INST 101
Small States in the International System: Opportunities and Challenges Fall 2013
Division II Exploring Diversity Initiative
Cross-listed PSCI 105
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

What is a “small state”? How do small states differ from large states? Can small states stand on their own or do they need political and economic shelter for larger states and/or international institutions? The aim of the course is to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of the position of small states in the international system. It examines how small states work within the international and regional institutions and their power potential within the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU). As a regional and comparative case study, it analyzes in detail the participation of the Nordic states (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) in the UN and the European integration process. What does the EU offer to small states in specific terms of survival, strategy and security? How can states exercise their powers within the EU? Do small states behave differently from the large ones within the EU? The final part examines small states in the UN and determines the ability of them to influence the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It deals with how internal competence of small states in areas such as knowledge, initiative and diplomatic, coalition and leadership skills and their perceived neutrality. At the end of the course students should have a good knowledge of the relevance of multi-lateral institutions to small states’ agendas and their strategic options; of the potential influence of small states within the UN and the EU; and of the specific reactions of the Nordic states to globalization and the European integration process.
The Class: Format: lecture
Limit: 30
Expected: 25
Class#: 1843
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: class discussion, two short papers (3-5 pages) group projects with oral presentations and a final examination
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: International Studies concentrators
Distributions: Division II Exploring Diversity Initiative
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
PSCI 105 Division II INST 101 Division II

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