Middle Power Diplomacy

Course Description

International relations scholarship pays close attention to the Great Powers, and concern over failed states. With the formation of the G20, there is a multilateral forum where Great Powers and the Rising Powers of Brazil, Russia, India, and China can shape the global agenda. Yet in every era and every stable international order there is an important role for Middle Powers – countries whose capacity to foster or disrupt order leads them to “punch above their weight” in international relations. Canada self-identifies as a Middle Power, but today the status of Middle Power is claimed by states in every region and on every continent.This course considers the dilemmas and strategies of Middle Power diplomacy, and how the United States, Great Powers and Small States interact with them. Over the course of the semester, we will consider what role Middle Powers play in the contemporary international system, and what to do about it. Prerequisite(s): Students may not register for this class if they have already received credit for SA.551.104[C]

Code

SA.503.166

Credits

4

Subject

Governance, Politics and Society