Our Nature”, pp. 344-361

Ron Suskind, “The One Percent Doctrine: Deep Inside America’s Pursuit of Its Enemies Since 9/11”, 2006 Simon and Schuster, pp. 26-28, 42-49, 61-72.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Handout on WMDs and the nuclear non-proliferation regime

Week 14

ALTERNATIVE FUTURE SCENARIOS

UGCC pp. 315-348

FINAL REVIEW