DWA 295 Topics in Diplomacy and World Affairs
Topics vary semester to semester.
A World Without War
The seminar will begin by examining various theories and explanations for the
reasons of war. Are wars inevitable? What are the basic differences between
wars in pre-modern and in modern times? Are rising powers or rivals destined to
clash at some point, with devastating consequences for both sides and beyond?
How can one minimize the chances that wars “break out”? Can diplomacy help to
prevent wars? What is the role of mediators or supra-national organizations?
What characterizes good, effective peace negotiations? In order to answer these
questions or at least shed significant light on them, we will look at some major
junctions in world history and study the concepts which have been developed to
secure peace.