Introduction to Global Politics

POS 1002

Why do states go to war? Why do they cooperate? What roles do individuals, institutions, structures, and ideas play in these and other decisions? Do non-state actors like corporations and the UN matter? This course provides a historically grounded introduction to the study of global politics. We will explore several of the field’s most significant theories and concepts, and use these to analyze key historical and current events. We will also discuss issues like globalization, human rights, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, international law, trade, the information revolution, and the environment. A simulation exercise is included in the course to help illustrate some of these problems.