Teaching

At Wesleyan, I teach undergraduate-level courses on International Politics, International Political Economy, International Organization, The Political Economy of Foreign Aid, and Experiments in International Development, and advise students on their theses.

International Relations

What explains conflict and cooperation in international security and political economy? How do states and non-state actors interact in the international system? Why do they sometimes resort to violence? What international institutions structure their interactions? To equip students to answer these questions, this course introduces students to the major questions, theories, and issues in international relations. Students will leave the class with theoretical frameworks that can be used to understand current geopolitical issues as well as a historical appreciation for the study of international relations and the major events that have shaped our world. Throughout the course, we will relate our theories and historical knowledge to current issues of policy relevance, including: the recent trade war, the North Korean and Iranian nuclear threats, terrorism, the rise of China, Brexit, NAFTA/USMCA, and debates over immigration. [syllabus (F24)]

International Political Economy

How do domestic and international politics influence the economic relations between states, and vice-versa? This course considers the role that governments and institutions play in the movement of goods, money, and people across borders. Sometimes political actors can intervene to improve the efficiency or equity of international markets, but sometimes self-interest can give rise to worse outcomes. This course explores topics such as globalization, trade, monetary relations, international institutions, debt, foreign direct investment, development, international migration, and the environment. Emphasis will be on understanding current events, including the recent trade war and Brexit. [syllabus (F23)]

International Organization

Why do international organizations (IOs) exist? Do they shape outcomes in international politics? Who runs international organizations? This course considers the role that institutions have played in addressing global problems since World War II. Some argue their role is trivial, since there is no international police force that can constrain states’ behaviors. Others argue their role is profound, as institutions help states to overcome important barriers to cooperation. And just as in domestic institutions, the rules of IOs represent some interests more than others, creating opportunities for controversy and contestation. We will apply these theories to understand several institutions governing economic stability, environmental sustainability, human rights, security affairs, and global development. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to explain why these IOs exist, how well they work, and what challenges they face in the future. [syllabus (F22)]

Experiments in International Development

Do policies designed to promote development around the world actually work? Do they sometimes produce effects we didn’t expect? This seminar teaches the experimental method of social science research and applies it to these questions. Students will read examples of how social scientists have used experiments to study international development—broadly defined—including foreign aid, conflict and violence, illicit finance, elections, climate cooperation, trafficking in persons, and migration. Over the course of the seminar, students will design and analyze their own experimental research project and will write either an academic research article or an impact evaluation policy report. The seminar is especially appropriate for sophomores or juniors who are considering summer research or writing a thesis in government, but relevant to any student considering a career in policy or social science. [syllabus]