GLOBAL POLITICS

POLITICAL SCIENCE 1025, FALL 2009

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Instructor: Teaching Assistant:

David Leon Giovanni Mantilla
Office hours: Thursday 4 to 6 pm, or by appt. Office hours: Tue. 11:30 to 12:30
1214 Social Sciences Building & 2:30 to 3:30, or by appt.
leon0210[at]umn.edu 737 Social Sciences Building
manti020[at]umn.edu

Course Information:
Pol 1025, Sec. 002, 4 credits
Meeting time: Thursday 6:20 to 8:50 pm
Blegen Hall 150

Course Description
This course introduces students to some of the basic concepts, processes, and issues in global
politics. We will examine relevant theoretical frameworks, but the focus will be on their
connections to substantive issues in today’s globalizing world. The goal is for students to
develop a systematic understanding of international relations in their political, economic, and
social aspects. Readings will be drawn from scholarly and policy-oriented sources, as well as
from the mass media from time to time. Some of the main themes that we will explore together
in this course include: conventional, unconventional and asymmetric warfare, the contemporary
global economic system, trade and security, the rise of international organizations, and the
relationship between emerging states and industrialized countries. This course also serves as an
introduction to Pol 3835, which has a more theoretical focus.

Course Readings
Required Text:
1. Baylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens, eds. The Globalization of World Politics:
An Introduction to International Relations, 4th Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press,
2008. (“Baylis-Smith-Owens” or “BSO”) Available for purchase at the University
Bookstore in the Coffman Student Union, and elsewhere.

Required Journal Articles & Other Readings:

In addition to readings from the required texts, journal articles and other texts will also be
assigned. Assigned texts that can be obtained electronically have the same status as readings
from your required textbook. In other words, they are not optional. Direct links to the readings
are provided where possible. Readings marked (online) can be accessed through the e-journal
section of the library website: http://tc.liblink.umn.edu/sfx_local/azlist/default (free access;
student login required).

How to Prepare for this Course

• Attend lectures regularly and punctually. You are responsible for the materials covered in
class as well as in the readings.
• Be willing and able to demonstrate your grasp of course materials when called upon.
• Finish the assigned readings for any given week prior to the lecture of that week.

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Pol.1025, Sec.002: Global Politics / Instructor: Leon / Fall 2009 –2–

• Participate in class: ask questions, offer informed perspectives, and respond to the
instructor’s questions.
• Take good notes; compare notes with your classmates/group members.

Grading Scheme
First Midterm Exam 25%
Group Presentations & Participation 25%
Paper 20%
Final Exam 30%

First Midterm Exam (25%)

This will be an in-class exam. No books or notes are permitted.

Group Presentations & Participation (25%)

At the beginning of the semester students will be assigned to groups. These groups serve two
purposes: the first is to provide you with a small group of peers to which you can turn for
additional advice, questions, and support throughout the semester. The second is for the groups
to make presentations and lead discussions on selected weeks. There is also a written assignment
that accompanies this group effort. Further details will be provided in advance.

Short Paper (20%)

This assignment is to be turned in towards the end of the semester. Further details will be
provided in advance.

Final Exam (30%)

The will be an in-class exam. No books or notes are permitted.

Grade Scale
Students are assigned grades according to University guidelines (see below or
http://www.fpd.finop.umn.edu/groups/senate/documents/policy/gradingpolicy.html). No
incompletes (I’s) will be granted unless there are truly extraordinary circumstances. The
instructor determines whether such circumstances exist in a given case.

A Represents achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements (90% to
100%).
B Represents achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements (80% to
89%).
C Represents achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect (70% to 79%)
D Represents achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements (60%
to 69%)
F Represents failure and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not
worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student
that the student would be awarded an I (59% or below)

Questions Concerning Grades

You may approach the TA or me for a re-evaluation of your assignment with the understanding
that your grade may go up, go down, or stay the same depending on our re-evaluation. The TA
has been authorized to make any changes deemed necessary and appropriate. As the instructor, I
reserve the right to determine the final grade of any particular assignment or exam.

Missed or Late Exams, and Incompletes

Pol.1025, Sec.002: Global Politics / Instructor: Leon / Fall 2009 –3–

Make-up exams will not be granted and late papers will not be accepted unless there are
documented medical emergencies or genuine personal crises. Discuss these situations with the
instructor beforehand if at all possible, if not, then as soon as possible after the fact.

For all take-home assignments, 10% will be automatically deducted if they are turned in late (i.e.,
within 3 days after the deadline). After three days, 20% will be deducted.

Use of Internet and Electronic Devices in Class

If you choose to bring your laptop to class, you must refrain from using the internet or other
programs that are not essential to taking notes. If discovered, violators may have points deducted.

During in-class exams, electronic and audio devices of all kinds are to be turned off and/or put
away. These devices include: cell phones, laptop computers, PDAs, headsets, headphones, iPods,
other audio players, and other media gadgets. If discovered, violators may have points deducted.
Medical devices are exempted from this requirement.

Classroom Atmosphere and Student Conduct

The instructor is responsible for maintaining a constructive learning environment in the
classroom. Students whose behavior is disruptive either to the instructor or to other students will
be asked to refrain from such behavior or, in severe cases, to leave the classroom. Disruptive
students may receive deductions in their class participation points. Mutual respect is expected of
everyone in the classroom. Reasonable people can disagree, but learning to disagree (or agree)
requires that we know what the points of contention or agreement are. From time to time you
may be called on to answer a question or provide your comments on what is covered in the
lecture or in the readings; please be prepared to respond.

Academic Integrity
There is zero tolerance for cheating, plagiarism (i.e., taking someone else’s work or ideas and
passing them off, without citation, as one’s own) or other forms of academic misconduct in this
course. A student who is found to have submitted work that is not his or her own will be given a
grade of ‘F’ for the assignment. Repeated offenders will fail the course. Please refer to the
Student Code of Conduct for definitions and implications of academic misconduct
(http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/StudentConductCode.html).

Students with Learning and/or Physical Disabilities:

Students with disabilities should talk to the instructor at the beginning of the semester to ensure
proper accommodation. Please also contact Disability Services (180 McNamara Alumni
Center/Tel: 612-626-1333/ http://ds.umn.edu) to discuss your needs.

University Resources at Your Disposal

Center for Writing: Student Writing Support Program
15 Nicholson Hall. (612) 625-1893 (appointment). (612) 626-7579 (information)
http://writing.umn.edu/sws/index.htm. You can schedule one-on-one sessions with professionals
at the Center to improve writing skills. Knowing how to write well will pay off handsomely,
irrespective of your current major and future profession.

Changes to the Syllabus

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed. Changes will be
announced in class.
Pol.1025, Sec.002: Global Politics / Instructor: Leon / Fall 2009 –4–

COURSE CALENDAR & READING ASSIGNMENTS

Week I: Overview
September 10th
• Baylis, Smith, and Owens, “Introduction” (BSO).
• Start reading Week II’s readings. The readings listed under each week are to be
completed prior to the lecture of that week.

Week II: Politics in the Age of Globalization: Sovereignty, Territoriality, and the “Global”
September 17th
• McGrew, “Globalization and Global Politics” (BSO, Ch.1).
• Armstrong, “The Evolution of International Society” (BSO, Ch.2).

Week III: The Cold War and Its Aftermath

September 24th
• Scott, “International History, 1900-1999” (BSO, Ch.3). (skim)
• Fukuyama, Francis. 1989. The End of History? The National Interest. Available at:
http://www.wesjones.com/eoh.htm
• Huntington, Samuel. 1993. The Clash of Civilizations? Foreign Affairs. Available at:
http://history.club.fatih.edu.tr/103%20Huntington%20Clash%20of%20Civilizations%20f
ull%20text.htm
• Cox, “From the Cold War to the War on Terror” (BSO, Ch.4).

Week IV: Realism and Conceptions of the “National Interest”

October 1st
• Dunne and Schmidt, “Realism” (BSO, Ch.5).
• Lamy, “Contemporary Mainstream Approaches” (BSO, Ch.7, sections on neorealism).
• Carr, E.H.. 1939. The Twenty Years Crisis, “The Harmony of Interests,” “The Realist
Critique.” (Chs. 4-5.) Available at: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/carr.htm
• Rice, Condoleezza. 2008. Rethinking the National Interest. Foreign Affairs 87 (4):2-27.
Available at: http://www.depauw.edu/discourse/documents/Rice,%20Condoleezza.pdf
**Case in Focus: The Georgia-Russia Crisis of 2008 and the
• Karon, Tony. 2008. The Georgia Crisis: A Blow to NATO. Time Magazine. Available at:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1832294_1832295_183298
8,00.html

Week V: A More Optimistic View: Liberal and Neoliberal Theories of World Politics
October 8th
• Dunne, “Liberalism” (BSO, Ch.6).
• Lamy, “Contemporary Mainstream Approaches” (BSO, Ch.7, sections on neoliberalism).

Week VI: Constructivist and Marxist Approaches to International Relations

October 15th
• Barnett, “Social Constructivism” (BSO, Ch.9).
• Hobden and Jones, “Marxist Theories of International Relations” (BSO, Ch.8).
Pol.1025, Sec.002: Global Politics / Instructor: Leon / Fall 2009 –5–

• Smith and Owens, “Alternative Approaches to International Theory” (BSO Ch. 10)
(skim).

Week VII: Armies and Mercenaries

October 22nd
• Sheehan, “The Changing Character of War” (BSO, Ch. 12).
• Baylis, “International and Global Security” (BSO, Ch.13).
**Case in Focus: Mercenaries and the Failed Equatorial Guinea Coup of 2004:
• “Q&A: Equatorial Guinea Coup Plot” BBC News. Available at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3597450.stm
• Gallagher, Ian. 2008. “Exclusive: Judge Rules Jail Interview with Dog of War Simon
Mann, in Which He Names UK Ministers, Can Be Broadcast.” MailOnline. Available at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-528741/EXCLUSIVE-Judge-rules-jail-
interview-Dog-War-Simon-Mann-names-UK-Ministers-
broadcast.html?printingPage=true
• In class: video clip on the role of mercenaries in the failed Equatorial Guinea coup.

Week VIII: Asymmetries in Weapons and Tactics

October 29th

>First Midterm Exam<

• Kiras, “Terrorism and Globalization” (BSO, Ch.21).

• Howlett, “Nuclear Proliferation” (BSO, Ch.22).
• Acharya, “Human Security” (BSO, Ch.28).
• Thompson, Clive. “Can Game Theory Predict When Iran Will Get the Bomb?” New York
Times. 12 August 2009. (online; free access with NYT account).
**Case in Focus: A. Q. Khan and the Nuclear Black Market:
• In class: video clip on the international black market for nuclear technology.

Week IX: The Rise of Institutions for Global Governance

November 5th
• Little, “International Regimes” (BSO, Ch.17).
• Taylor and Curtis, “The United Nations” (BSO, Ch.18).
• Willetts, “Transnational Actors and International Organizations in Global Politics” (BSO,
Ch.19).

Week X: International Political Economy I: The Politics of Trade and Development

November 12th
• Woods, “International Political Economy in an Age of Globalization” (BSO, Ch.14).
• Thomas, “Poverty, Development, Hunger” (BSO, Ch.27).
• Wanted: Fresh Air. The Economist. 9 July 2009. Available at:
http://www.economist.com/world/international/PrinterFriendly.cfm?story_id=14009113
**Cases in Focus: Chile; Long Term Capital Management:
• In class: video clips on earlier financial crises.

Week XI: International Political Economy II: Geopolitics and the Current Financial Crisis
November 19th
• Scholte, “Global Trade and Finance” (BSO, Ch.26).
Pol.1025, Sec.002: Global Politics / Instructor: Leon / Fall 2009 –6–

• Altman, Roger C. 2009. The Great Crash, 2008: A Geopolitical Setback for the West.
Foreign Affairs, Jan./Feb. 2009 (online), or available at:
http://www.jmhinternational.com/news/news/selectednews/files/2009/01/20090201_2009
0101_Foreign%20Affairs_TheGreatCrash2008.pdf
• Landon, Thomas. A Debate Rages in Iceland: Independence vs. IMF. New York Times.
27 July 2009 (online; free access with a NYT account).
• Stiglitz, Joseph. A Global Recovery for a Global Recession. The Nation. 24 June 2009.
Available at http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090713/stiglitz/print
• Not Quite So SAFE [State Administration of Foreign Exchange]. The Economist. 23
April 2009. Available at:
http://www.economist.com/businessfinance/PrinterFriendly.cfm?story_id=13527242

Week XII: Thanksgiving Holiday

November 26th **No Class**

Week XIII: United States and the Asia-Pacific

December 3rd
• Brzezinski, Zbigniew, and John Mearsheimer. 2005. Clash of the Titans. Foreign Policy.
Jan/Feb 2005. Available at:
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=16538
• Hsiung, James. 2007. Sea Power, Law of the Sea, and a Sino-Japanese East China Sea
"Resource War". In China and Japan at Odds: Deciphering the Perpetual Conflict,
edited by J. Hsiung. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Earlier (2005) version available at:
http://www.nyu.edu/gsas/dept/politics/faculty/hsiung/sea_power.pdf
• Pan, Esther. 2006. The Promise and Pitfalls of China’s “Peaceful Rise.” Council on
Foreign Relations. Available at: http://www.cfr.org/publication/10446/
• Smith, Sheila. 2009. Coping with Pyongyang: Regional Diplomacy Still Vital. Council
on Foreign Relations. Available at: http://www.cfr.org/publication/19596/

>>Paper Due in Class<<

Week XIV: The Future of Global Politics

December 10th
• Linklater, “Globalization and the Transformation of Political Community” (BSO, Ch.31).
• Clark, “Globalization and the Post-Cold War Order” (BSO, Ch.32)

>>>Final Exam<<<
December 17th, Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30 pm

>>>>Enjoy Your Break<<<<