Politics 387CP - Advanced Topics in Politics: 'Agency, Solidarity, and Action: Theories of Coalitional Politics'

What are political coalitions? Why do coalitions form? What is their value? What tactics do they employ and why? What causes them to fall apart? These are the guiding questions of this seminar in contemporary political theory. We will explore theories of political coalitions -- sometimes called alliances -- and the core normative and analytic concepts that guide them such as agency, solidarity, and action. We will take a look at coalitions as constructed through shared identities, ideologies, and interests, paying special attention to issues of gender, race, class, and (dis)ability. And, we will try to understand not just why coalitions come together, but also, why they fall apart -- as well as what we might do about it.

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in Politics.