Analyzes in historical context some of the major ethical questions posed by modern warfare. In addition to discussing what peace means and clarifying the just war tradition in political philosophy, the course addresses in detail such issues as the right to self-defence, pacifism, war guilt, humanitarian intervention, the bombing of civilians, and proportionate response. The course is a seminar and will be taught primarily through the structured discussion of the set texts. (Cross listed Strategic Studies/International Relations) (CM and T&H)

This course is designed to do four things. (1) Learn the key concepts of democratic politics; (2) Practice writing and presentation skills; (3) Underline that it is impossible to speak authoritatively and convincingly about a given country unless one has understood its recent political history; (4) learn the method of historical analysis. The course, in effect, is applied history (with an element of political theory).

This course asks why democracies become subject to severe political upheaval and sometimes fall apart.

Such a question cannot be reduced to a few simple variables in a rigid formula. It can only be answered by reconstructing (simulating) events and trying to figure out what was important and what was not in particular cases. Analysts should look at the constitutional frameworks, the expected and unexpected consequences of legislation, the moods of public opinion, the solidity of the public finances, the perception of social justice, the personal qualities of political leaders, the ambitions and self-image of the political class, the changing character of the population and so on. We should, in short, multiply variables, not reduce them, if we want to understand the direction that particular societies are taking. If we want to gauge political risk – and gauge is a much better word than calculate since it implies using or judgment rather than some mechanical formula – there is no alternative to simulating complexity.