Twentieth Century Politics and Diplomacy: Case Studies in War and Peace

IWP 620
Four credits

This course examines the most significant developments which have made the 20th century the most violent and revolutionary era in world history. It analyzes the causes and circumstances of each of the major wars of the 20th century: World Wars I and II, and the Cold War. Special emphasis is placed on the structure of the international system, the role of geopolitical and ideological movements, and the failure of peace settlement diplomacy.

Semester Available

Fall Semester
Spring Semester

Principal Professor

John J. Tierney, Jr.

Walter Kohler Professor of International Relations; Academic Dean, Ad Interim; Chairman of the Admissions Committee {read more}

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FEATURED FACULTY

Raymond J. Batvinis

Former Supervisory Special Agent, FBI

U.S. Intelligence in the Cold War and Beyond

Secret intelligence is the "missing dimension" of Cold War history, as it is of most diplomatic history. This course analyzes a selective history of the U.S. intelligence community in the Cold War in order to assess its overall role. On the basis of declassified intelligence records and eyewitness accounts of former senior intelligence officers, the course focuses on what the intelligence community collected, knew, and estimated, and how intelligence reporting did or did not affect U.S. national security strategy and policy.

Principal Professor

David L. Thomas