Introduction to International Relations
INR 2001 – Sec. 01C4
University of Florida
Fall 2014
Professor: Dr. Stuart Strome
Class Time and Location:
MW – 8:30-9:20AM
TUR L007
Office Hours: MW – 10AM-11:30AM
Office Location: AND210
Email: sstrome@ufl.edu
Phone: 352-273-2362
Teaching Assistants: Saskia Van Wees – svanwees@ufl.edu; Anna Weissman – aweissman@ufl.edu; Alec Chung –
alecchung84@ufl.edu; Natalia Fontoura – nataliarayol@ufl.edu; Jessie-Leigh Thomas – jessieleight@ufl.edu
TA Office: AND 214
TA Office Phone: 352-273-2365
TA Office Hours: TBA
Course Description:
The realm of international relations has undergone profound transformations during the past
fifty years. Once solely the domain of militarized dispute between state actors, the field has widened
over the past thirty years to include issues formerly absent from the realm of international politics.
While concerns about nuclear warfare, or interstate conflict between great powers still persist, much of
the focus has shifted to matters seemingly outside the control of individual states, including the
globalization of trade and capital, transnational criminal activity, and the emergence of concerns about
our global environment. All of these developments seem to auger a shift in world politics away from the
primacy of the state. Despite this apparent shift, the specter of interstate war has not been abolished,
as evidence by the military rise of china, the ongoing conflict between North and South Korea, and
renewed anxiety about Russia and its relationship with its neighbors. Much of the class will focus on the
identifying the causes and consequences of interstate war. However, a significant part of the time spent
in this class will be devoted to grappling with the question of how our geopolitical environment has
changed over the last 65 years and the related question: can decidedly transnational problems be dealt
with appropriately within a state-centric international system? More broadly, does the global context
that is emerging in the twenty-first century necessitate a shift in how we conceptualize global politics, or
does the current global context represent merely a continuation of what’s come prior?
This course will unfold in three sections. The first will provide a broad historical overview of
international relations over the past five years and how it has developed to the global political
environment we inherit today. Second, we will examine a broad range of theoretical approaches to
international relations that allow us to place these events, both past and present, into a comprehensible
framework, putting particular emphasis on how these theories help us to interpret out contemporary
global political landscape, and what these theories auger for the future of global politics. While the
second part of the course is geared towards international relations as a theory-driven endeavor, the
third part of the course will focus on substantive issues and debates in international relations, including
international political economy, global trade and finance, the differences between the global north and
global south, terrorism and asymmetric warfare, the role of international organizations and
international law in global affairs, and emerging issues in global politics, including transnational criminal
activity, global health, and environmental politics.
Aims of this Course:
 To provide you with a broad historical understanding of the emergence of the global
political system over the past five hundred years and how this bears on our contemporary
global context.
 To provide you a general understanding of the mainstream theories of international
relations and how they are used to analyze and understand current events and emerging
trends in the global political system.
 To introduce you to a wide array of actors and organizations, as well as contemporary
debates and issues in international relations, and how to apply different theories to the
study of these phenomena.
 To provide you with ability to critically analyze arguments and theories, as well as formulate
consistent and logical arguments while marshalling empirical evidence to support them.
Readings
Readings will come from the assigned book below, some relevant articles (that may be found online) as
well as any supplementary texts, which will be provided to you in class at least a week before they are
assigned. I expect the readings to be completed by the time you come to class, as assigned reading is an
EXTREMELY important supplement to the in-class lectures. Additionally, the exams will extensively
cover the material you are assigned to read in the textbook, regardless of whether or not it was
discussed in class. Additional readings will be assigned for the group project and provided to you at
least two weeks before the assignment is due. If you are able to find an older, more affordable edition of
the textbook, feel free to purchase it, although I would suggest buying only the 2nd or 3rd edition (no 1st
editions!)
Required Texts:
 D’Anieri, Paul. 2014. International Politics: Power and Purpose in Global Affairs. Cengage.
3rdedition. ISBN-113360210X
Grading and Evaluation
The composition of your grade is as follows:
30% - Midterm Exam
35% - Final Exam
20% - Quizzes
15% - Attendance and Participation
The grading scale is as follows:
A (93-100); A- (90-92); B+ (87-90); B (83-86); B- (80-82); C+(77-79); C (73-76); C- (70-72); D+ (67-70); D
(63-66); D- (60-62); F (59 or below)
Discussion Sections
Each student should be assigned to a discussion section that will take place either Thursday or Friday of
every week. Your attendance at these sessions is imperative, as the sessions are designed to provide
you with a clearer understanding of the material covered in class. Please be advised that your
attendance at these sessions will be recorded, and will count towards your final grade. Your TAs are all
intelligent, capable individuals that are tasked with helping you understand what are often times
complex and difficult concepts, and as such, you should view them as a resource. They will be available
during discussion sections and office hours, so I suggest that you take advantage of this, ask many
questions during section, and visit their office hours frequently. Your participation in discussion section
is key to your success in this course. Keep in mind that BOTH attendance and participation count toward
your final grade, so it is in your best interest ,not only to show up, but to ask questions and share your
insights with the rest of the class.
Attendance and Participation
As this class is composed of a lecture component, a presentation component, and a participation
component, students are expected to attend every class prepared to discuss the readings as well as
participate in any group activities throughout the course of the semester. Lively participation makes for
both an enriching experience and an exciting class, so please, come prepared to offer your educated
opinions and thoughts. Attendance will be taken randomly at least five times throughout the semester
at the beginning of class, so make sure to be punctual as well as present! As I understand that certain
unexpected problems arise (apartment roofs leak, cars break down, students fall ill, not to mention the
ubiquitous “bad day”) you will be granted one free absence that will not affect your attendance grade.
Beyond that one free absence, if you are unable to attend class due to either medical reasons or other
extenuating circumstances (such as a death in the family) please provide official written evidence no
later than 48 hours after the absence. Keep in mind that the attendance and participation grades are
ultimately subjective, but it is difficult to get a satisfactory participation grade if you have three or more
unexcused absences. Please be advised that good attendance doesn’t necessarily equate to full
participation. To get anything above a B requires at least occasional participation in discussion section,
and an A requires that you provide insightful commentary which suggests to me that you have critically
engaged the reading material, presentations, and lectures. If you are the type of person who really
doesn’t like speaking in front of the entire class, feel to email your TA a day or two before your
discussion section with point that you’d like to address, either from the lectures or the readings, and
this will satisfy the participation requirement.
Discussion Decorum
There is a fine line between spirited disagreement and offensive behavior; it is a line that, in the heat of
argument, is often transgressed. Please, let's try to keep discussions fun and exciting, but free from
hostility and pettiness. No name-calling, personal attacks, paper throwing, fisticuffs, etc. Pie throwing
will however be allowed only under very specific circumstances, and requires written authorization from
your professor.
Quizzes
Quizzes will be given four times randomly throughout the semester in either discussion section or
lecture. Each quiz will constitute 5% of your final grade (20% in total). The quizzes will assess your
understanding of the material covered in readings, lecture, and discussion section. Quizzes will be
relatively short (anywhere from 5 to 10 questions), straightforward, and as long as you attend lecture
and complete the readings, an easy way to boost your grade. Since quizzes will be administered
randomly, I must underscore the importance of regular attendance of both lecture and discussion
sections. Make-ups will only be considered in the event of an excused absence, and will be given in short
essay form during your TA’s office hours.
Midterm Exam
The midterm exam constitutes a significant portion of your final grade (30%). It will consist of multiple
choice and short answer questions covering materials from the assigned readings, lectures, and
discussion sections. It will take place either October 9th or 10th during your discussion section. Please
bring a number two pencil. Scantrons will be provided. As always, any attempt at cheating, sharing
answers, or otherwise acting against the spirit of the University Florida Honor Code (see below) will be
dealt with appropriately.
Final Exam
The final exam will be given in December 19th in class, beginning promptly at 7:30 AM and concluding
at 9:30 AM in our usual classroom (TUR L007). The final exam will consist of multiple choice and short
answer questions, in addition to a possible essay. It will cover material from the assigned readings,
lectures, as well as the presentations of your fellow classmates. The final exam is non-cumulative.
Please bring a number two pencil. Scantrons will be provided. As always, any attempt at cheating,
sharing answers, or otherwise acting against the spirit of the University Florida Honor Code (see
below) will be dealt with appropriately. Please keep in mind that the final exam will not be given
during class time, and therefore if you have a conflict with another class, please come and see me at
least one week prior to the exam and we can make alternate arrangements. Alternative
arrangements will only be made for conflicts with other final exams.
Office Hours
My office hours will take place on Monday and Wednesday from 10AM-11:30AM in Anderson 210,
although these hours may change as circumstances arise. If that happens, I promise to provide ample
warning. I encourage everyone to visit me at least twice during the semester. One time, of course, in
regards to the group presentation, and another just to either introduce yourself, chat, discuss facets of
the class you find interesting, or steps that I may take to make the material easier to comprehend. If you
are unable to drop by either of those days, please send me an email and I’ll do what ever I can to
accommodate you.
Make-Ups
Make-up exams will be given under only the most exceptional of circumstances. If you have a prior
conflict with one of the exam dates, please come and see me as soon as possible. Make-ups will be
given only with official documentation delivered to me no later than 48 hours after the completion of
the exam. All make-up exams will be given in essay form. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Honor Code
“We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to
the highest standards of honesty and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code.” On all work submitted in
this class, included exams, the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor, I have
neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.”
Counseling
The Counseling Center is located in P301 Peabody Hall. It is open Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
To schedule an appointment, stop by the Counseling Center, or call 352-392-1575. On evenings and
weekends, services are available through the Alachua County Crisis Center by calling 352-264-6789.
Students may also call the clinician on-call at Student Mental Health at 352-392-1171.
Disabilities
Any student requiring adaptations or accommodations because of any kind of disability (learning
disability, attention deficit disorder, psychological, physical, etc.) should contact the Disability Resource
Center (DRC) for information about their rights and responsibilities. Also, if you feel you need any
special arrangements please in addition to what the DRC offers, please do not hesitate to come and see
me either after class or during my office hours.
Class Disruptions
Make sure to place your cell phone on silent mode before you come into class. Laptops are allowed for
taking notes during class, but please refrain from playing games, sending emails, or instant messaging
during class. Please be courteous and respectful both during lecture and when your fellow classmates
are speaking.
Schedule: PLEASE NOTE – This is subject to change. Please be aware I or your TA will announce any
changes in a timely manner.
Week 1 (Aug 25th-29th) – Introduction and “What is international relations and how should we study
it?”
Readings for Week 1: Ch. 1 in D’Anieri
NO CLASS SEPTEMBER 1ST – LABOR DAY
Week 2 (September 2nd – 5th) – The global political system in historical context: A brief overview of
the last five hundred years
Reading for Week 2: Ch. 2 in D’Anieri
Week 3 (September 8th-12th) – The Mainstream Theories of International Relations: Realism and
Liberalism
Readings for Week 3: Ch. 3 in D'Anieri and
Mearsheimer, John and Stephen Walt. “An
Unnecessary War”, Foreign Policy
January/February 2003, Pp. 52-59 (online)
Week 4 (September 15th-19th) – Alternative theories of international relations: economic
structuralism, constructivism, and feminism
Reading for Week 4: Ch. 4 in D'Anieri and
Gelb, Leslie H. 2010. "GDP now matters more than force"
Foreign Affairs 89: 35-43 (online)
Slaughter, Anne-Marie. “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All” The
Atlantic (July/August 2012)
<http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/whywomen-still-cant-have-it-all/309020/> (online)
Week 5 (September 22nd-26th) – Democratic peace, media, and public opinion
Reading for Week 5: Ch. 5 in D'Anieri and
Hallen, Jay. “Why Russia needs liberal democracy” Forbes (Feb
27, 2014) (online)
Krastev, Ivan. “Would Democratic change in Russia transform
its foreign policy? Opendemocracy.net (Feb 7, 2013)
https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/ivankrastev/would-democratic-change-in-russia-transform-itsforeign-policy (online)
Week 6 (Sept 29th-October 3rd) – Bureaucracies, groups, individuals in foreign policy making
Reading for Week 6: Ch. 6 in D'Anieri and
Week 7 (October 6th-10th) – International Insecurity and the Causes of War and Peace and “Should we
intervene and how?
Reading for Week 7: Ch. 7 in D'Anieri and
Borghard, Erica D. and Costantino Pischedda “Why American air
power won’t save Iraq from ISIS” The National Interest (June
25th, 2014)
Dannatt, Richard. “We know the dangers of inaction – the West
must intervene in Iraq” The Telegraph (Aug 9, 2014) (online)
MIDTEM EXAM – THURDAY, OCTOBER 9TH OR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH DURING YOUR DISCUSSION
SECTION – PLEASE BRING A NUMBER TWO PENCIL!
Week 8 (October 13TH-16TH) – The use of force and “Is non-proliferation a good thing?”
Reading for Week 8: Ch. 8 in D'Anieri and
Charen, Monica. “A World Without Nuclear Weapons?”
National Review Online May 11, 2010. (online)
Schultz, George P., William Perry, Sam Nunn,
Henry Kissinger. “Towards a Nuclear-Free World” Wall Street
Journal, Jan 15th 2008. (online)
NO DISCUSSION SECTIONS ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH OR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH – HAPPY
HOMECOMING AND GO GATORS!!!
Week 9 (October 20TH-24TH) – Introduction to International Political Economy
Reading for Week 9: Ch. 9 D'Anieri
Week 10 (October 27TH -31ST) – Globalization of Trade and Finance and the Great Crash of 2008
Reading for Week 10: Ch. 10 D'Anieri
Altman, Roger C. 2009. "The Great Crash, 2008: A geopolitical
setback for the west" Foreign Affairs 88(1): 2-14 (online)
Week 11 (November 3rd-7th) – The North-South Divide and “Does Foreign Aid to Countries in the
Global South Help?”
Reading for Week 11: Ch. 11 in D'Anieri and
Worthington, Samuel A. "US must learn from Britain and not
cut aid" August 1, 2011. http://www.guardian.co.uk/globaldevelopment/poverty-matters/2011/aug/01/us-foreign-aid-cuts
(online)
Moore, Stephen. "Foreign Aid: End It, Don't Mend It." March 17,
1997. http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=6185
(online)
Week 12 (November 10th-14th) – International Organizations and Transnational Actors
Reading for Week 12: Ch. 12 in D'Anieri and
Moore, Mike. 2003. "Multilateral Meltdown" Foreign Policy
(March/April 2003), Pp. 74-75 (online)
2009. "Soft centre." Economist 392, no. 8635: 13-15 (online)
Week 13 (November 17th-21st) – International Law, Norms, and Human Rights and “Are Human Rights
Universal?”
Reading for Week 13: Ch. 13 in D'Anieri
Franck, Thomas M. 2001. "Are Human Rights Universal?"
Foreign Affairs 80(1): 191-204 (online)
Vitchek, Andre. "Irony of Western Human Rights Agenda"
China Daily (April 28, 2011)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/201104/28/content_12409314.htm
Week 14 (Nov 24th) – Special Edition: The rise of China
Reading for Week 15: CH. 15 in D'Anieri
NO CLASS NOV. 26TH – 28TH – HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Week 15 (December 1st-5th) – Emerging Transnational Issues: Health, Demography, Crime, and
Environment
Reading for Week 15: Ch. 14 in D'Anieri and
Brown, Lester. "The New Geopolitics of Food" Foreign Policy
(May/June 2011), Pp. 54-63
Paarlberg, Robert and Nick Cullather. "Food Fight" Foreign
Policy (July/August 2011), Pp. 9-10
Week 16 (December 8th – 10th) – Wrap-up: What does it all mean? And Preparation for the Final Exam!
FINAL EXAM – DEC 19TH - 7:30-9:30 AM – IN TURLINGTON L007