This syllabus is also available in PDF format.
This seminar is an introduction to the analysis of international conflict and cooperation. The seminar begins with a brief review of the primary theoretical paradigms in the field and the levels at which states interact. It then addresses the question of what factors cause conflict and peace between states. We then examine why states engaged in a dispute fail to reach negotiated settlements. In particular, we explore how uncertainty, commitment problems, and domestic politics can lead to bargaining failure, and hence war.
There are up to two required readings each week. Students are expected to have read all required readings prior to class. The readings listed under “Further Readings” are not required, but they may be helpful for students who are interested in learning more about the topics. Links to all journal articles are available in the syllabus on the course website. Scans of book chapters and other materials will be made available through Piazza.
We will be using Piazza for class discussion. Piazza is a free online platform for class Q&A that replaces mailing lists. Rather than emailing questions to the instructor, you are encouraged to post your questions on Piazza. This allows you to answer each other’s questions and for the entire class to see the instructor’s responses.
The assessment for this course consists of two critical response papers (50%), a class presentation (30%), and a student’s in-class participation (20%).
Each student will write two critical response papers throughout the semester. Each paper will consist of a critical assessment of one of the required course readings. A paper must be turned in within two weeks of the discussion of the reading it responds to. For more details, see the information on critical response papers on the course website.
Students will give a 15 minute presentation in class about one of the required readings. The schedule of presentations will be set in the second week of class. For more details, see the information on class presentations on the course website.
Participation consists of more than attendance. Behaviors that improve students’ participation evaluation are answering questions asked of the class, asking questions, and responding to something another student says (including answering a question asked by a student).
While students are encouraged to discuss course materials, no collaboration is allowed on critical response papers. There is no tolerance for plagiarism. Any student who turns in plagiarized work will fail the course. For more information, see the Directive on student plagiarism.
Required Readings
Required Readings
Further Readings
Required Readings
[P] Gowa, Joanne and Edward D. Mansfield. 1993. “Power Politics and International Trade.” American Political Science Review 87(2): 408-420.
[P] Gartzke, Erik. 2007. “The Capitalist Peace.” American Journal of Political Science 51(1): 166-191.
Further Readings
Required Readings
[P] Walter, Barbara F. 2003. “Explaining the Intractability of Territorial Conflict.” International Studies Review 5(4): 137-153.
[P] Simmons, Beth A. 2005. “Rules over Real Estate: Trade, Territorial Conflict, and International Borders as Institution.” Journal of Conflict Resolution 49(6): 823-848.
Further Readings
Branch, Jordan. 2011. “Mapping the Sovereign State: Technology, Authority, and Systemic Change.” International Organization 65(1): 1-36.
Carter, David B. and H. E. Goemans. 2011. “The Making of the Territorial Order: New Borders and the Emergence of Interstate Conflict.” International Organization 65(2): 275-309.
Required Readings
[P] Lake, David A. 1992. “Powerful Pacifists: Democratic States and War.” American Political Science Review 86(1): 24-37.
[P] Rosato, Sebastian. 2003. “The Flawed Logic of Democratic Peace Theory.” American Political Science Review 97(4): 585-602.
Further Readings
Doyle, Michael W. 1983. “Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs.” Philosophy & Public Affairs 12(3): 205-235.
Doyle, Michael W. 1983. “Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs, Part 2.” Philosophy & Public Affairs 12(4): 323-353.
Bukovansky, Mlada. 1999. “The Altered State and the State of Nature: The French Revolution and International Politics.” Review of International Studies 25(2): 197-216.
Required Readings
[P] Huntington, Samuel P. 1993. “The Clash of Civilizations?” Foreign Affairs 72(3): 22-49.
[P] Henderson, Errol A. and Richard Tucker. 2001. “Clear and Present Strangers: The Clash of Civilizations and International Conflict.” International Studies Quarterly 45(2): 317-338.
Further Readings
Posen, Barry R. 1993. “The Security Dilemma and Ethnic Conflict.” Survival 35(1): 27-47.
Snyder, Jack and Karen Ballentine. 1996. “Nationalism and the Marketplace of Ideas.” International Security 21(2): 5-40.
Required Readings
[P] Powell, Robert. 2002. “Bargaining Theory and International Conflict.” Annual Review of Political Science 5: 1-30. [Read carefully: pp. 1-14, 19-23; skim: pp. 14-19, 23-27]
[P] Reiter, Dan. 2003. “Exploring the Bargaining Model of War.” Perspectives on Politics 1(1): 27-43.
Further Readings
Required Readings
[P] Levy, Jack S. 1983. “Misperception and the Causes of War: Theoretical Linkages and Analytical Problems.” World Politics 36(1): 76-99.
[P] Fearon, James D. 1995. “Rationalist Explanations for War.” International Organization 49(3): 379-414.
Further Readings
Gartzke, Erik. 1999. “War Is in the Error Term.” International Organization 53(3): 567-587.
Garfinkel, Michelle R. and Stergios Skaperdas. 2000. “Conflict without Misperceptions or Incomplete Information: How the Future Matters.” Journal of Conflict Resolution 44(6): 793-807.
Leventoğlu, Bahar and Ahmer Tarar. 2008. “Does Private Information Lead to Delay or War in Crisis Bargaining?” International Studies Quarterly 52(3): 533-553.
Required Readings
Further Readings
Powell, Robert. 2006. “War as a Commitment Problem.” International Organization 60(1): 169-203.
Walter, Barbara F. 1997. “The Critical Barrier to Civil War Settlement.” International Organization 51(3): 335-364.
Findley, Michael G. and Joseph K. Young. 2011. “Terrorism, Democracy, and Credible Commitments.” International Studies Quarterly 55(2): 357-378.
Required Readings
[P] Putnam, Robert D. 1988. “Diplomacy and Domestic Politics: The Logic of Two-Level Games.” International Organization 42(3): 427-460.
[P] Chiozza, Giacomo and H. E. Goemans. 2004. “International Conflict and the Tenure of Leaders: Is War Still `Ex Post’ Inefficient?” American Journal of Political Science 48(3): 604-619.
Further Readings
Fearon, James D. 1994. “Domestic Political Audiences and the Escalation of International Disputes.” American Political Science Review 88(3): 577-592.
Schultz, Kenneth A. 1998. “Domestic Opposition and Signaling in International Crises.” American Political Science Review 92(4): 829-844.
Jackson, Matthew O. and Massimo Morelli. 2007. “Political Bias and War.” American Economic Review 97(4): 1353-1373.
Weeks, Jessica L. 2008. “Autocratic Audience Costs: Regime Type and Signaling Resolve.” International Organization 62(1): 35-64.
Required Readings
[P] Morrow, James D. 2007. “When Do States Follow the Laws of War?” American Political Science Review 101(3): 559-572.
[P] Simmons, Beth. 2010. “Treaty Compliance and Violation.” Annual Review of Political Science 13: 273-296.