Courses
This course is intended to bridge the gap between economics and politics as taught at SAIS. First examines some of the main “currents” in the literature and familiarizes the student with different variants of political economy. Presents an overview of the classical liberal, Marxian/Polanyian and Keynesian understandings of the economy, each of which serves as both a primer to political economy and as an introduction to the main contemporary approaches. Then engages with what many scholars argue is the major approach in comparative political economy: rational choice theory. By contrast, the next section looks beyond the rationalist tradition to the nowadays somewhat neglected historical tradition. Building on the historical tradition, next examines institutionalist approaches, explaining institutional change and stability over time through path dependence and earlier arrangements. Concludes with more social constructivist understandings of political economy, emphasizing the powerful role of economic ideas in the evolution of economic policymaking over time.
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.610.770[C]
Examines the leading contemporary theories of international relations, showing how each contributes uniquely to the larger literature. How are alliances formed? What is the relationship between absolute and relative gains? How do wars begin? Emphasizes interrelationships, divergences and cumulative developments, from the balance of power to the latest in structural, rational choice and regime theory.
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.600.702[C]
This course welcomes any student pursuing a degree at SAIS. The main aim of the course is the study of the main international and domestic factors behind the economic and political development and under-development of the countries in the world that are not identified or categorized as ‘advanced’ or ‘mature’ capitalist economies.While the focus of the course is on countries that are not considered rich or developed (most countries in the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East), we will refer to and use material throughout the course that also covers the rich countries and emerging market ones inasmuch as: 1) they were once underdeveloped or have developed recently, and this experience sheds light on those that have not managed to develop or ‘catch up’; and 2) their own growth and development has been in many cases a cause why others have remained undeveloped (i.e. colonialism, imperialism, dependency).The main analytical tools for the study of the international component come from concepts, theories, case studies, and data from the sub-field of International Political Economy (IPE). In turn, the main tools for the study of the domestic component of developing countries come from the sub-field of Comparative Political Economy (CPE).Hence, the course identifies key overlapping international and domestic factors that have led some countries to be poorer, less developed and more vulnerable than the advanced or mature capitalist ones.
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.610.704[C]
Suitable for non-lawyers, this course analyzes the legal framework for private international investment. It considers: sources of international investment law; conditions for admission of foreign direct investment and its treatment; political risks involved such as expropriation; risk mitigation techniques such as political risk investment insurance; and the settlement of investment disputes between states and investors. We review the rights and responsibilities of foreign direct investors, shareholders’ rights and joint ventures. Given the professors’ professional focus, we take a particular look at project finance and sovereign wealth funds. The privatization-expropriation cycle is analyzed. The course delves into international anti-corruption treaties and relevant domestic laws. Aspects of the One Belt One Road initiative are discussed. Active class participation is encouraged.
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.650.740[C]
This course examines the relationship between politics and international economics in developing countries, with a focus on the emerging market economies. Throughout the course, we critically evaluate different political science theories of foreign economic policymaking in emerging markets. The course begins with an overview of theories of international political economy. The second section of the course focuses on developing countries’ embrace of economic globalization over the past thirty years. We examine different political reasons for why emerging market and developing countries have liberalized foreign trade, removed barriers to foreign investment, and reduced the state’s role in the domestic economy since the 1980s. The final section of the course of the course explores how globalization has impacted emerging market economies, and considers how governments in these countries have dealt with the new challenges that have emerged in this era of economic globalization
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.610.700[C]
How does globalization affect state power? The course examines how market outcomes shape both politics and economics. Develops a dynamic understanding of international political economy and assesses its impact in rich/poor gap models, inequality questions, the convergences of productivity, and problems of trade liberalization and neomercantilism. Applications include state breakup, the oil dilemma and currency crises. Uses this dynamic approach to identify key regional problems in North America, Europe and Asia and to offer policy solutions.
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.610.717[C]
A key driver in any democracy, public opinion determines who will govern and which policies will be likely to succeed. Contrary to general beliefs that public opinion is highly ephemeral, both practice and scientific evidence show that public opinion is a stable, measurable, and ultimately predictable phenomenon. To explore the issue both conceptually and in practice, the course will first offer a review and discussion of relevant literature on the subject and then analyze concrete case studies exploring the uses and misuses of public opinion and polling by political and policy stakeholders. Likely case studies will include primarily Latin American examples, such as the 2002 Lula election, but also extra-regional cases, such as the 2008 Obama election and the Arab Spring, among others. The final objective is to develop a critical eye when analyzing public policy and political problems.
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.810.705[C]
This is a research seminar organized around key ongoing debates in international relations, such as the role of institutions, audience costs, leaders, bargaining, reputation, interdependence, and ideas. The course will emphasize critical engagement of the empirical evidence presented in favor of theoretical arguments, encouraging students to devise rigorous new ways to test their observable implications. Can bargaining theory help us understand the outbreak, as well as the termination of, international conflict? Has growing economic integration among states changed the nature of military conflict? Are certain economic interest groups more prone to support military expansion than others? Do democratic institutions enable states to better signal their resolve to adversaries? By the end of the course, students will be able to recognize, engage, and develop their own taste for theoretical arguments, as well as present the most compelling empirical evidence for or against them. Note: successful completion of this course fulfills the capstone requirement for second-year MAIR students. <a href="https://livejohnshopkins.sharepoint.com/sites/SAISInsider2/SitePages/DC-Capstones,-Professional-Skills-Courses.aspx" target="_blank">Click here for Capstone course application information</a>
Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.610.702[C]
This course investigates the strategies for, as well as the relevance of, financial market analysis directed toward policy audiences. Students will develop a deeper understanding of global financial markets and learn how to leverage that understanding shape and achieve policy goals. The course will cover five major topics: 1) Basic techniques for financial market analysis across a variety of major asset classes; 2) The characteristics of financial market analysis – its forms, theoretical underpinnings, advantages, and deficiencies; 3) The hierarchy of policy relevance of financial market analysis; 4) Costs, risks, and difficulties of financial market analysis for the public sector; and 5) Future challenges and formulations of public sector market analysis given the technological developments in finance, money management, and trading.
Prerequisite(s): SA.100.304[C] OR SA.300.701[C] OR SA.300.706[C] OR SA.999.701[C];Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.610.703[C]
Behind the headlines of unrest and conflict in many corners of the world, the struggle for prestige and influence between nations, societies and institutions intensifies. This long-term trend is reinforced by the diffusion of conventional forms of power away from governments to non-state actors, and the ever-greater speed of the digital revolution. Among the consequences has been the rise to global fame of the concept of ‘Soft Power’, in theory a means to turn a country’s attributes and achievements into a lever for gaining advantage in international competitions of all sorts. Image-making, nation-branding, public diplomacy and propaganda are all components of a state’s – or an institution’s – soft power strategy today. Soft power antagonisms are on display whenever censorship, internet-blocking or other forms of ‘cultural protectionism’ are deployed. The course will study the inter-acting dynamics of ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ power, using contemporary and historical perspectives. It will demonstrate that the concept can be applied to a much broader range of interaction between societies than that dominated by nation-states and traditional foreign policy. After an initial discussion about the evolution and meaning of the concept, case studies will look at those nations most prominent in the soft power game, starting with the only true soft power superpower - the US – and concluding with a special session on the relationship between hard and soft power in the Ukraine conflict.. The second half of the course will look at the key currencies of soft power: cultural heritage, institutions, personalities, sport , creative industries, food and fashion, models of innovation and modernity.
The course is meant to prepare the students to deal with the most important theoretical and substantive issues affecting the nature, functioning and transformation of the political systems of the developing world. It will be focused on the analysis of the most relevant regime-types: authoritarian, military, theocratic, and democratic, and of major political processes such as political development and social modernization, state-building and state failures, politicaltransitions and democratic consolidations. It will draw from a wide range of cross-national and cross-regional cases. Class time will be divided between lectures and discussion. Each topic will be introduced by the instructor. The readings constitute the background for each lecture, but we will build upon them and go well beyond. Occasionally, timely articles on especially significant events will be analyzed in depth. Hopefully, fertile discussions will follow on the assumption thatall students have done their reading. The course will end with a take-home exam.
In August 2021 the international media and most politicians reacted with much surprise to the dramatic events at Kabul airport. Thousands of Afghanis and their families were desperate to get on the last Western flights to escape Taliban rule. Prominent Western commentators were quick to proclaim that the failure in Afghanistan would be the end of the longstanding, Western inspired conflict management strategy to end violent conflict in failing states by deploying peace operations and getting involved in long term peace- and nation building processes. Indeed, “peace operations”, conducted by a variety of international actors like the UN, EU, NATO, AU, have become a strategic pillar of international peace and security policy since the end of the Cold War. But does the failure in Afghanistan really imply that there is no future for peace operations and peacebuilding and that missions like those in the DR Congo, Mali or Somalia will suffer a fate similar to that of Afghanistan? That would, indeed, be a dramatic change regarding the future of global conflict management. However, at the end of June ending the mission in Mali became a top issue in the UN Security Council. In the class, therefore, we will take a thorough look at the history, concepts, changing doctrines as well as unsolved problems of UN-lead peace operations to find a convincing answer concerning the future of peace operations and peacebuilding.
The course aims to discuss key concepts and analytical framework for analyzing the various phases and facets of intra-state wars, and to show how international interventions can affect the course of these conflict and peace processes. In order to do so, the course first analyzes thecauses of civil wars and other major episodes of collective violence, the dynamics of violence in these conflicts, and early warnings measures that allow to “predict” the onset of conflict. It then examines the different ways in which external/international actors can intervene in domesticconflict, management techniques that may be introduced at various stages of conflict to halt escalation, minimize violence, and to move conflicts toward a sustainable peaceful settlement. This includes an analysis of peacekeeping, peacebuilding and state-building practices, and transitional justice. The course provides students with an advanced understanding of the thriving literature on civil wars and interventions, looking at both qualitative and quantitative scholarship, and offers students the possibility to engage with case studies to explore the real-world conflicts from their origin to their solution. In particular, the course offers detailed treatment of conflicts across continents, such as the wars in Bosnia, Colombia, Sahel region and Syria. Each case study will cover different aspects of the conflict, from their onset to evolution and the role of external actors. The expected outcome is that students will be able to engages with both academic and policy relevant literature in their quest for gaining a better understanding of the conflict cycle.
The spread of human rights and constitutional, representative government based on the rule of law, as either spurs for development or desirable outcomes of development, seems both possible and urgently necessary and yet we appear to be in a phase where many countries are undergoing a democratic retrogression. This course examines the nature, fate and prospects for constitutional development and democratisation across the globe. Employing both the diachronicand synchronic methods of analysis typical of comparative constitutional law, the course addresses topics such as constitution-making and constitutional amendment; forms of state and forms of government as well as the role and functions of constitutional and supreme courts with the aim of understanding how a given institutional framework may facilitate or obstruct transitions to democracy. The experience of so-called ‘consolidated’ democracies will often be used to examine the transition to democracy of other countries.
The war in Ukraine is the most import event in Europe since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is also arguably the key global geopolitical development since 9/11. The Russian invasion reshaped relations between key global players, and redefined existing alliances and international organizations, such as NATO and the European Union. It killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, revived the threat of a nuclear war between Russia and the West and might unleash a global famine. The violence has and will continue to shape European and global politics for decades to come. This class centers on this war, its causes and conduct and places the conflict in the broader framework of Russia-Ukraine relations over the last 100 years. The class also leverages the war as a lens to understand Russia and Ukraine, their societies and politics.
The spread of human rights and constitutional, representative government based on the rule of law, as either spurs for development or desirable outcomes of development, seems both possible and urgently necessary and yet we appear to be in a phase where many countries are undergoing a democratic retrogression. This course examines the nature, fate and prospects for constitutional development and democratisation across the globe. Employing both the diachronic and synchronic methods of analysis typical of comparative constitutional law, the course addresses topics such as constitution-making and constitutional amendment; forms of state and forms of government as well as the role and functions of constitutional and supreme courts with the aim of understanding how a given institutional framework may facilitate or obstruct transitions to democracy. The experience of so-called ‘consolidated’ democracies will often be used to examine the transition to democracy of other countries.
This course explores foreign policies of China and the USSR from the Second World War to the present. It thus provides students with an understanding of the Cold War, the post-Cold War, and the post-post-Cold War, seen "from the other side." It is a counterpart course to another course run simultaneously by the same instructor: American Foreign Policy. Unlike AFP, GP largely ignores American foreign policy (though, of course, US actions or non-actions are addressed,because they form an important backdrop for understanding foreign policies of China and the USSR; of the two, the USSR is given more weight throughout). We begin in 1945, seeking to uncover sources of Soviet conduct and understand the origins of the Cold War from a Soviet perspective. We then proceed to consider China's road to revolution, the origins of the Sino-Soviet alliance, and the Korean War. Subsequent lectures explore Khrushchev's foreignpolicy, including his misadventures in the Middle East and his efforts to be recognised and accepted by the United States. The Sino-Soviet split is also closely considered. The 1960s chapter look at Cuba and Vietnam (primary as seen from Moscow). We then delve into detente and the reasons for its demise. Lectures on the 1980s look at both the dangerous superpower crises (during the so called "Second Cold War") and the peaceful end of the Cold War on Gorbachev's watch. The course then explores Russia's foreign policy in the 1990s, and the unrealised promise of Russia's integration in the West. The final lecture covers Putin's years in power. We also will look at the dynamic of Sino-Russian relations, and the outlook for the Sino-American strategic competition.
Designed for non-lawyers, we will explore the 21st century challenges that face the international trade system in a very interactive setting. The emphasis will be on the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and important free trade agreements, including rules governing trade in goods and services, and intellectual property protection. Policy considerations will be emphasized – such as the environmental, developmental, and public health implications of WTO rules, including human and labor rights, as well as security concerns. Particular attention will be given to the 21st century challenges (i) posed by the globalization backlash, (ii) Covid-19 and access to medicines, (iii) climate change, (iv) social policy gaps in the trade regime (environmental, labor and human rights norms), and (v) national security considerations, including the use of trade preferences and sanctions as an arm of foreign policy.
Prerequisite(s): Cannot enroll if you previously received credit for SA.650.743[C]
International law is the set of rules generally regarded as binding in relations between States. Arguably, international law is the product of negotiation and requires ratification in order to be effective. States are expected to comply with a treaty once they become the Parties of a treaty. However, States may prioritize their perceived national interests and decide not to comply with international law if they consider necessary. Rules-based international order is ideal, but not always true in the real world. Leaders of the world gather at global summits to discuss international affairs and governance. Some summits produce outcomes such as agreements and statements. Some are considered binding while others are non-binding. Some are upheld while others are not. Why do summits take place, and how can we evaluate their outcomes? How does international relations influence international law, and vice versa? This course will address these questions by exploring two-level game theory, which views international negotiations as simultaneous discussions at both the domestic and international levels. After an overview of security, trade, development, and environmental issues typically considered at summits, seminar participants will review three types of summits with which the instructor has personal experience: US-Japan bilateral summits; Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP); and the G 7/8 Summits. The first hour of each course will be conducted as a research seminar, followed by a guest-speaker series and simulations. The course is structured around three learning objectives: (1) understanding the implication of theory of two-level games on the international legal negotiation; (2) applying the theory of two-level games to real-world foreign policy issues; and (3) experiencing negotiations and briefings which are the daily activities of practitioners in international affairs.
Autocracy is the most prevalent regime type throughout human history and more than a half of world's population currently live in authoritarian states. This class focuses on the development of autocracy as a global phenomenon from the early states to the 21st century. We will discuss the historical evolution of this regime type, how and why autocracies are born and die, varieties of autocracy, the sources of autocratic stability and collapse, autocratic governance, how autocracies respond to crises and the external and domestic challenges authoritarian rulers and societies face in contemporary world.
Examines the law and institutions of the WTO, including its regulation of trade in goods and services, its dispute-settlement system and how it deals with policy issues (such as environment and labor standards) that may affect trade. Provides an overview of the main features of the WTO system and an in-depth examination of critical issues that have emerged in the dispute-settlement process or in negotiations.
The course gives students a comprehensive understanding of contemporary patterns and characteristics of transnational organized crime, illicit markets and trafficking activities. It does so through a broad set of analytical tools, that are not limited to criminal justice, but rather include political science, international relations, political economy and political sociology. After offering an overview of what and how we know about organized crime, we will examine variations in its contemporary forms in the international arena, addressing key questions related to geopolitical stability and instability – therefore debating the nexus with state fragility, development and security (terrorism).
This course aims to study the multifaceted and complex relationship between Europe/the European Union and the states of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Starting with the history of European colonialism in the Middle East, the course will examine the post-colonial policies of single European states towards the region, together with the declarations, policies and practices of the European Community, and later European Union, from the 1970s onwards. Suggesting a widely overlooked degree of interconnectedness between Europe and the Middle East, special attention will be paid to Europe-Middle East relations in the realms of trade, migration and border control, security cooperation and democracy promotion. The conceptualisation of the policies of the EU and of single MENA states, together with questions pertaining to power relations, interdependence and leverage in Europe-Middle East relations will also be discussed
This course is designed to do four things. (1) teach the key concepts of democratic politics; (2) perfect 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) explain the method of historical analysis. The course, in effect, is “history for policy makers” (with a dash of political theory, which is indispensable for any would-be analyst).This course also 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 explain and analyze political upheaval.
Since the global financial crisis in 2008, some of the most senior political figures in Europe have predicted the EU’s collapse or disintegration. A succession of crises (the euro, migration, Brexit, rule-of-law, Covid-19, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inflation) as well as the rise of euro-skeptical populism appeared to vindicate such predictions. But others claim that European integration has always advanced through crises and see a bright future for Europe through a “green recovery” from Covid-19, a robust and united response to external threats, the building of a digital single market, and a robust industrial policy, as well as the EU’s regulatory power, enabling Europe to compete more effectively with global rivals. Some also see a growing EU role in foreign policy, security and defense, including transatlantic engagement and a strategic response to the rise of China and to Russian aggression. A major EU role in the reconstruction of Ukraine could reinforce this more positive scenario.
This course examines Persian Gulf politics through the prism of Iran and Saudi Arabia- their history, domestic evolutions, foreign policy, ideology and position in the Persian Gulf. Once known in the American foreign policy establishment as the Twin Pillars of the Gulf, they both supported American political and economic interests until 1979. Iran and Saudi Arabia have followed similar economic and political trajectories. The outcome of such paths however, has been decidedly different. In addition to weighing in on the competing ideological visions and dominating regional position of these two Persian Gulf heavyweights, this course will assess the impact of these states on those of the region including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar.
This policy seminar is designed to enable students to better understand the sources and manifestations of Russian foreign and security policy. Through course readings, class discussions, assignments, and a scenario exercise, students will assess how a variety of theoretical perspectives can or cannot explain Russian foreign policy choices and actions and Moscow's evolving relationships around the world. They will build on that to develop their own perspectives on how Russian foreign policy can be improved and how other states can develop more effective policies towards Russia
Politics affects risk on many levels (e.g., international, national, regional, and local), and is the result of the interaction of many different elements. In this course, we start by examining some basic issues with regard to risk analysis as well as why forecasts often fall short before examining three broad issues: country structural fragility; problems with collective action policymaking; and operational breakdowns. The first looks at how the sociopolitical and institutional dynamics of a country affects its evolution. The second looks at how the policy formulation process works and why it often yields a less than ideal result. The third looks at the challenges of implementation. As such, the class focuses more on the risks that face countries than on how particular risks might impact corporations or NGOs, though the latter is also examined. The two types of risks are related but are not identical (e.g., regulatory changes may be good for a country, but bad for a company or NGO). We conclude by examining how to prioritize and mitigate risk. Each class aims to provide students with a set of frameworks to think about and assess these issues. Students all get a chance to work on case studies to develop their skills.<a href="https://www.sais-jhu.edu/seth-kaplan" target="_blank">Click here for the faculty bio</a>
The course explores the main analytical elements of the concept “negotiating for humanity”. It will review the current approaches to international negotiations, as well as the literature of global public goods and existential challenges; it will analyze lessons drawn from the negotiations of international regimes in the fields of sustainable development, climate change, ozone layer depletion, weapons of mass destruction, migration, among others, in order to identify approaches that can inform current global debates and future processes of negotiation for humanity. Through systems thinking, immersive training simulations and interactive negotiation exercises, the course will contribute to the students’ understanding of the processes and instruments the international system needs to implement in order to address global problems, as we approach debates on such topics as human migration, climate change, inequality, ocean pollution, the human rights protection challenges stemming from emerging technologies, outer space navigation and cleanup of orbit debris, technologies in new weapons systems, and the creation of an effective regime to deal with pandemics.
Students will organize themselves as a consulting team with functional roles and responsibilities. The course will include reading of foundational material on public opinion, public diplomacy, data analysis, and Brazil. The course will center around answering a client, US Department of State, question regarding its image in Brazil. The class will spend one week in Brazil engaging public, private, and third sector stakeholders and decision makers.