Introduction to International Politics
Introduction to International Politics GOVT 132 A01 Summer 2013 GMU Eric Shiraev, Ph.D. e-mail: [email protected] CLASS MEETS: OFFICE HOURS: @ R A201 after class or by appointment Class 7:00 pm - 10:05 pm MWF Planetary Hall 129 May 20, 2013 - Jun 21, 2013
DESCRIPTION: This course is a comparative, critical, and interdisciplinary inquiry into the fields of international politics to examine how states and international organizations pursue and protect their interests. Attention is given to most significant events in the past as well as most recent developments. Even an abridged list of the issues related to international relations and politics can be overwhelming, but several topics remain prominent. We will discuss diplomacy, war and conflict resolution, national and international security, decision-making, international law, international political economy, terrorism, humanitarian and environmental policies. We will turn to political identity and culture, public opinion, and demographic trends. We will discuss if democracy is exportable. We will see how politicians’ individual choices changed global politics and history. Many questions will be asked. Does the world need a global government? Will the falling fertility rates affect international politics and in which ways? Has the battle against climate change been already lost? And should the world accept different environmental strategies instead? Is global prosperity achievable? The list of class discussions will be expanded and you are welcome to contribute to it.
REQUIREMENTS: The final grade will be based on your scores in four exams. The exams⎯May 31, June 7, June 14, and June 21 (the final)⎯will consist of multiple-choice questions. See grading policies below. See also posted lecture slides and study guides (Blackboard) for specific details related to the exams.
Text: E. Shiraev and V. Zubok. 2013. International Relations. New York: Oxford University Press.
Extra Credit: Extra points can be earned and added to your total score for completing an elective assignment. The topics are posted. Submit in person. The deadline for extra-credit work: June 19, class time. No extensions. Talk to professor for details if necessary. Grading. Each test is worth 25 points. To receive a(n): A+ you must earn at least 97 points, A you must earn at least 93 points, A- you must earn at least 90 points, B+ you must earn at least 88 points, B you must earn at least 83 points, B- you must earn at least 80 points, C+ you must earn at least 78 points, C you must earn at least 73 points. C- you must earn at least 70 points, D you must earn at least 60 points. An A+ grade may not be earned by extra credit work.
Test Grading: 24-25 points=A; 23 points=A-; 22-21=B; 20=B-; 18-19=C; 17=C-; 13-16=D. One point is earned—if answered correctly—for two multiple choice questions.
Student members of the George Mason University must follow the provisions of the Honor Code. They pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work. All work submitted to fulfill course requirements is to be solely the product of the individual(s) whose name(s) appears on it. Except with permission of the instructor, no recourse is to be had to projects, papers, lab reports or any other written work previously prepared by another student, and except with permission of the instructor no paper or work of any type submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of another course may be used a second time to satisfy a requirement of any course in the Department. No assistance is to be obtained from commercial organizations, which sell or lease research help or written papers. With respect to all written work as appropriate, proper footnotes and attribution are required. If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 703-993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office. The instructor for this course reserves the right to enter a failing grade to any student found guilty of an honor code violation. Last day to drop: May 31
Schedule and Contents Session 1. Read: Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4. Study posted materials. Test 1: May 31. Introducing International Relations and Politics. What do we study? Key definitions. Main actors, institutions, and issues. States, sovereignty, diplomacy, and international organizations. Education and careers in international relations and foreign policy. How do we study and analyze international politics and international relations (IR)? Applying our knowledge of international politics: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: Can democracy be exported? The Realist Perspective. What do we study? Key definitions. Understanding Power in International Relations. The development of Realism. Intarnational order. The rise and fall of great powers. How great powers evolve. How do we think about and study power? Realpolitik. War. Nonmilitary responses. Neorealism. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Liberal Perspective. What do we study? Key definitions. The developments and many faces of Liberalism. Early attempts to implement liberal principles. How do we think about and study liberal principles of international politics? The obsolescence of big wars, diplomacy, democratic peace, and soft power. International institutions and NGOs. The spectrum of liberalism. Illiberal views. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: The European Community and the limits of the liberal project. Alternative Views. What do we study? Key definitions. How do we think about and study international relations and politics from alternative perspectives? The Constructivist View. Socially constructed meanings, three types of international environment, and history lessons. Conflict approaches. Marxism, Dependency theory and world-systems views, the politics of gender, race, and ethnic conflict. Political psychology. Rational and biased decisions, group pressure, and socialization. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: The Cuban Missile Crisis. Session 2. Read: Chapters 5, 6, and 7. Study posted materials. Test 2: June 7. International Security. What do we study? Key definitions. Security, war, and security policies. How do we think about and study security? Realism. The security dilemma, nuclear deterrence, the domino theory, and security regimes. Liberalism. International organizations and the security community. Constructivism, conflict, and alternative approaches. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Psychology, ideology, public opinion, lobbying, regional security, and geopolitics. Past, present, and future: Ending the Cold War. International Law. What do we study? Key definitions. Law and the role of IGOs. Principles, sources, and the development of international law. Early legal institutions. From the League of Nations to the United Nations. How do we think about and study international law? The Realist view. Soveeignty, state interests, and law enforcement. The Liberal view. Extraterritoriality, supranationalism, and the universal jurisdiction. Constructivism and other views. Ideology, perceptions, and conflict. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: War crimes, genocide, and the legacy of Nuremberg. International Political Economy. What do we study? Key definitions. The major factors of international political economy (IPE). How do we think about and study IPE? Mercantilism. Economic liberalism: the roots and principles. The Keynesian challenge. International organizations and trade agreements. Constructivism. National purpose and economic climate. Conflict theories. Marxism, economic dependency, and fair trade. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Leadership, microeconomics, domestic politics, international institutions, global poverty, and global interdependence. Past, present, and future: The “Beijing Miracle”.
Session 3. Read: Chapters 8, 9, and 10. Study posted materials. Test 3: June 14. International Terrorism. What do we study? Key definitions. Why definitions are important. How terrorism works. In the name of what? Anarchism, extreme nationalism, radical Socialism, and religious fundamentalism. How do we think about and study international terrorism? The Realist view. Power balance, assymmetrical threats, and counterterrorism. The Liberal view. Understanding causes and criminalizing terrorism. The Constructivist and other views. Three pillars of terrorism. Ideology and identity. Conflict. Political socialization. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. The terrorist’s profile. Rehabilitation. Domestic costs. Democratic governance. Terrorism’s global waves. Global counterterrorism. Past, present, and future: Al Qaeda. Environmental Problems and International Politics. What do we study? Key definitions. Environmental problems. Disasters and accidents. Environmental policies. Restriction and regulation, green investments, comprehensive policies, and their implementation. How do we think about and study environmental issues? Realism. Environmental disasters, conflict and security. The global commons. Liberalism. International treaties and organizations. NGOs. Public awareness. Constructivism and alternative views. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Environmentalism and skepticism. Leadership, national purpose, and partisan politics. Environment and business. The need for global efforts. Past, present, and future: Greenpeace. Humanitarian Problems. What do we study? Key definitions. Humanitarian problems and their causes. Natural disasters, mismanagement, politics, mass violence, and extreme poverty. Humanitarian policies: intervention, relief efforts, crisis prevention, population policies, ant-poverty and refugee policies. How do we think about and study humanitariann issues? Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and alternative approaches. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Leaders’ choices, political climate, new and evolving concerns, efficiency of aid, and sustainability of success. Past, present, and future: Celebrity activism. Session 4. Read: Chapters 11 and 12. Study posted materials. Test 4 (final): June 21, 7:00 pm. Hearts and Minds: Identity and Political Culture. What do we study? Key definitions. Values and identities. Political culture. Cultures as civilizations. Political attitudes. Nationalism, xenophobia, tribalism, and fundamentalism. How do we think about and study the identity factors in IR? Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and alternative approaches. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Visionaries and fanatics. Political mobilization. Collective experiences. State unity. Economic leverage and democratic norms. Toward a global political culture and resistance to globalization. Hybrid political cultures. Will cultures clash? Past, present, and future: China’s changing identity and global politics. Forecasting the World of 2025. What do we study? Key definitions. Prophecies and predictions. Sovereign states. IGOs and NGOs. Multipolarity and alliances. Bolivarianism, pan-Africanism, panArabism, pan-Slavism, pan-Islamism, South and East Asia, Russia and the post-Soviet space. How do we think about and study the identity forecasts? Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and conflict approaches. The United States. The European Union. China. Brazil. Turkey. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Marxism, modernization theories, democratic transition theories, theories of scarcity, the clash of civilization, the “rise and fall” theories. A glimpse into the future. Overview of the Course. About 50% of the test questions are from Sessions 1-3; topics are posted.
DESCRIPTION: This course is a comparative, critical, and interdisciplinary inquiry into the fields of international politics to examine how states and international organizations pursue and protect their interests. Attention is given to most significant events in the past as well as most recent developments. Even an abridged list of the issues related to international relations and politics can be overwhelming, but several topics remain prominent. We will discuss diplomacy, war and conflict resolution, national and international security, decision-making, international law, international political economy, terrorism, humanitarian and environmental policies. We will turn to political identity and culture, public opinion, and demographic trends. We will discuss if democracy is exportable. We will see how politicians’ individual choices changed global politics and history. Many questions will be asked. Does the world need a global government? Will the falling fertility rates affect international politics and in which ways? Has the battle against climate change been already lost? And should the world accept different environmental strategies instead? Is global prosperity achievable? The list of class discussions will be expanded and you are welcome to contribute to it.
REQUIREMENTS: The final grade will be based on your scores in four exams. The exams⎯May 31, June 7, June 14, and June 21 (the final)⎯will consist of multiple-choice questions. See grading policies below. See also posted lecture slides and study guides (Blackboard) for specific details related to the exams.
Text: E. Shiraev and V. Zubok. 2013. International Relations. New York: Oxford University Press.
Extra Credit: Extra points can be earned and added to your total score for completing an elective assignment. The topics are posted. Submit in person. The deadline for extra-credit work: June 19, class time. No extensions. Talk to professor for details if necessary. Grading. Each test is worth 25 points. To receive a(n): A+ you must earn at least 97 points, A you must earn at least 93 points, A- you must earn at least 90 points, B+ you must earn at least 88 points, B you must earn at least 83 points, B- you must earn at least 80 points, C+ you must earn at least 78 points, C you must earn at least 73 points. C- you must earn at least 70 points, D you must earn at least 60 points. An A+ grade may not be earned by extra credit work.
Test Grading: 24-25 points=A; 23 points=A-; 22-21=B; 20=B-; 18-19=C; 17=C-; 13-16=D. One point is earned—if answered correctly—for two multiple choice questions.
Student members of the George Mason University must follow the provisions of the Honor Code. They pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work. All work submitted to fulfill course requirements is to be solely the product of the individual(s) whose name(s) appears on it. Except with permission of the instructor, no recourse is to be had to projects, papers, lab reports or any other written work previously prepared by another student, and except with permission of the instructor no paper or work of any type submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of another course may be used a second time to satisfy a requirement of any course in the Department. No assistance is to be obtained from commercial organizations, which sell or lease research help or written papers. With respect to all written work as appropriate, proper footnotes and attribution are required. If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 703-993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office. The instructor for this course reserves the right to enter a failing grade to any student found guilty of an honor code violation. Last day to drop: May 31
Schedule and Contents Session 1. Read: Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4. Study posted materials. Test 1: May 31. Introducing International Relations and Politics. What do we study? Key definitions. Main actors, institutions, and issues. States, sovereignty, diplomacy, and international organizations. Education and careers in international relations and foreign policy. How do we study and analyze international politics and international relations (IR)? Applying our knowledge of international politics: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: Can democracy be exported? The Realist Perspective. What do we study? Key definitions. Understanding Power in International Relations. The development of Realism. Intarnational order. The rise and fall of great powers. How great powers evolve. How do we think about and study power? Realpolitik. War. Nonmilitary responses. Neorealism. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Liberal Perspective. What do we study? Key definitions. The developments and many faces of Liberalism. Early attempts to implement liberal principles. How do we think about and study liberal principles of international politics? The obsolescence of big wars, diplomacy, democratic peace, and soft power. International institutions and NGOs. The spectrum of liberalism. Illiberal views. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: The European Community and the limits of the liberal project. Alternative Views. What do we study? Key definitions. How do we think about and study international relations and politics from alternative perspectives? The Constructivist View. Socially constructed meanings, three types of international environment, and history lessons. Conflict approaches. Marxism, Dependency theory and world-systems views, the politics of gender, race, and ethnic conflict. Political psychology. Rational and biased decisions, group pressure, and socialization. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: The Cuban Missile Crisis. Session 2. Read: Chapters 5, 6, and 7. Study posted materials. Test 2: June 7. International Security. What do we study? Key definitions. Security, war, and security policies. How do we think about and study security? Realism. The security dilemma, nuclear deterrence, the domino theory, and security regimes. Liberalism. International organizations and the security community. Constructivism, conflict, and alternative approaches. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Psychology, ideology, public opinion, lobbying, regional security, and geopolitics. Past, present, and future: Ending the Cold War. International Law. What do we study? Key definitions. Law and the role of IGOs. Principles, sources, and the development of international law. Early legal institutions. From the League of Nations to the United Nations. How do we think about and study international law? The Realist view. Soveeignty, state interests, and law enforcement. The Liberal view. Extraterritoriality, supranationalism, and the universal jurisdiction. Constructivism and other views. Ideology, perceptions, and conflict. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Past, present, and future: War crimes, genocide, and the legacy of Nuremberg. International Political Economy. What do we study? Key definitions. The major factors of international political economy (IPE). How do we think about and study IPE? Mercantilism. Economic liberalism: the roots and principles. The Keynesian challenge. International organizations and trade agreements. Constructivism. National purpose and economic climate. Conflict theories. Marxism, economic dependency, and fair trade. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Leadership, microeconomics, domestic politics, international institutions, global poverty, and global interdependence. Past, present, and future: The “Beijing Miracle”.
Session 3. Read: Chapters 8, 9, and 10. Study posted materials. Test 3: June 14. International Terrorism. What do we study? Key definitions. Why definitions are important. How terrorism works. In the name of what? Anarchism, extreme nationalism, radical Socialism, and religious fundamentalism. How do we think about and study international terrorism? The Realist view. Power balance, assymmetrical threats, and counterterrorism. The Liberal view. Understanding causes and criminalizing terrorism. The Constructivist and other views. Three pillars of terrorism. Ideology and identity. Conflict. Political socialization. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. The terrorist’s profile. Rehabilitation. Domestic costs. Democratic governance. Terrorism’s global waves. Global counterterrorism. Past, present, and future: Al Qaeda. Environmental Problems and International Politics. What do we study? Key definitions. Environmental problems. Disasters and accidents. Environmental policies. Restriction and regulation, green investments, comprehensive policies, and their implementation. How do we think about and study environmental issues? Realism. Environmental disasters, conflict and security. The global commons. Liberalism. International treaties and organizations. NGOs. Public awareness. Constructivism and alternative views. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Environmentalism and skepticism. Leadership, national purpose, and partisan politics. Environment and business. The need for global efforts. Past, present, and future: Greenpeace. Humanitarian Problems. What do we study? Key definitions. Humanitarian problems and their causes. Natural disasters, mismanagement, politics, mass violence, and extreme poverty. Humanitarian policies: intervention, relief efforts, crisis prevention, population policies, ant-poverty and refugee policies. How do we think about and study humanitariann issues? Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and alternative approaches. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Leaders’ choices, political climate, new and evolving concerns, efficiency of aid, and sustainability of success. Past, present, and future: Celebrity activism. Session 4. Read: Chapters 11 and 12. Study posted materials. Test 4 (final): June 21, 7:00 pm. Hearts and Minds: Identity and Political Culture. What do we study? Key definitions. Values and identities. Political culture. Cultures as civilizations. Political attitudes. Nationalism, xenophobia, tribalism, and fundamentalism. How do we think about and study the identity factors in IR? Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and alternative approaches. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Visionaries and fanatics. Political mobilization. Collective experiences. State unity. Economic leverage and democratic norms. Toward a global political culture and resistance to globalization. Hybrid political cultures. Will cultures clash? Past, present, and future: China’s changing identity and global politics. Forecasting the World of 2025. What do we study? Key definitions. Prophecies and predictions. Sovereign states. IGOs and NGOs. Multipolarity and alliances. Bolivarianism, pan-Africanism, panArabism, pan-Slavism, pan-Islamism, South and East Asia, Russia and the post-Soviet space. How do we think about and study the identity forecasts? Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and conflict approaches. The United States. The European Union. China. Brazil. Turkey. Applying our knowledge: the individual, the state, and the global contexts. Marxism, modernization theories, democratic transition theories, theories of scarcity, the clash of civilization, the “rise and fall” theories. A glimpse into the future. Overview of the Course. About 50% of the test questions are from Sessions 1-3; topics are posted.
