PSCI 202 - World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Political Science

Description:

Whereas the field of comparative politics looks at what goes on inside various countries, international relations considers the actions of sovereign states toward one another and the patterns and institutions that they create. International politics differs from domestic politics in the absence of centralized, legitimate institutions. Anarchy characterizes the world of sovereign states--there is no world government, nor agreement that one is desirable or even possible. This lack of a common authority means that any dispute among countries is up to the countries themselves to settle, by negotiating, appealing to shared norms, or using force. For this reason, while international relations involves many of the same topics that consume domestic politics--ethnic antagonisms, spending on aid, war, national identity, inequality, weapons manufacture, finance, loans, pollution, migration--it shares few of the same processes for dealing with them. This course covers the theories and problems central to international relations. It considers the importance that this radical decentralization has for achieving values we hold, and examines processes that might undermine or support the anarchical system in which we live.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

This is an introductory course, open to first-year students and sophomores; juniors and seniors may enroll only with permission of instructor and under special circumstances

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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