IS 424WX - Regional Politics and Powers

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Credit Hours: 3

This course examines regional sub-systems in international politics, with a specific focus on regional conflict, security, and integration. A primary focus of the course will be the behavior of regional powers - those states with sufficient capabilities, willingness, and status to shape politics within their regions - and whether they provide the stability necessary for peace or facilitate violent conflict. As an extension of these peaceful or conflictual patterns of political interaction is the formation of formal intergovernmental organizations, such as the Arab League or the European Union. Careful attention will also be paid to those regional subsystems lacking a regional power, as is the case in the contemporary Middle East. Finally, students will relate regional politics to the broader international order within which it is nested, examining how international system dynamics, such as competition between major powers, shape the regional level. Note: Writing Intensive (W) and Civilizations & Cultures Course (X).