Debates in International Politics

This course critically examines arguments, analytical frameworks, and potential solutions for major controversies in international politics.

What are the sources of state failure? How is the global system of states evolving? How should ethics be understood amidst large scale conflict and war? What should countries do to solve global warming? Students confront these and a wide range of other key economic, security, and global controversies.

The first part of the course critically examines the structure and actors of the international system.

It also explores the challenges of nationalism, state evolution, partially independent territories, and global governance.

The course then investigates questions of international cooperation regarding nuclear weapons, international injustice, environmental degradation, and military intervention.