Great Power Competition

Many scholars and policymakers argue that international relations has “returned” to great power politics. The United States, the preeminent power since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, faces internal and external challenges to its position. Its leaders argue it should seek a “sphere of influence” in the Western Hemisphere. China’s significant economic growth over the last several decades has manifested in growing military power and institutional might: it has used its increasing power to contest territorial norms in the South China Seas, and build new and, some would argue, competitive economic institutions, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Russia may be beset by domestic political challenges and a sluggish economy, but nevertheless has flexed its military capabilities in Ukraine.

In this course, we will undertake a theoretical, historical, and contemporary analysis of competition among great powers. What sources of power do states mobilize as they compete? How does great power competition affect middle and small powers? When great powers compete, how does this shape prospects for cooperation in international politics? We analyze both historical case studies (for example, the Concert of Europe), as well as contemporary cases.