For what purposes do states use military force? Why do states go to war? How do domestic politics influence interstate disputes/conflicts? Under what conditions do interstate conflicts end? How can states use the threat of military force to deter aggression either against themselves or their allies? Does economic interdependence facilitate peace? What are some mechanisms states use to prevent and mediate interstate conflicts and how effective are they?
This course seeks to answer such questions while introducing students to the basic concepts and theories concerning the role of military force in international relations. Attention will be given to how these concepts and theories apply both to historical cases of interest and to the modern era of international politics.
Attendance of the lectures is highly encouraged but not mandatory. Students will be asked to submit a term paper by the end of the semester. The paper should analyze a specific contemporary interstate conflict/dispute by applying theoretical frameworks introduced in the seminar.
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