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1 GVPT 708A – Seminar in International Relations Theory Fall 2009 Tuesdays 12:30-3:15pm Tydings 1136 Prof. Paul Huth Office: Morrill 2102B 314-8481 Office Hours: M 1-3 [email protected] & by appointment This seminar introduces students to the key theoretical, methodological, and substantive concerns in international relations scholarship. We begin the course with an overview of the major paradigms and approaches as exemplified by key scholars. We then examine specific substantive issues and empirical applications. We will examine enduring debates in the field of international relations, and contemporary advances in scholarship. The goal is to convey how the field has evolved, and how scholars frame questions and conduct empirical research. The course is designed as the core seminar for Ph.D. students enrolled in the Government and Politics graduate program who have chosen international relations as one of their areas of specialization. Course Requirements: Participation (25%)—Contribute to discussion each week in class, lead class discussions on a couple of occasions, and present your research design proposal; everyone is expected everyone to come to class with questions to ask and comments to make. Research Design Paper (50%)—Prepare a research design, due December 4, with a 2-3 page preliminary summary due on October 20; I will discuss this assignment in more detail to make sure you understand the nature of a research design and our expectations of you. Final Exam (25%)—An in-class final exam will be given at the last meeting of the class, December 8, that covers the central concepts, theories, and empirical findings presented in the course. Readings: I have ordered a number of books that you can buy from the University Book Center and Maryland Book Exchange. All books, however, have been put on reserve at McKeldin Library so it is not essential to purchase the books if costs are prohibitive. The journal articles are available through the Library’s databases, searchable via Research Port. Also, students are strongly encouraged to work together in creating an informal coursepack of weekly readings. Professor Huth has copies of all the weekly readings that can be used by the students to create the coursepack.2 Books Ordered for Purchase: Lake and Powell eds., Strategic Choice and International Relations. Powell, In the Shadow of Power. Keohane, After Hegemony. Huth and Allee, The Democratic Peace and Territorial Conflict in the Twentieth Century. Guzman, How International Law Works. Schedule: September 1: Introduction Section I: Alternative Theoretical Approaches to the Study of World Politics September 8: Building Blocks for IR Theory -- Rational Choice and Psychology 1. David Lake and Robert Powell eds., Strategic Choice and International Relations, chs.1-3. 2. J.M. Goldgeier and P.E. Tetlock, “Psychology and International Relations Theory” Annual Review of Political Science 4, 2001. 3. Jack Levy, “Loss Aversion, Framing Effects, and International Conflict” in M. Midlarsky ed., Handbook of War Studies II, 2000. 4. Jonathan Mercer, “Rationality and Psychology in International Politics” International Organization 59,1 2005. 5. Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Rose McDermott, “Crossing No Man’s Land” Political Psychology 25,2 2004. Sept. 15: Realism 1. Kenneth Waltz, Theory of International Politics chs. 5-6. 2. John Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics chs. 1-3. 3. Charles Glaser, “The Security Dilemma Revisited,” World Politics 50, 1 1997. 4. Robert Powell, In the Shadow of Power chs. 2-3,5. Sept. 22: Liberalism and International Institutions 1. Andrew Moravcsik, “Taking Preferences Seriously: A Liberal Theory of International Politics,” International Organization (IO) 51,4 1997. 2. Etel Solingen, “Mapping Internationalization” International Studies Quarterly 45,4 2001. 3. Fionna McGillivray and Alastair Smith, Punishing the Prince, chs.2-3. 4.Robert Keohane After Hegemony, chs.4-6. 5. Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye, Power and Interdependence chs. 1-2 and Afterward.3 6. Kenneth Abbott and Duncan Snidal, “Why States Act through Formal International Organizations,” The Journal of Conflict Resolution 42, 1 1998. Sept. 29: Constructivism 1. Alexander Wendt, “Anarchy is What States Make of it: The Social Construction of Power Politics,” International organization 46,2 1992. 2. Alastair Iain Johnston, Social States, ch.1. 3. Jeffrey Legro, Rethinking the World, ch.2. 4. Martha Finnemore and Kathryn Sikkink, “Taking Stock: The Constructivist Research Program in International Relations and Comparative Politics” Annual Review of Political Science 4, 2001. 5. Michael Barnett and Raymond Duvall, “Power in International Politics” International Organization 59,1 2005. Section II: The Study of War and Peace October 6: Territory and War 1. John Vasquez, The War Puzzle ch.4. 2. Paul Huth, “Territory: Why Are Territorial Disputes between States a Central Cause of International Conflict” in John Vasquez ed., What Do We Know About War, 2000. 3. Ron Hassner, “The Path to Intractability” International Security 31,3 2006/07. 4. M. Taylor Fravel, “Regime Insecurity and International Security” International Security 30,2 2005. 5. Tanisha Fazal, State Death, chs.3,7. 6. Boaz Atzili, “When Good Fences Make Bad Neighbors” International Security 31,3 2006/07. October 13: Deterrence and Coercive Bargaining 1. Paul Huth, “Deterrence and International Conflict” Annual Review of Political Science 2, 1999. 2. Robert Trager and Dessislava Zagorcheva,”Deterring Terrorism” International Security 30,3 2005/06. 3.James Fearon, “Rationalist Explanations for War,” International Organization 49,3 1995. 4. Robert Powell, “War as a Commitment Problem” International Organization 60, 1 2006. 5. Bahar Leventoglu and Ahmer Tarar, “Does Private Information Lead to Delay or War in Crisis Bargaining?” International Studies Quarterly 52,3 2008. 6. Michael Tomz, “Domestic Audience Costs in International Relations” International Organization 61,4 2007. 7. Shuhei Kurizaki, “Efficient Secrecy” American Political Science Review 101,3 2007.4 8. Christopher Gelpi, “Crime and


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