STATES IN THE WORLD: COMPARATIVE FOREIGN POLICY

POLISCI 342

Exploration of state-building: examining how states are formed, how they develop and maintain political power, and the ways in which they shape society. Draw on insights from political science, but also economics, history, and anthropology, to learn about the processes of state formation, the importance of state capacity, and the state's role in war, governance, and social justice. Topics will include the relationship between the state and issues like the environment, gender, and identity, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities states face in a rapidly changing world. Analysis of historical and contemporary examples from various political systems yields insights into the state's role as both a force for order and a driver of social change. Lectures, discussions, and case studies, will lead to a deeper understanding of the state's central role in global politics and everyday life.

POLISCI 140

Covers the major issues in international relations since the end of World War II including: the causes of war; civil wars and ethnic conflict; economic development; international trade; exchange rates and international monetary relations; international capital flows and financial crises; foreign direct investment; globalization and the environment; the UN, the IMF, World Bank, WTO, and other international organizations; and international law and human rights. The focus is on states' relations with each other and the factors determining the nature and outcomes of these international interactions. The course seeks to develop analytical tools for thinking about important questions in world politics regardless of the countries or issues involved, to examine international affairs in a systematic way. Students who have taken POLI SCI 103 prior to Fall 2017 may not enroll in this course.

POLISCI 359

This course undertakes a historical and analytical approach to U.S. foreign policy since World War II. The course is divided into three main topics: U.S. Foreign Policy since World War II and the evolution of U.S. policy and the impetus behind important foreign policy choices; The people and institutions and processes that guide foreign policy formation and implementation; And the more salient foreign policy challenges facing the U.S. in the 21st century including how the US has responded to the attacks of September 11, 2001, the effectiveness of foreign aid policy.

POLISCI 348

Focuses on how to analyze problems in international politics by the use of game theory. Examples include governments making choices about the size of their military forces, barriers to trade, or international agreements on environmental issues. Analysts study strategic interaction using both informal and mathematical methods. Provides a good introduction to the basics of game theory -- a tool useful in many different settings -- as well as an introduction to the study of world politics. From the perspective of quantitative reasoning, one of the most important set of lessons center on the logic of strategic interaction and the notion of equilibrium. Along with basic game theory students will also be introduced to the pragmatic use of mathematical tools including algebra, set theory, functions, and probability theory. Not open to students with credit for POLI SCI 376 prior to fall 2017

POLISCI 940

Examines how domestic institutions and processes influence the international system. Also examines how international forces influence domestic politics in the areas of foreign policy, international political economy and security.