Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Record 2008-2009 
    
Graduate Record 2008-2009 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

LAW5 606 - War and Peace: New Thinking about the Causes of War and War Avoidance


Whatever the focus of your professional career, one issue that ought to be of considerable interest to all citizens is the avoidance of war. This interdisciplinary seminar will explore some of the latest thinking about the causes of international armed conflict and the ways in which future wars might be avoided and peace preserved. This seminar builds upon work the instructors began nearly two decades ago as, respectively, the first Chairman of the Board and president of the congressionally-established U.S. Institute of Peace. Recent studies by Yale Professors Donald Kagan (History) and Bruce Russett (Political Science), and by University of Hawaii Political Science Professor Rudy Rummel, will be examined, along with a number of traditional intellectual approaches ranging from international law, arms control, and world federalism, to deterrence theory. Case studies of past wars will be examined to test competing theories. The seminar will also explore “incentive theory,” a newer paradigm developed by Professor Moore in his recent book, Solving the War Puzzle. Prominent guest lecturers will also take part. Students will be expected to take an active part in discussion. The seminar is a working seminar designed to advance human knowledge about war and war avoidance.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: National Security Law or International Law recommended, but not required.

Credits: 3