Are politics between states driven any differently than politics within states? Are states the only actors in international affairs? Why are there wars? Can humans stop waging them? What if they cannot? This introduction to international affairs course will enable students to move beyond the simplistic and usually implicit hypothesis that good leaders do not wage wars. Students will study fundamental theories of international relations through case studies and key topics, such as: the emergence of the nation-state international system, the role and limitations of international law, institutions and economy in pacifying international relations, polarity in the international system, proxy wars, emergence of non-state international actors, colonialism, world wars, the Cold War, international dimensions of civil wars, globalization, migrations, and international organized crime. Students will write essays applying major theories to selected cases, write literature reviews, and participate in international diplomacy simulations. Classes will start by discussing current events and they will conclude by discussing how class material applies to current events. The expected learning outcomes of this course are twofold. First, students should become familiar with the basic international relations vocabulary. Second, students should learn how to recognize implicit theoretical assumptions in media reporting and public debates concerning contemporary international politics. Both skills, commanding basic concepts and recognizing theories implicit in international relations’ debates, should empower students to competently discuss current international events and advocate particular policies. (Lecturer: Mladen Mrdalj)
