PS 205 International Relations

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces world politics and international relations. Deals with the nature of global conflict, nationalism, U.S. foreign policy, the role of multinational corporations in international decision making, North-South relations, and the mechanisms of conflict resolution between nations. Examines current global issues facing nation-states and helps students think critically about the challenges faced by the United States in an era of globalization.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Define international politics and its relationship to international relations.
Interpret the interrelation between what a nation perceives and its self-interest and foreign policy decisions.
Describe broad international issues and equate them with global events.
Illustrate the international decision making process available for conflict resolution.
Discuss international law in relation to treaties, sanctions and the future of the world.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior.
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.

Content Outline

Introduction: Political Science, Methodology, Theory
Cold War: Before, During, After
- Power systems in transformation
- European balance of power
- America’s changing national interests
- United States and Vietnam
- United States as World Leader
- From Russia to the Soviet Union
- From the Soviet Union Back to Russia
North-South Relations on the International Stage
- From colonialism to decolonization
- Warfare in the Holy Land
- Oil and turmoil: the Persian Gulf region
- Latin America
- Africa
- India
- Economic Development: the rich and the poor
Eternal Threat of War
- Historical overview and power dilemmas
- Micro and macro theories behind war
- National security: how states protect themselves
- Nuclear politics on the international stage
- Challenges of global terrorism
Economic Blocs
- Alliances: NATO, European Union, others
- Europe and America
- Asia: China, Japan, North and South Korea
- United States and globalization
Politics of a New World
- Diplomacy as a concept
- Conflict resolution on the international stage
- International law
- The United Nations
- The role of food, energy, and water
International Relations: Breakdown
- Nation-state
- Concept of national sovereignty
- Political ideology and the nation-state
International Scene
- Historical overview of super-power development
- Ideological basis of the Cold War
- State systems and shifting power - break up of the Soviet Union
Nation-State Perspective
- Soviet view
- United States view
- Third World view
Economics and International Politics
- Capitalism and development
- Socialism and developing nations
- Economics and foreign policy
International Foreign Policy
- Development and underdevelopment
- Nationalism and Third World dependency
- Multinational corporations
The Multinationals and Foreign Policy
- Latin America
- Asia
- Africa
- Middle-East
Foreign Policy and Foreign Aid
- Super-power competition
- Breakdown of foreign aid distribution
- P.L. 480 and military aid
- Diplomacy, conflict, and trade
Military Aid and International Development
- World population and economic development
- Military spending and poverty
- Conflicts in the developing world
Toward a Global Perspective
- Nation-state in a world federation
- Development and environment limitations
- Changing our world view