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Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-23)

Topic

Secrecy in International Relations

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 224: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course introduces students to the hidden side of international politics by exploring secrecy in world affairs. How do states acquire and protect secrets, and what techniques—from human espionage to the interception of signals—do they use to do it? What kinds of activities do governments undertake in secret, from covert operations to back-channel diplomacy? How is intelligence strategically used to influence allies and adversaries, manage escalation, and shape public opinion? Why do even the most powerful intelligence systems sometimes fail, as in the lead-ups to the Vietnam War or 9/11? What are the democratic trade-offs of state secrecy, and how do institutions manage—or fail to manage—those tensions? And finally, does state secrecy still have a future in an era of commercial satellites, open-source intelligence actors, and digital transparency? We will investigate these questions and more by drawing from various theoretical approaches and disciplines. Each week includes a lecture that provides a thematic overview of the week's topic and a session devoted to small-group discussion, often focused on concrete historical and contemporary case studies.

Registration Requirements

Recommended prerequisite: POLI_SCI 240: Introduction to International Relations

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

  • Evaluate the strategic promises and pitfalls of state secrecy in international affairs using concepts and theories from the field of international relations.

  • Assess the trade-offs secrecy creates for democratic governance, including challenges to oversight, transparency, and public trust.

  • Recognize key historical events, figures, and institutions that have shaped the practice of secrecy in international politics.

  • Communicate your insights clearly and persuasively through short-form analytical writing and small-group discussion.


Teaching Method

Lecture and Discussion

Evaluation Method

Student learning will be assessed through weekly memos (25%)
two short papers (50%),
and active class participation (25%).

Class Materials (Required)

None