This  course  explores  the  theory  and  practice  of international peacekeeping and collective security, two key multinational responses to international violence. Investigating specific cases in depth, we will try to better understand (1) when peacekeeping and collective security are appropriate, (2) when they are likely tooccur, (3) what constitutes success in such operations, and (4) the variables that affect success. Special attention will be given to the differences between traditional peacekeeping, which evolved in the 1950s and 1960s, and the “new peacekeeping,” which is illustrated by various operations.

The key goals of this course are to prepare students to: analyze the evolution of peacekeeping and collective security within the international community and the theoretical distinctions among intervention, collective security, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and peace building; identify  the  conditions that allow peacekeeping or collective security to occur and the conditions that enhance its likely success; and evaluate the effectiveness of peacekeeping in particular cases from  an  international  politics,  organizational,  and interpersonal/social perspective.

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or higher.