International Organizations in Global Politics

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

International organizations (IOs) are now ubiquitous actors in world politics. Whether in the realm of security, environmental affairs, health, development, or economics, IOs are involved in coordinating state action and in addressing global problems. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory and practice of international organizations. It is focused on three broad questions: First, do international organizations matter? Second, how do they matter, And third, should they matter? The class begins with an overview of how the major perspectives from international relations understand the role, function, and effects of IOs. While considering these questions, students will learn about the inner-workings of major international organizations, including the United Nations, World Bank and IMF, WTO, World Health Organization and others.