International relations theory in the cyber age

Seminars: 1 session / week, 2 hours / session

There are no prerequisites for this course for undergrads. Graduate students need the permission of the instructor.

This course examines cyber dynamics and processes in international relations from different theoretical perspectives. It considers alternative theoretical and empirical frameworks consistent with characteristic features of cyberspace and emergent transformations at all levels of international interaction. Theories examined include realism and neorealism, institutionalism and liberalism, constructivism, and systems theory and lateral pressure. The course also highlights relevant features and proposes customized international relations theory for the cyber age.

Students taking the graduate version are expected to pursue the subject in greater depth through reading and individual research.

Graduate students can substitute a research paper for the final essay.

The following books are required reading:

Choucri, Nazli. Cyberpolitics in International Relations. MIT Press, 2012. ISBN: 9780262517690. [Preview with Google Books]

Nye, Jr., Joseph S. The Future of Power. PublicAffairs, 2011. ISBN: 9781610390699. [Preview with Google Books]

Additional readings can be found in the Readings section.

The Classics—Concepts and Contexts

First Meeting Lecture Slides (PDF - 1.3 MB)

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