GVPT459G

This course will cover the primary theories, concepts, and concerns of weak and failing states in the international system. The course material will address these issues at both the international and domestic levels, demonstrating how they interconnect. Using real-world examples such as Somalia and Afghanistan, the class will link readings to reality, and challenge students to analyze cases at both the component-level and the holistic-level. Topics will include: weak and porous borders, ethnic fractionalization, institutional weakness, secession and irredentism, international spillover of conflict, and more.