Global Arc

This course explores the following issues: the exercise of power in dictatorial regimes (and their institutional structure); the economic and social conditions that facilitate the transition to democracy and its consolidation; voting in democratic elections and decision-making in committees and assemblies or parliaments; the role of electoral institutions; the mechanisms through which politicians are accountable to the public; the nature and performance of presidentialism and parliamentarism; the role of inequality in democracy; the impact of globalization on the governance of contemporary democracies.

A study of the governments and politics of Latin America. The political systems of the Latin American countries will be examined, as well as the common political problems and processes of the area. Special attention will be given to the role of revolution, military rule, and constitutional democracy in Latin American political development. Two lectures, one preceptorial.

Constitutions help shape the distribution of power in societies. We are now amid a wave of constitution making as a result of global social and political change. This course explores what we think we know about how to design these processes to promote ends we care about, including peace, democracy, and protection of minorities. It weighs alternative approaches to the development of new text as well as problems of "transitional justice". We then consider important issues of design, such as the relationship between the executive and the legislature, mechanisms for securing accountability, rights provisions, etc. The final section of the course

This course surveys the politics of Russia and the post-Soviet states, focusing on the four major political challenges that these states confront: state-building, nation-building, democratization, and economic development. Particular attention is given to the ways in which the Soviet experience continues to shape the politics of the Eurasian region, nation-building and identity politics, modes of authoritarian rule and democratization, the politics of energy, and the role of external actors and Russian policies in affecting the political evolution of the region.

An examination of the political and economic change in Russia and some of the former Soviet republics from Gorbachev to the present. After briefly reviewing the main institutions of the Soviet system and theories of its collapse, the course examines specific reforms and the social impact of rapid systemic change. Topics include shock therapy (privatization and economic liberalization), nationalism, crime, and legislative reform among others. The course will also compare the process of change in the former Soviet Union with democratic and market transitions in Latin America and elsewhere. Two lectures, one preceptorial.

This course provides a broad exploration about how non-democratic governments throughout the world rule. We examine: the conditions that give rise to authoritarianism; the variety of authoritarian regimes; the strategies authoritarian leaders use to stay in power; the consequences of different types of authoritarianism for outcomes such as economic growth and human development; and the domestic and international sources of authoritarian demise. The course builds knowledge about the governments under which most people in the Global South lived during the 20th century.

The economies of many Asian countries have grown rapidly over the last several decades. This course will study the political and economic pathways travelled by select Asian countries on their road to prosperity. The focus will be on three specific countries: South Korea, China and India. We will analyze comparatively the models of development pursued in these countries, especially the state's role in promoting growth and distribution.

Examination of selected theories and issues of international relations including the following: causes of war, theories of imperialism, the issue of order and change, the relationship of morality and statecraft. Course readings drawn from historical and theoretical materials. Two lectures, one preceptorial.

This course is about cooperation and sacrifice - at the international level. The focus is on intergovernmental organizations: the United Nations, the World Bank, the IMF, and regional organizations like the European Union and the AIIB. We will examine their origins and effectiveness, with attention to the political interests of powerful members - like the United States and China - as well as smaller developing countries. To illustrate analytical tools, the course pedagogic approach involves references to pop culture, including films like Wonder Woman, Dark Knight, and The Godfather, as well as music by Adele, Bob Marley, and others.

Are science and democracy mutually supporting communities of inquiry, or are they antithetical in their rival commitments to expertise and equality respectively? This question illustrates the questions to be pursued, about the fundamental principles and models of science and democracy; the relations between them; and the roles and responsibilities of scientists, policymakers, and citizens. This is a course in political theory and normative reasoning that will integrate perspectives from the philosophy of science, science and technology studies, and case studies, accessible to students with backgrounds both inside and outside natural science.