Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: INTERNATIONAL SECURITY IN A MULTIPOLAR WORLD

Department: Global Affairs

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1.5

Description: The post-Cold War international order is moving from a unipolar system to one characterized by strong interstate competition. Concepts once associated with 19th century Europe, like “the balance of power”, are demonstrating their continued relevance. Interstate conflict has been in decline, but its likelihood might increase within this more unstable system of states. This course will review the main intellectual currents in the international security subfield, with particular emphasis on the work of Barry Buzan and the English school of international relations. Students will critically apply theory to case studies on contemporary wars, nuclear proliferation, and violent substate actors such as terrorist organizations, humanitarian intervention, and peacekeeping operations. Master of Global Affairs students only.