Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
16395:IR18‐DE101 Theories of International Relations (RB) § 16396:RUIR-1221 Theories of International Relations(RB) 2024 Fall Mon3 College　Of　International　Relations KOBAYASHI KAZUSHIGE 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

MEIGAKUKAN　MG002

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

Apparently, theory has a pretty bad reputation among college students. I asked some of your fellow students how they felt about theory. One student replied that theory is “difficult”. Another said theory is the thing that “complicates our otherwise-enjoyable college life”. Yet another student confessed that, in his view, theory is “basically useless in real life”. But is that so? Are theories truly useless in our real world? This course is our collective journey to critically interrogate such prevalent views and explore the way in which theories can (hopefully) make our lives better and brighter. This course is not just about learning theories of International Relations (IR); it is about learning to use IR theories in order to make sense of the world around us. Are powerful nations destined to fight with each other? Do rules matter in global politics? How do our identities shape the way we see the world? These are some of the big questions we will explore together in this course. The ultimate goal of this course is for you to grow as a proactive learner able to use theoretical tools to explain trends, events, and actions in global politics. I very much look forward to sharing some of what I have learned in my own research as we journey together through this course.

Student Attainment Objectives

This course is not just about acquiring factual knowledge about IR theories; it is also designed to be a transformative learning experience where you can develop and practice higher-order thinking skills that will help you build a meaningful intellectual life beyond university. To this end, this course entails the following five concrete learning outcomes. By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1) describe foundational IR concepts in their own words;
2) use theoretical tools to identify and make sense of macro-trends in global politics;
3) engage in constructive conversations on contemporary events with their peers;
4) evaluate the merits and limitations of arguments put forth by others; and,
5) produce critical reflections on how to use (or not to use) IR theories in practical/professional contexts.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
Session 1

Course Guidance: Why Study International Relations?

Overview of the course and course requirements

◼ Required Readings/Videos
N/A

This course will progress through four stages. After initial course guidance (Session 1) and the introductory session (Session 2), we will begin by reviewing realist perspectives on IR, focusing on how wars and orders are produced and reproduced in global politics (Sessions 3-5). Second, we will learn about liberal perspectives on IR, with an emphasis on the role of international law, global institutions, and political regimes (Sessions 6-8). Third, we will engage with critical perspectives that help us question the taken-for-granted assumptions in the mainstream IR paradigms (Sessions 9-11). Finally, students will apply the knowledge acquired in this course to analyze contemporary global challenges, such as climate crisis, new technology, and the rise of Asia (Sessions 12-14). In the final session (Session 15), we will critically reflect upon our learning journey together in this course.
In order to develop and practice the higher-order thinking skills described above, course sessions are organized in an interactive manner that integrates class discussion, group work, scenario analysis, and other active learning exercises in the classroom. Through these exercises, you will learn to use theoretical tools and to think critically about real-world issues. Students are expected to complete reading/video assignments every week and to familiarize themselves with the concepts introduced by these assignments. Students interested in advanced materials are encouraged to consult the supplementary references provided below (see also the Reference Books listed below).

Session 2

Why Do People Love to Hate Theories?

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Introduction: Diversity and Disciplinarity in International Relations Theory.
• Reus-Smit, C. (2020). International Relations: A Very Short Introduction. Chapter 3: Theory is your friend. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 29-46.
• Anticole, M. (2015). What’s the difference between a scientific law and theory?. TED, 20 November 2015.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Cox, R. W. (1981). Social forces, states and world orders: Beyond international relations theory. Millennium 10(2): 126-155.
 Acharya, A., & Buzan, B. (2007). Why is there no non-Western international relations theory? An introduction. International Relations of the Asia-Pacific 7(3): 287-312.

Session 3

Perspectives of Power (I): Humans

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.2: Classical Realism.
• Bell, D. (2006). Beware of false prophets: Biology, human nature and the future of International Relations theory. International Affairs 82(3) 493-510.
• Nye, J. Jr. (2016). What is power?. CSIS, 20 April 2016.
 
◼ Supplementary Readings
 Haas, E. B. (1953). The balance of power: Prescription, concept, or propaganda?. World Politics 5(4) 442-477.
 Bull, H. (1981). Hobbes and the international anarchy. Social Research 48(4): 717-738.

Session 4

Perspectives of Power (II): Anarchy

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.3: Structural Realism.
• Walt, S. (2022). The realist guide to world peace. Foreign Policy, 23 December 2022.
• Mearsheimer, J. (2014). Structural realism. Open University, 3 October 2014.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Gilpin, R. G. (1984). The richness of the tradition of political realism. International Organization 38(2): 287-304.
 Milner, H. (1991). The assumption of anarchy in international relations theory: A critique. Review of International Studies 17(1): 67-85.

Session 5

Perspectives of Power (III): Hegemony

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Ikenberry, G. J., & Kupchan, C. A. (1990). Socialization and hegemonic power. International Organization 44(3): 283-315.
• VOX. (2016). How America became a superpower. VOX, 23 November 2016.
• Allison, G. (2015). Thucydides Trap: Are the U.S. and China headed for war?. The Atlantic, 24 September 2015.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Snidal, D. (1985). The limits of hegemonic stability theory. International Organization 39(4): 579-614.
 Ikenberry, G. J. (2011). The future of the liberal world order: Internationalism after America. Foreign Affairs 90(3): 56-68.

Session 6

Perspectives of Progress (I): Money

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.4: Liberalism.
• Cutler, A. C. (1991). The “Grotain tradition” in international relations. Review of International Studies 17(1): 41-65.
• Moravscik, A. (2014). Liberal theory. Open University, 4 October 2014.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 McDonald, P. J. (2004). Peace through trade or free trade?. Journal of Conflict Resolution 48(4): 547-572.
 Krickovic, A. (2015). When interdependence produces conflict: EU-Russia energy relations as a security dilemma. Contemporary Security Policy 36(1): 3-26.

Session 7

Perspectives of Progress (II): Law

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.5: Neoliberalism.
• Abbott, K. W., & Snidal, D. (1998). Why states act through formal international organizations. Journal of Conflict Resolution 42(1): 3-32.
• Al Jazeera. (2015). What’s the future for global cooperation at the UN?. Al Jazeera, 21 September 2021k.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Keohane, R. O., & Martin, L. L. (1995). The promise of institutionalist theory. International Security 20(1): 39-51.
 Keohane, R. O., & Victor, D. G. (2011). The regime complex for climate change. Perspectives on Politics 9(1): 7-23.

Session 8

Perspectives of Progress (III): Democracy

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Chan, S. (1997). In search of democratic peace: Problems and promise. Mershon International Studies Review 41(S1): 59-91.
• Menon, S. (2022). The fantasy of the free world: Are democracies really united against Russia?. Foreign Affairs, 4 April 2022.
• Dolye, M. (2013). Thought leader Michael Doyle on the Kantian approach to international affairs. Carnegie Council for Ethics and International Affairs, 14 March 2013.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Rosato, S. (2003). The flawed logic of democratic peace theory. American Political Science Review 97(4): 585-602.
 Jahn, B. (2018). Liberal internationalism: Historical trajectory and current prospects. International Affairs 94(1): 43-61.

Session 9

Perspectives of Identity (I): Norm

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.9: Constructivism.
• Wendt, A. (1992). Anarchy is what states make of it: The social construction of power politics. International Organization 46(2): 391-425.
• Al Jazeera. (2019). What’s the legacy of the fall of Berlin Wall?. Al Jazeera, 8 November 2019.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Checkel, J. T. (1997). International norms and domestic politics: Bridging the rationalist-constructivist divide. European Journal of International Relations 3(4): 473-495.
 Tannenwald, N. (1999). The nuclear taboo: The United States and the normative basis of nuclear non-use. International Organization 53(3): 433-468.

Session 10

Perspectives of Identity (II): Gender

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.10: Feminism.
• Bakken, I. V., & Buhaug, H. (2021). Civil war and female empowerment. Journal of Conflict Resolution 65(5): 982-1009.
• Crenshaw, K. (2016). The urgency of intersectionality. TED, 8 December 2016.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Wibben, A. T. (2011). Feminist politics in feminist security studies. Politics & Gender 7(4) 590-595.
 Ahmad, L. (2022). “Afghan women” aren’t who you think they are. Foreign Policy, 14 August 2022.

Session 11

Perspectives of Identity (III): Class (Rich/Poor)

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.7: Marxism.
• Hickel, J. (2017). Is global inequality getting better or worse? A critique of the World Bank’s convergence narrative. Third World Quarterly 38(10): 2208-2222.
• TED. (2022). Is capitalism actually broken?. TED-Ed, 2 November 2022.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Gamble, A. (1999). Marxism after communism: Beyond realism and historicism. Review of International Studies 25(5): 127-144.
 Wade, R. H. (2002). US hegemony and the World Bank: The fight over people and ideas. Review of International Political Economy 9(2): 215-243.

Session 12

Let’s Talk About Your Future (I): Climate Crisis

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.14: Green Theory.
• Erickson, A. & Collins, G. (2021). Competition with China can save the planet. Foreign Affairs, 13 April 2022.
• DW. (2022). Climate damage: How and why rich countries should pay up. Deutsche Welle, 24 December 2022.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Dalby, S. (2015). Climate geopolitics: Securing the global economy. International Politics 52(4) 426-444.
 Abadi, C. (2022). What if democracy and climate mitigation are incompatible?. Foreign Policy, 7 January 2022.

Session 13

Let’s Talk About Your Future (II): New Tech

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.15: International Relations Theory and Globalization.
• Schmidt, E. (2023). Innovation power: Why technology will define the future of geopolitics. Foreign Affairs 102(2): 38-52.
• Barba, E. (2018). Why we need to understand the politics inherent in technology. TED, 18 July 2018.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Carr, M. (2015). Power plays in global internet governance. Millennium 43(2) 640-659.
 Hansen, H. K., & Porter, T. (2017). What do big data do in global governance. Global Governance 23: 31-42.

Session 14

Let’s Talk About Your Future (III): The Asian Century?

◼ Required Readings/Videos
• Textbook Chap.16: Global International Relations.
• Lee, H. L. (2020). The endangered Asian century: America, China, and the perils of confrontation. Foreign Affairs 99(4): 52-64.
• Khanna, P. (2019). The future is Asian: Commerce, conflict, and culture in the 21st century, Asia Society, 9 February 2019.

◼ Supplementary Readings
 Foot, R., & Walter, A. (2013). Global norms and major state behaviour: The cases of China and the United States. European Journal of International Relations 19(2): 329-352.
 Allan, B. B., Vucetic, S., & Hopf, T. (2018). The distribution of identity and the future of international order: China’s hegemonic prospects. International Organization 72(4): 839-869.

Session 15

Final Discussion

Recap and final discussion activities

◼ Required Readings/Videos
N/A

Class Format

All course sessions are to be conducted in person.

Recommendations for Private Study

Each week, students are expected to read/watch weekly assignments before the class and also review the learning materials from the previous session(s). The expected amount of weekly preparatory/review study time for this course is around 4 hours.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written) 0

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)		 0

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

• Active Participation: 20%
• Weekly Writing Assignments (Digital Minute-Papers): 40%
• Critical Review Essay (around 1,200 words including references, due one week after Session 15): 40%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）


■ Active Participation (20%)
In this course, each session entails class discussion and other practical exercises designed to enhance your learning experiences. In this context, “active participation” means continuously and constructively engaging in class activities as a proactive learner. All of us in the class – you, me, and your peers – share the responsibility of fostering an enabling environment where we can engage in constructive mutual learning. Everyone is expected to actively participate, so that we can all benefit from the insights and experiences each person brings to our class.


■ Weekly Writing Assignments - DMP: Digital Minute-Papers (40%)
Pedagogical research demonstrates that a habit of constant self-reflection promotes effective learning. For this purpose, I ask you to submit a digital minute-paper (DMP) after each session (except Sessions 1 and 15), in which you will critically reflect upon your learning experience in 100-150 words. Your DMP should address the following questions:
• What was the most interesting thing you learned in this session?
• What was the most difficult thing to understand in this session?
• Do you have any questions about the material?
You should spend no more than 10-15 minutes writing a DMP. I will provide timely feedback on the questions and/or concerns raised in your DMP. This practice of constant feedback is meant to enhance your learning experience and to support your growth as an active learner.

You are asked to submit a DMP within 24 hours after the end of each weekly session, though I strongly encourage you to submit your DMP immediately after each session. Your DMPs must be submitted via manaba+R, which automatically registers the time of submission. You are asked to submit a DMP within 24 hours after the end of each weekly session, though I strongly encourage you to submit your DMP immediately after each session. Your DMPs must be submitted via manaba+R, which automatically registers the time of submission. Your DMPs will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
(a) Relevance: DMP content is relevant to the materials covered in the session.
(b) Volume: DMP has a length between 100-150 words.
(c) Timeliness: DMP is submitted within 24 hours after the end of the session.

Each DMP submission counts as 3% of your overall grade, except for the submission after Session 2, which exceptionally counts as 4% of your overall grade. You are not required to submit a DMP after Sessions 1 (course guidance) and 15 (review session). This means that we will have 13 substantive weekly sessions in total (Sessions 2-14); if you are present at all of these sessions and successfully submit DMPs after each of them, then the cumulative gain will be 40% of your final grade. Incomplete submissions (e.g. late submissions, DMPs that are shorter than 100 words, etc.) will result in deduction of grade gains.


■ Critical Review Essay (40%)
The purpose of this assignment is to help you enhance your ability to constructively engage with ongoing debates on global politics and produce critical reviews on commentaries written by IR experts. In this assignment, you are given a recent commentary published by popular IR magazines (such as Foreign Policy and Foreign Affairs), and your task is to produce a critical review essay that evaluates the merits and limitations of the argument put forth by the authors. More detailed information on review essay questions, format, reference style, and writing tips will be provided separately at Session 1.
Your review essay must be submitted via manaba+R, which automatically registers the time of submission. Late submission will be penalized, unless you have been granted a formal extension for justified reasons.



Though I ask you to actively participate in all sessions, there could be forces beyond your control that might prevent you from being present in class, including sudden illness. In such cases, please consult me via email as soon as possible and we will find a fair way to accommodate you.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
International Relations Theories, 5th Edition Tim Dunne, Milja Kurki, and Steve Smith Oxford University Press 978-0198814443

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

The textbook can be purchased at the Ritsumeikan University COOP Bookstore and other major Japanese bookstores. In addition to the textbook, students are also required to read/watch weekly readings and videos. All additional learning materials will be made available on manaba+R.

Reference Books

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
International Relations: A Very Short Introduction Christian Reus-Smit Oxford University Press 978-0198850212
International Relations Theory, 6th Edition Mark Kauppi and Paul Viotti Rowman & Littlefield 978-1538115695
International Relations Theory: A Primer, 2nd Edition Elizabeth Matthews and Rhonda Callaway Oxford University Press 978-0190081638
Global Politics Stephanie Lawson Oxford University Press 978-019884432
Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Practice, 3rd Edition Joyce Kaufman Rowman & Littlefield 978-1538158937
International Relations, 3rd Edition Stephanie Lawson Polity Press 978-1509508563
Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, 8th Edition Georg Sørensen, Jørgen Møller, and Robert Jackson Oxford University Press 978-0198862208
Classical Theory in International Relations Beate Jahn (ed) Cambridge University Press 978-0511491429
Perspectives on International Relations, 7th Edition Henry Nau SAGE 978-1544374390
International Relations Theory Stephen McGlinchey, Rosie Walters, and Christian Scheinpflug (eds) E-International Relations Publishing 978-1910814192
International Relations Theory: A Critical Introduction, 5th Edition Cynthia Weber Routledge 978-0367442712
Oxford Handbook of International Relations Christian Reus-Smit and Duncan Snidal (eds) Oxford University Press 978-0199585588
Handbook of International Relations, 2nd Edition Walter Carlsnaes, Thomas Risse, and Beth Simmons (eds) SAGE 978-1446265031
War: How Conflict Shaped Us Margaret MacMillan Random House 978-1788162562

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Students are encouraged to consult the above-listed books for self-study purposes.

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Communication Paper,Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

Please make sure to regularly check the course page on manaba+R for announcements and notifications. I am here to support your success in this course and beyond. If you have any concerns or questions, I encourage you to contact me as early as possible. I prefer to be contacted by e-mail. I usually respond to e-mails within 48 hours, excluding holidays and weekends.

Feel free to stop by my office during open office hours (to be announced at Session 1). We can alternatively arrange for virtual office hours via Zoom. Beyond these designated office hours, I will also be available for you by appointment.


It is certainly important for you to grow into independent learners able to take ownership of your own learning journeys – but it is equally important for us to learn how to learn with others, especially in our era of interconnectedness where effective solutions to daunting global challenges (including the pandemic) require multilateral collaboration. Through class discussion and other team-based exercises, we will learn how to engage in the collective knowledge-building that is foundational to future global cooperation.

Between 2012 and 2022, I lived in Geneva and I have been actively involved in the delivery of executive education programs for UN officials (e.g. action learning courses for peacebuilding and humanitarian professionals), as well as in policy consulting projects for various government agencies and international organizations. My teaching approach is informed by my continuous engagement with these professionals and I look forward to sharing my practical insights with you throughout this course.
【科目ナンバリング・カリキュラムマップはこちらから/Click here to see the Curriculum-Map and Course-Numbering】
URL:http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp//students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html