Special Topics in International Studies (390-0-20)

Topic

Dilemmas of American Power

Instructors

Peter D Slevin

Meeting Info

McCormick Foundation Ctr 3119: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Course title: Dilemmas of American Power

It isn't easy being a superpower. For the past 75 years, U.S. policymakers have struggled to define America's role in an ever more complex world where threats multiply and challenges morph and endure. The period beginning with the Cold War traces an arc that reaches from nuclear arsenals to fleets of unmanned drones, from a fear of falling dominoes in Southeast Asia to a raft of conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. And, now, amid war and uncertainty, a new presidential campaign is underway. The course draws upon an engaging set of case studies and materials to chart one of the most intriguing stretches of international engagement in U.S. history. We will work collaboratively to understand why decisions were made, how policies were implemented and sold, and what it all may mean in the end. Assessing sources from presidential speeches and critics' rejoinders to film documentaries and media accounts, we will study goals and motivations, ends and means. As the course progresses, we will pay particular attention to the foreign policy choices of President Biden and the domestic debate about those choices. This is not a class where you are expected to produce journalism, and no prior experience with journalism or Medill is required.

This course is cross-listed with Jour 353

Registration Requirements

Pre-reqs: Sophomore standing

Class Materials (Required)

Nye, Joseph. The Future of Power (used, $17.99): https://www.amazon.com/Future-Power-Joseph-Nye-Jr/dp/1610390695

Class Materials (Suggested)

Hook & Spanier. American Foreign Policy Since World War II (used, $11.64): https://www.amazon.com/American-Foreign-Policy-Spanier-Paperback/dp/B010WHM5BM/ref=sr_1_2?crid=35LQ8WNPK76UT&dchild=1&keywords=hook+spanier&qid=1635277002&s=books&sprefix=hook+spanier%2Cstripbooks%2C95&sr=1-2

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
No Freshmen

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for International Studies students.

Associated Classes

DIS - McCormick Foundation Ctr 2131: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - McCormick Foundation Ctr 2131: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - McCormick Foundation Ctr 2131: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM