POL487H1S L0101

Topics in International Politics II

Great Power Politics

Themes

Great power politics is once again at the forefront of international politics. This course explores the drivers and dynamics of great power politics, which concerns the political relations between the most powerful nation-states in international politics. The first part of the course seeks a general theoretical understanding of the sources and patterns of great power conflict, competition, and cooperation in international politics. The second part of the course examines how factors such as ideology, domestic politics, geography, alliances, global economics, military capabilities, and grand strategy influence great power politics. The third part of the course explores the nature and stakes of great power politics in the twenty-first century, with respect to existential threats such as nuclear war, environmental degradation, and emerging technological disruption.

Texts

TBA — Various journal articles and book chapters

Format and Requirements

Mid-Term Exm (20%); Seminar Participatio (15%); Discussion Boar (15%); Strategic Policy Memorandum (20%); Analytical/Research Papr (30%)
(Note: The assignments and/or their values may change.)

Prerequisites

POL208H1 or POL208Y1 or POL209H5 or POLB80H3