POL2207H1S L0101

Undergraduate Course Code: POL466H1S L0101

Topics in International Politics III

Advanced Topics in International Security

Themes

This course covers contemporary topics in International Security, with an overarching focus on changes in the global balance of power. The course specifically examines scholarship on American hegemonic decline, Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, and rising Chinese power in the Asia-Pacific; however, the course material also looks at the effect of these system-level changes among the great powers on other countries across the world. Other pertinent topics covered in the course include strategic alliances, proxy warfare, international interventions, and complex civil wars.

To address these important questions in International Security, this course engages the literatures on great power competition, international interventions, negotiated settlements, and civil wars. This course is an advanced fourth year undergraduate seminar that assumes a strong foundation in International Relations theory. Previous coursework in International Security is strongly recommended. Reading, writing, teamwork, participation, and presentations are required. There is no final exam.

Texts

Academic articles only. All resources are available online. No books are required for purchase.

Format and Requirements

Quizzes: 20%; Précises: 10%; Participation: 20%; Research paper proposal: 10%; Research presentation: 10%; Final paper: 30%