INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS


COURSE HOMEPAGE     STUDENT RESOURCES

Please note: At your instructor's discretion, there may be minor alterations to the reading assignments listed below. One of the major advantages to providing you with an on-line readings archive is that timely articles can be added or substituted when appropriate. Opening documents downloaded from this website will require that your computer have Acrobat Reader . You will also need the class-specific password to open individual files.


Some handy resources for the unit:


Unit 2: Why states cooperate and fight


February 11 (W)—Why are liberals so more optimistic about future state behavior and state's capacity to cooperate?

  • Re-read the section on liberalism and neo-liberalism in Arreguin-Toft textbook, Chp. 3,


Feb. 13 (F): Why do constructivists think it's up to us (especially our leaders and cultures) to create the kind of world we want to live in?

  • Re-read the short section on Constructivism in Arreguin-Toft textbook, Chp. 3,

  • If you haven't taken the InQuizitive assignment on this chapter yet, you must do so by Wednesday!: https://digital.wwnorton.com/168313.

  • Nina Tannenwald, sections from "Stigmatizing the Bomb" (International Security, 2004, 11p). This is an edited version of the article that removes most of her evidence explaining how and why the "nuclear" taboo formed. The short version provides a perhaps clearer explanation of how constructivist theory explain state behavior that what you see in your textbook, so that is why it is assigned. Also, we will return to her argument at the end of the course when we explore why only some countries have nuclear weapons while others do not.


February 16, 18, 20 (M, W, F): Why may globalization be more or less of a game changer than we first thought

For Monday

As you read this article, please complete its required quiz in BlackBoard.


For Wednesday:

  • Niall Ferguson, "Sinking Globalization (Foreign Affairs, 2007, 14pp. Focus on the main ideas that are applicable to understanding why globalization in the present day may be less inevitable that most people think?

As you read this article, please complete its required quiz in BlackBoard.

As President Trump notes, his teleprompter was not working when he delivered this speech; however, he was speaking from a written copy of prepared remarks until he decided to ad lib, so consider this to be a look into how president's foreign policy priorities and attitudes. You have been assigned this speech as a way to think about how the American commitment to globalization has shifted sharply in a relatively short period of time. Focus in particular on Pres. Trump’s comments about trade, immigration, the use of force, and his views on how countries become—and remain—strong. According to this speech, where does the world’s dominant but potentially declining hegemon see global cooperation as necessary and beneficial? What does our president identify as the major threats to global security, and which threats does he appear to minimize or dismiss? What international institutions, if any, does he believe should have greater power or resources? What role do trade and the free movement of people and ideas play in global prosperity in his view?

For Friday:

  • Friday, in class, we'll watch the first 50 minutes of a documentary on globalization and India. You have a participation assignment for the film. It is in BlackBoard.

Designed to be completed right after you watch the documentary, this assignment is due before we return from break. If you cannot attend this class for any reason, check in with Prof. Setzler for information on how to view the film, which will be covered on your next exam.


Enjoy your Spring Break: No classes and no homework for February 24, 26, and 28


March 2, 4, and 6—When and how do states cooperate?

For Monday:

  • We will finish up our look at globalization. If you have not done so already, make sure to complete the BlackBoard quizzes on the Patel and Ferguson articles.

As has been stressed in class, the expectation is that you will take these quizzes while you are reading, and not just skim the articles quickly for the answers. My assumption in writing and grading tests is that students who are quickly sailing through quizzes, getting all items correct will have no problems in summarizing key ideas and providing examples from these same articles on exams. As a reminder, comparing answers or us AI to complete or verify answers is a violation of the University's Honor Code.     

For Wednesday:

  • Mingst textbook chapter 7, International Cooperation and International Law. For our purposes, the most important parts of the chapter are those on international cooperation, but please read the whole chapter.

By Friday:

Complete the InQuizitive chapter for Chapter 7 by Sunday, March 8: https://digital.wwnorton.com/168317.