“Introduction to International Relations
(undergraduate PUC, PhD)
Is it possible to prevent war? Does the international economic system contribute to poverty or wealth in developing countries? How can we explain the varying degrees to which globalization has impacted countries? What is a state? What has been the contribution of theory to our understanding of the modern world? What threat does terrorism pose to global security? Can climate change challenges be effectively addressed in a multilateral way?
These questions reflect the diversity of topics that we will be looking at in this course, designed to introduce you to the theory, history, milestones and processes of contemporary international politics. We will address the theoretical currents and the most essential analytical concepts of international relations (IRI) such as: sovereignty, anarchy, regimes and the community of states. The course is made up of four parts: introduction to the study and history of international relations, international relations theory, institutions and actors of international relations and contemporary challenges. In the same way, several of the most relevant topics and / or topics of international life will be discussed, including: international security; terrorism and armed conflict; the role of states and non-state actors; diplomacy and foreign policy; decision making, globalization, global health and environment.
Political Economy of Development (PUC, PhD)
These are turbulent times for states, markets and the politics of development. Financial crises, health pandemics, supra-national regulation of trade—borderless challenges and opportunities are just part of the complexities facing policy makers in both developing and industrialized nations alike. For developing countries, debate regarding the optimum policies to pursue development is full of contradictions. What role does the state have in economic development? To what degree have developed countries served as the “handmaidens” of their industrialization? How do we determine success in economic development? Are our primary tools of measurement sufficient? How are international standards changing the “policy space” afforded to national governments? How can governments pursue policies such as technological innovation, public health and financial stability?
Can we identify patterns or models of development followed in East Asia, China, India, and Latin America? What options are available to developing countries facing the largest global financial crisis since the Great Depression?
This course examines these questions and more, exploring the leading debates in development, focusing on the role of the state. Our investigation will be divided into three sections. In the first section, we will examine debates on the role of the state in economic development. Next, we explore “models” of development in East Asia, China, Russia, India and Latin America.
Comparative Politics
(Bard, undergraduate)
Welcome to comparative politics. This course sets out to inform and engage students in the intellectual tradition of comparing nation states as a tool for understand the political, economic and social dynamics at play in a global context. Over the coming semester, we will explore key theories and analytical approaches in this field. Our studies will traverse such wide-ranging concepts as variations in democracy, systems of political economy, the role of gender, interest groups, civil society and the dynamics facing nation states in an interlinking global system.
Latin American Politics
(Bard, undergraduate)
¡Bienvenidos! Bemvindo! Welcome to Latin American Politics. Over the next semester, we will explore the political, economic and social factors which shape this region. Over the past four decades, the majority of Latin American countries entered a period of electoral democracy that is largely unprecedented. Yet, in many countries, the state of democracy has proven uneven and unstable. Together, we will explore changes in political systems through from transitions to democracy which marked the 1980s, the pro-market reforms of the 1990s, the surge of leftist leadership in the 2000s and finally, the state of governance and representation today. Drawing from studies in the field of Comparative Politics, International Relations and Latin American Studies, this course charts the interactions of actors drawing on varying conceptual and analytical frameworks. Our aim is to understand how political institutions, economic conditions and social networks shape modern states.