Description

This course examines concepts and arguments from various theoretical traditions in international relations. During the first half of the term we will explore one of the "great debates" in the study and practice of world politics -- the debate between political realism and liberal internationalism. Although this contest has historical roots, it is very much present in contemporary disagreements over the proper conduct of American foreign policy as well as the policies pursued by other states and international actors.

The focus for the second half of the course is normative theory in international relations, including the just war tradition and theories of global civil society, as well as challenges to the mainstream schools of thought. Throughout the term we will explore the extent to which theoretical approaches apply (or can be adapted) to current developments in world politics, mostly on matters of war and peace.

Learning Objectives

The general objective of this course is to develop the student's capacity to critically examine theoretical propositions about world politics, consider the applicability of IR theory to real problems in contemporary world affairs, and communicate this analysis to others. This is to be accomplished by exposing students to a body of literature encompassing both positive and normative theory. By the end of the term, students should be able to:

• demonstrate mastery of the main theoretical approaches to the study of world politics;
• interpret historical and contemporary issues using appropriate theoretical frameworks; and
• articulate normative positions on some key ethical dilemmas in international relations.
   

Requirements and Evaluation

In this course, the main workload consists of assigned reading. Students are expected to read carefully and complete the assignments in a timely manner. Undergraduate grades are based on a midterm (40%) and a final (50%) examination. The remainder of your course grade (10%) will be based on your participation in class discussion. Attendance is required.

Readings

Three required coursebooks are available for purchase at the Portland State Bookstore:

• John J. Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (Norton, 2001).
• G. John Ikenberry, Liberal Leviathan: The Origins, Crisis, and Transformation of the American World Order (Princeton, 2011).
• Daniel W. Drezner, Theories of International Politics and Zombies (Princeton, 2011).

Other assigned readings are available online (via the PSU library website) and in the Political Science Division's reserve reading area (650P Urban Center). In addition to the assigned readings, you should be reading, on a regular basis, the New York Times, the Washington Post, or some other newspaper with thorough international coverage. Your performance in the course will reflect your familiarity with current international issues, and not just an understanding of lecture material and course readings.

CLASS SCHEDULE

• Wednesday, Guest speaker: Dr. Peter Bechtold, "U.S. Foreign Affairs Agencies: Structure and Career Opportunities"
• David Kinsella, Bruce Russett, and Harvey Starr, World Politics: The Menu for Choice (Wadsworth, 2013), chap. 2.

• Hans J. Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace, 4th ed. (Knopf, 1967), chaps. 1-3.
• Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, chaps. 1-5.
• slides

• Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, chaps. 6-8.
• Ikenberry, Liberal Leviathan, chaps. 1-2.
• slides

• Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, chaps. 9-10.
• Ikenberry, Liberal Leviathan, chaps. 3-4.
• slides

• Ikenberry, Liberal Leviathan, chaps. 5-6.

• Ikenberry, Liberal Leviathan, chaps. 7-8.
• slides

• James Turner Johnson, Morality and Contemporary Warfare (Yale, 1999), introduction, chaps. 1-2.
• Michael Walzer, Arguing About War (Yale, 2004), chaps. 1-5.
• slides
  

• Martha Finnemore, National Interests in International Society (Cornell, 1996), chaps. 1, 3, 5.
• Mary Kaldor, Global Civil Society: An Answer to War (Polity, 2003), chaps. 1, 2, 4.

• Jean Bethke Elshtain, Women and War (Chicago, 1995), chaps. 5-7.
• James Der Derian, Virtuous War: Mapping the Military-Industrial-Media-Entertainment Network (Westview, 2001), chaps. 1-2, 9.

• Drezner, Theories of International Politics and Zombies.