What We Are Learning This Week with Dr. JC Boucher

November 14, 2022 in POLI 681 Advanced Analysis of International Relations   

Dr. JC Boucher is exploring the literature in International Relations theory focusing on International Organization.

 

Can you tell us a little more about this topic? 

International organizations are a major feature of international affairs. However, there is a large debate on why exactly states create them, participate in their activities, and sustain them often under circumstances where it is not in their immediate interests to do so. We find various theoretical explanations on why and how institutions matter in International Relations theory and we are exploring these different rationalization in the class. 

What else do you cover in your course? 

This course is designed to have students engage with the literature on international relations. We cover what drives conflict and cooperation in world politics, the determinant of foreign policy, international political economy. We focus on theoretical, empirical, and methodological innovations in the field of international relations.

What do you find most challenging in teaching this course? 

The senior course in international relations theory is always a challenging course to teach. On the one hand, there is a very rich and diverse literature from which to draw from and there is a need to introduce students to key ideas and approaches in the field of international relations. On the other hand, it is also essential to introduce graduate students with a contemporary view of the field so as better prepare them to participate to current theoretical, empirical, and methodological debates in international affairs. Finding the right balance between deference to the past while keeping an eye on the future makes this course engaging and exciting. 

Finally, what other courses would you recommend for students interested this topic? 

This course should be an advanced discussion on the state of International Relations but remains a survey course. For those interested in specific subfields, the department has a completement of courses in foreign policy analysis, international political economy, security studies, and international law from which to satisfy their interests. 

 

Our Thanks to Dr. JC Boucher for sharing your course with us 

 

Follow Dr. Boucher on Twitter @jcboucher1