GLOBAL THREATS TO AMERICAN SECURITY

POLITICAL SCIENCE 2103

Fall 2007, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-10:45 p.m., Chapman Lecture Hall

Professor Robert H. Donaldson (Chapman Hall 209, x2409, robert-donaldson@utulsa.edu)

OFFICE HOURS: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, or by appointment.

This course analyzes the international security environment in the post-Cold War world, with attention to conditions (such as "failed states," Islamic extremism, "rogue states," deterioration of the environment and of public health, and remnants of Cold War rivalries) that spawn emerging threats to U.S. security. Specific consideration is given to problems of counter-terrorism, the control of weapons of mass destruction, and protection of critical infrastructure.

Requirements of the course are as follows:

1) Participation in class discussion;

2) Two mid-term examinations, to be given on September 20 and October 25 (each of which counts 20% of the final grade);

3) Five two-page papers on films shown in the “Global Threats Film Series;” counting 20% of the final grade;

4) A comprehensive final examination, to be given on December 6, 9-11:25 a.m., counting 40% of the final grade.

Texts: The books listed are basic texts. Short articles may also be handed out for required reading. The outline below suggests the relation of the assigned readings to broad topics covered in class sessions. Students who wish to follow these issues should be regular readers of a good daily or weekly newspaper, such as The New York Times or The Economist and journals such as Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, International Security, or The National Interest. Additional resources are listed on the course web site, www.personal.utulsa.edu/~robert-donaldson

1. Chalmers Johnson, Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire, Owl/Henry Holt paperback, 2000.

2. Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Touchstone/Simon & Schuster paperback, 1996.

3. Robert D. Kaplan, The Coming Anarchy: Shattering the Dreams of the Post Cold War, Vintage paperback, 2000.

4. Paul R. Pillar, Counterterrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy, Brookings Institution Press, 2001.

5. Ian S. Lustick, Trapped in the War on Terror, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2006.

6. Stephen Flynn, America the Vulnerable: How Our Government is Failing to Protect Us from Terrorism, Harper Collins, 2004.

 

August 21-September 4

The Cold War and its Legacy

American "Empire": East Asia and Middle East

Blowback: Consequence of "Empire"?

Readings: Johnson, entire

September 6-18

Modernization and Westernization

The West and its Challengers

Clashes of Civilizations?

Fault Lines and Wars

Proliferation of Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons

Readings: Huntington, entire

SEPTEMBER 20: FIRST MIDTERM EXAM

September 25-October 4

Disappearance of Borders

Demography, Disease, and Environmental Security

Does Democracy Bring Peace

Failed States and the Dangers of Peace

Readings: Kaplan, pp. 3-99.

October 9-23

Terrorism and Counter-terrorism

Groups, States, and Publics

Cyber-warfare and Cyber-terrorism

Future of Terrorism

Readings: Pillar, entire

OCTOBER 25: SECOND MIDTERM EXAM

October 30-November 15

Measuring the Terrorist Threat

The War in Iraq and the “War on Terror”

Domestic Consequences of the “War on Terror”

Readings: Lustick, entire

November 27-29

Vulnerabilities: Critical Infrastructure

Attack Scenarios

Genuine Homeland Security: What Will it Cost?

Readings: Flynn, entire

DECEMBER 6: FINAL EXAMINATION

 

Students are bound by the statement on "Academic Misconduct: Standards and Definitions," found in the Student Handbook.

Students with disabilities should contact the Center for Student Academic Support to self-identify their needs in order to facilitate their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Center for Student Academic Support is located in Lorton Hall. All students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with and take advantage of services provided by the Center for Student Academic Support such as tutoring, academic counseling, and developing study skills. The Center for Student Academic Support provides confidential consultations to any student with academic concerns as well as to students with disabilities.