POL 120 - International Relations

Upper Division

Although the phenomenon of conflict and war has been the primary focus of international relations, the global political system remains lacking in organization and stability. Interstate violence and involvement of non-state actors and sub-state actors in armed conflict seems to be on the rise. On the other hand, attempts at political, economic, social, and environmental co-operation among states also continue, albeit at a slower pace. The course addresses this complex and mixed nature of modern international relations. The course examines schools of thought that have impacted analysis of international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism and feminism. The course explores theoretical frameworks of international relations in an attempt to understand how, why, and where the national interests of some actors collide and others coalesce.

Course credits: 1