The summer cohort application deadline is May 18, 2025
Apply here

International Relations

What are the causes of war and peace? This course explores the theories, patterns, and frameworks of international relations. It critically examines controversies surrounding current phenomena such as world governance, state failure, international injustice, and great power competition.

This Seminar program is conducted by Dr. David Rezvani, Visiting Research Assistant Professor and Lecturer at Dartmouth College. Dr. Rezvani has also taught at Harvard University, MIT, Oxford University, Trinity College, and Boston University

Pre-approved Topic List

  1. Should countries (like the US or others) allow companies and individuals to hack back against foreign cyber attackers?
  2. Which country has the best model for fighting global pandemics?
  3. What strategy should the US adopt for managing its relations with China?
  4. What is the greatest challenge to China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and how can it be overcome?
  5. Should other countries be happy or worried about the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)?
  6. What is the best type of free trade agreement for Asia?
  7. What explains China’s remarkable economic growth?
  8. Is China a revisionist or status quo power?
  9. Was Brexit the right decision for the United Kingdom?
  10. What political outcome has the best chance at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
  11. In light of the massive flow of refugees from places like Ukraine and the Middle East to Europe, is international migration bad for host countries?
  12. What is the best solution to address the plight of the Rohingya?
  13. Should the international community prohibit Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons?
  14. Is global poverty better reduced through free trade or international aid?
  15. Does humanitarian disaster justify military intervention?
  16. Was it a right choice for America and its allies to have invaded Libya?
  17. What role should countries play in their policy toward Syria?
  18. What strategy should the US adopt for managing its relations with Russia?
  19. Do you believe that Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine is the West’s fault?
  20. What carbon tax or carbon emission trading scheme do you favor to address the threat of global warming?
  21. In light of the similarities and differences between credit monitoring systems in different countries, what changes, if any, would you make to China’s social credit system?