This course examines the "big questions" in world politics: Why do countries fight wars? Can nuclear proliferation be curtailed? Does trade help developing countries or harm them? Topics include rise, development and changes of the nation-state system; patterns and causes of international conflict and cooperation; the environment, redistribution of wealth, security and human rights; international law, organizations, and transnational institutions; the roles of both state and non-state actors in international politics; and the methods used to understand this field.