This course provides a broad survey of issues and problems arising in current debates and perspectives on global governance in light of important changes that have occurred in the contemporary world. It explores the dynamics and complexity of both formal and informal actors, institutional arrangements, and organizations, and the roles they play, along with various other factors, in the process of governance in the international sphere. Considering topics such as states and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, international regimes, social movements, regional associations, and multinational corporations as elements bearing on and reflecting transnational authority, various vehicles for international coordination and conflict are examined in terms of relevance, opportunities, and problems of global governance.
Requirements: In general, the class follows a standard seminar format. It is an advanced, intensive reading course; students must complete all readings in a timely manner and come to class prepared to discuss them in depth. In addition to participating in class discussions, students are required to make two presentations on selected readings and topics during the semester. Students must also complete a brief 12-15 page analytical paper and take a final examination. Grades will be determined by class participation (20%), individual presentations (10% each, 20% total), the analytical paper (25%), and the final examination (35%).
Required Reading: In addition to a wide variety of selected articles and chapters, required reading for the course includes the following books.
Bennett, A.L. 2001. International Organizations: Principles and Issues. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Diehl, P.F., ed. 2001. The Politics of Global Governance: International Organizations in an Interdependent World, 2nd edition. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner.
Hewson, M., and T.J. Sinclair, eds. 1999. Approaches to Global Governance Theory. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Nye, J.S., and J.D. Donahue, eds. 2000. Governance in a Globalizing World. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press.
Rosenau, J.N., and E.O. Czempiel, eds.1992. Governance Without Government: Order and Change in World Politics. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Väyrynen, R., ed. 1999. Globalization and Global Governance. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield.
Young, O.R. 1999. Governance in World Affairs. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.