Fall/Winter Timetable

POL2205H1S L5101

Undergraduate Course Code: POL486H1S L5101

Topics in International Politics I

Democracy and the International System

Themes

This class examines the role of the international system in the development of democratic regimes. While most theories of democracy focus on internal factors like economic development, civil society, and class conflict, this course will step outside the state to focus on international influences. We will examine how external factors like wars, economic crises, cross-border diffusion, and international institutions guide domestic reforms. The main goal of the course is to connect two prominent trends in modern politics – increasing convergence among states, and increasing democratization within them – in order to promote a better understanding of each.

Texts

Course pack.

Format and Requirements

Participation, research project, take-home test