GOVT 50.16 The Rise and Fall of Great Powers
Great powers disproportionately affect the stability and character of world politics. In this course we explore the complex and consequential process that is the rise and fall of great powers. We examine the nature of the international system, the nature of power, and how the anarchic world system encourages countries to behave. We then turn to the process of “rising” and study how countries achieve economic growth. We examine what is needed for them to sustain growth over time, as opposed to seeing their growth fizzle, as many fast-growing economies have done. We also look at how countries manage the environmental and human consequences of industrialization. We look at how great powers succeed or fail at developing and deploying effective military power. Finally we examine the causes and consequences of decline—why great powers fall, and whether the process of decline is expected to be associated with international instability.
Instructor
Lind