POL211H1F L0101
Intelligence, Disinformation, and Deception: Challenges of Global Governance in the Digital Age
Themes
This course introduces students to the study and practice of modern international relations through the lens of information and crisis decision making. Leaders and citizens alike depend on information to make political and economic decisions, but not all information can be trusted. Espionage and disinformation have a long history, but they are becoming more prominent because of the increasing interdependence of global affairs and humanity’s increasing dependence on technology. This course examines the changes created by the information revolution, comparing political and economic challenges in 21st century global governance to international politics in history. Students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate information and understand how to make sense of political complexity.
Texts
Drezner, Daniel W. Theories of International Politics and Zombies: Revived Edition. Princeton University Press, 2014.
Rid, Thomas. Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2020.
Format and Requirements
Students are expected to participate actively in course sessions and crisis simulations. Marks will be based on participation, short essays, and a final exam.
Prerequisites
4.0 credits, or 1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses