INTS 190-01, Internatinal Relations Since 1945, Spring 2008

Abstract

This course introduces students to the history of international relations since 1945 as well as many of the major international events, actors, outcomes, and themes that occurred during that time. The post-1945 time frame allows for a concentrated focus on two of the most significant periods in the contemporary study of international relations – “the Cold War” era and “the post- Cold War” era. Several leading theoretical frameworks – and the various grand strategy approaches based on them – will be used to both guide and supplement the study of these events and outcomes. Applying broader theoretical frameworks is instructive for not only studying the events of the day, but also for fostering a better systematic understanding of why such events occurred, for placing such events in the broader historical perspective, and for improving our understanding of the contemporary nature of world politics.