I teach classes on international relations, international political economy, and American Political Development and labor history.
Globalization & Labor
It was once common for countries to protect their domestic economies from the global market. High tariffs and other trade barriers were frequently used to foster the growth of industries thought necessary for economic development. This changed dramatically in the 1980s, when country after country in the developing world opened up their economies. Ever since this wave of globalization, scholars have debated the causes of this widespread change in economic policy. Was it the power of ideas, the demands of interest groups, the influence of the United States, or pressure from international institutions? In this course, students will be introduced to these debates and make their own scholarly contributions through a semester-long research project.
Political Economy of International Trade
In this course we will examine the political economy of international trade with a focus on economic development and globalization. Emphasis will be placed on the distributional consequences of trade policy, as well as the relationship between trade, international organizations, and international law. Readings will explore the role of international trade in the history of industrialization, theories of development, and contemporary concerns regarding labor rights, the environment, and public health. Students will be encouraged to investigate both new and recurrent distributional issues related to economic growth. The course will assume knowledge of some basic concepts from economics and political science, but no prerequisite coursework is required.
Power and Violence in America
In this course we will explore the complex relationship between industrialization, the labor movement, race relations, and the organization of violence in America. It will focus on the transformative year of 1877, which saw the end of Reconstruction, as well as the first nationwide strike in American history. In studying this "Great Upheaval," students will encounter fundamental questions concerning the distribution of income and the use of force in American society. We will examine the historical processes that preceded the events of 1877, as well as the indelible mark that these events left on American political development in the twentieth century. This course is being taught simultaneously at Amherst College and will include a virtual classroom component as well as opportunities for inter-collegiate collaboration.
International Politics
What causes conflict or cooperation among states? What can states and other international entities do to preserve global peace? These are among the issues addressed by the study of international politics. This course examines the forces that shape relations among states, and between states and international regimes. Key concepts include: the international system, power and the balance of power, international institutions, foreign policy, diplomacy, deterrence, war, and global economic issues. Both the fall and spring sections of this course emphasize rigorous analysis and set theoretical concepts against historical and contemporary case studies.
International Political Economy
This course examines the politics of global economic relations, focusing principally on the advanced industrial states. How do governments and firms deal with the forces of globalization and interdependence? And what are the causes and consequences of their actions for the international system in turn? The course exposes students to both classic and contemporary thinking on free trade and protectionism, exchange rates and monetary systems, foreign direct investment and capital movements, regional integration, and the role of international institutions like the WTO. Readings will be drawn mainly from political science, as well as law and economics.