GOVT 85.52 The Politics of National Security

This class examines how domestic politics shape international behavior, particularly in the realm of national security. We ask questions such as: Are democratic checks and balances an asset or a liability in international affairs? How do military and civilian elites compete for influence over national security decisions? To what extent is political polarization undermining U.S. foreign policy? What role will economic forces play in shaping China’s rise? By engaging cutting-edge scholarship on these topics, students will develop a deeper understanding of how public preferences and political institutions guide foreign policy in ways that sometimes help – and sometimes hinder – the pursuit of national interests.

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:INT or SOC

The Timetable of Class Meetings contains the most up-to-date information about a course. It includes not only the meeting time and instructor, but also its official distributive and/or world culture designation. This information supersedes any information you may see elsewhere, to include what may appear in this ORC/Catalog or on a department/program website. Note that course attributes may change term to term therefore those in effect are those (only) during the term in which you enroll in the course.

Department-Specific Course Categories

Government