INR 429: Advanced Topics in International Relations

This course examines theories of conflict and cooperation in contemporary world politics. During the first half of the semester we will examine the core concepts and assumptions of several (but not all) contemporary theories of international relations. Specifically, we will examine basic and advanced theoretical approaches to understanding the changing nature of the state system and state behavior, the instruments of national power, the role of international regimes and institutions, and the emerging role of non-state actors in global politics. During the second half of the semester, we will evaluate these concepts, assumptions and theories by asking how well these approaches help us understand contemporary international policy issues.