In the absence of a "world government", the international system is often characterized as anarchic. However, despite there being no overarching authority, international actors have developed international organizations, laws, and norms to provide rules and structures to manage transnational relations and contribute to the solutions for problems of global scope. While some view international organizations and law as simply a means by which powerful states pursue their own interests, others argue that international law has power beyond politics and can rein in self-interest and provide the means and methods for cooperation, coordination, and respect for human rights. This course introduces students to the history, design, and contemporary operations of some of the legal structures underpinning international relations, such as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court, and explores how politics and law interact in shaping contemporary international relations and the lives of individuals globally. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hoursPrerequisite(s): Any two of POLS 110.3, POLS 111.3, POLS 112.3; or 18 credit units at the university level.
In the absence of a "world government", the international system is often characterized as anarchic. However, despite there being no overarching authority, international actors have developed international organizations, laws, and norms to provide rules and structures to manage transnational relations and contribute to the solutions for problems of global scope. While some view international organizations and law as simply a means by which powerful states pursue their own interests, others argue that international law has power beyond politics and can rein in self-interest and provide the means and methods for cooperation, coordination, and respect for human rights. This course introduces students to the history, design, and contemporary operations of some of the legal structures underpinning international relations, such as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court, and explores how politics and law interact in shaping contemporary international relations and the lives of individuals globally. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hoursPrerequisite(s): Any two of POLS 110.3, POLS 111.3, POLS 112.3; or 18 credit units at the university level.
