POL 356 - International Security

3 Credit(s) DIII

This course introduces students to the theories, concepts and issues pertaining to international security, conflict and conflict resolution. The course includes the study of new and nontraditional security concerns and problems of the early 21st century even while maintaining a focus on interstate security issues. The course will first introduce students to the various theoretical approaches to and perspectives on war and peace, and conflict versus cooperation. This introduction will be followed by the application of these theories, concepts and analytical frameworks to the detailed study of such issue areas as: interstate rivalries and wars; intrastate wars that spill across state borders; interstate competition over critical natural resources; large-scale population displacements; pandemic diseases; trade disputes and economic conflicts; ideological conflicts; cultural conflicts; etc. Three lecture hours per week.