Political Science 126 - International Orders

This introductory course to international relations explores the fundamental differences between the visions of world order promoted by the US and China and how these visions shape contemporary global politics. We will examine how China advances an international system built on state sovereignty and non-interference – principles that reflect its domestic priorities. In contrast, the United States envisions and promotes an international order founded on free markets. Through case studies of key institutions like the World Trade Organization and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, students will understand how these competing worldviews manifest in global governance. We will investigate to what extent China engages with and challenges the existing international system and why the US sees its leadership role as essential for global stability despite growing criticism. The course concludes by examining how these contrasting worldviews create friction in international relations and what this means for global governance in the twenty-first century. This class fulfills requirements 1, 2, or 7 of the 5 Colleges IR certificate.

Limited to 25 students. Spring semester. Associate Professors Mattiacci and Ratigan.

How to handle overenrollment: students will be selected at random, so everyone has the same probability to get in the class, regardless of their major or year.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, emphasis on readings,