Course information

This course is designed to provide an introduction to some of the major theoretical perspectives for studying how states and peoples behave and interact.  No prior background in international relations is assumed or required. Students will acquire some basic analytical tools for understanding and explaining a wide array of international phenomena, including war, environmental degradation, alliance behavior, international norms, internal conflict, arms races, and others.  Our goal is to help students better understand why we observe certain policy outcomes in the international arena, and to help you devise policy responses that are consistent with international realities and thus more likely to succeed.