A90084 International Relations

To be a good economist - especially if your future work  is in international organizations, Human Resources, diplomatic career - an important added value with respect to your competitors is a good knowledge of international society,  the reason for which a country today  is as we see it,  considering the role of psychological aspects (the real engine of every human decision), traditions of each population which deeply influence their choices, behaviour, organization and quality of institutional structures. Having this information, understanding the real causes of wars, cooperation, peace, wealth and poverty, power and weakness will be useful when you have a career  development and more responsibility.

Content: the analysis of political and economic decisional mechanisms, particularly their psychological aspects;  the role of parties; of the ruling class and its qualities and capabilities; financial  and commercial capacities of countries; diplomacy; demographic, social and psychological conditions of populations; public opinion, press; pressure groups; military capabilities. Understanding the differences between <<symptoms and causes>> and their relevance in international analysis.

The European political, historical and economic situation at the beginning of the 20^th century. The deep causes of the First World War: psychological, politics, economics and military aspects. American isolationalistic tradition  and causes of its involvement in the War.  President Wilson's psychology.  The peace treaties and their economic and political consequences.  The economic interdependence between the nations. The myth of permanent prosperity. Causes of the Great Depression of 1929.  Political, military and economic  decisions in Japan, Italy, Germany to solve their economic crisis. Towards the Second World War. The real origin of the Cold War. Current World Politics : 1) The new Russia – 2) Global warming - 3) Transatlantic  relations: EU and USA - 4) Iranian atomic ambitions: case study - 5) The subprime crisis and rating agencies and their political consequences - 6) Bases of American foreign policy - 7) Neuro-economy and its future influence.

The course will require active students’  involvement. It is necessary for the students to keep up to date on the most important international matters through Internet (international newspapers and agencies). E-mails are periodically sent out by the instructor to the students to direct their attention to the most important international matters.

Students will be evaluated on a written exam and on the basis of class attendance, at least 50%.