2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
International Politic B
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Koichi Ikezaki
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 1-2 Mon (WL2-101(W611)) / 1-2 Thu (WL2-101(W611))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.S218
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Apr 1, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Just as politics exists within each nation, it also exists between nations—this is what we call international politics. While both are forms of politics, they differ in one crucial respect. Unlike domestic society, the international community lacks a central authority, such as a world government, capable of enforcing laws upon individual states. This is not to say that norms and institutions do not exist; however, even if a state violates a law or invades another, one cannot rely on an entity like a domestic police force or judiciary to intervene and administer justice. Consequently, nations often find themselves compelled to rely on power to protect the values and interests they hold dear.
This course focuses on the politics that unfold within this unique sphere. In this space, where survival and security are never guaranteed, it is undeniable that power becomes a decisive factor. Yet, even in such an environment, human beings do not cease to seek morality and justice. It is precisely this tension that makes international politics a profound problem.
If both the cynical stance that "might is right" and the idealistic dictum "let justice be done, though the world perish" are contrary to sound political thinking, how should we make our judgments? The goal of this lecture is to have each student confront this fundamental question through the discussion of various issues in international politics.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
a) Analyze the difficulties in achieving peace and justice between states.This involves examining the fundamental nature of humanity, the inherent characteristics of political activity, and the unique structural constraints of international relations.
b) Learn from the various historical attempts (and their failures) to transform international politics, thereby developing the creativity to boldly seek alternatives, balanced with the prudence to anticipate and mitigate the risks associated with such changes.
c) Recognize the dilemmas inherent in political choices and establish their own conceptual foundations to guide them when they must take a stand or make a decision.
Keywords
War, Peace, Sovereign States, Anarchy, Security, Power Struggle, Cooperation, International Society, Democracy, Interdependence, Institution
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
This course is primarily lecture-based, but incorporates class discussions and reaction papers to encourage student feedback. Detailed information, including how materials will be shared and reading lists, will be provided during the first lecture. All students are required to attend the first class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction |
Understanding the main themes and scope of the course. |
| Class 2 | International Politics as a Problem |
Clarifying the unique problems inherent in international politics by contrasting them with domestic society. |
| Class 3 | Expansion and Transformation of the International System (1) : From the Origins of International Politics to the Congress of Vienna |
Tracing the process by which the prototype of modern international politics emerged and developed in Europe. |
| Class 4 | Expansion and Transformation of the International System (2) : The Collapse of the "Hundred Years' Peace" and the Path to World War |
Understand how the 19th century, while characterized by the suppression of major wars within Europe, simultaneously witnessed imperialist expansion abroad, leading to the accumulation of contradictions and systemic strains that eventually culminated in World War I. |
| Class 5 | Diplomacy |
Discussing the types of foreign policy and the conditions that determine their success or failure. |
| Class 6 | Security |
Considering why international peace remains a difficult ideal in light of human psychology and the structures of international politics. |
| Class 7 | Nuclear Weapons |
Discussing how the discovery of nuclear energy by scientists was applied to military use and how it transformed international politics. |
| Class 8 | Civil War |
Examining why civil wars occur and why they often become so devastating. |
| Class 9 | Terrorism |
Understanding the political impact brought about by the violence of terrorism. |
| Class 10 | Human Rights and Intervention |
Examining the rationale for conducting military intervention to stop large-scale human rights violations or war crimes occurring within a state. |
| Class 11 | Democracy |
Analyzing how democracy, while believed by many to be the foundation of peace, has also been used as a pretext to justify military action. |
| Class 12 | Interdependence |
Analyzing the extent to which international interdependence can strengthen ties between states and encourage cooperation. |
| Class 13 | International Organizations |
Considering the significance and role of international organizations, including the United Nations. |
| Class 14 | Conclusion and Outlook |
Summarizing previous discussions and discussing the future of international politics. |
| Class 15 | Final Exam |
Evaluate the level of understanding through an examination. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to reference books and other course materials.
Textbook(s)
No required textbook.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
No specific reference books are assigned.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Grading will be based on a mid-term paper (20%) and a final exam (80%). Active class participation and the submission of reaction papers will be considered for extra credit.
Related courses
- LAH.S119 ： International Politic A
- LAH.S315 ： International Politic C
- LAH.S453 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences63:International Politics
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge or specific conditions are required.
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
ikezaki.k.253f[at]m.isct.ac.jp
Replace [at] with @.
Office hours
Email contact in advance required for appointments.