The objectives of this course are to provide cadets with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of international relations and the analytical tools necessary to evaluate two fundamental questions: "Why do states do what they do?" and "What causes conflict and cooperation in the international system?" Emphasizing intellectual pluralism, SS357 focuses on the value of applying different theoretical perspectives to historic cases and contemporary events in international affairs. Cadets will employ international relations theory to examine key issues such as the role of power and the use of force in the international system, the international political economy, the role of identity and culture in state behavior, foreign policy decision-making, and the role of morality and ethics in international affairs. While the course content of SS357 is similar to that of SS307 (International Relations), SS357 is designed as an introductory course primarily for cadets majoring in International Affairs.
