International Security

Why do countries go to war? Are the reasons unique to each situation, or are there any generalizable determinants of war? This course is a systematic exploration of these questions. Our approach is organized around five levels of analysis. In each unit, we will closely examine the major theories and debates that shape the study of war in international relations. We will explore features of the international system and discover when and why the system has been war prone. The course will drill down to the domestic level, exploring whether certain types of countries are more or less likely to go to war. In addition, we will examine dyads, asking whether the qualities of pairs of states make them more or less likely to go to war. The class will analyze individual leaders, exploring the roles they play in war, and will evaluate international relations and conflict through a Christian worldview.