INAF U4545x Contemporary Diplomacy 3 pts. This course examines the process of diplomacy; the patterns, purposes, and people that shape the contemporary interactions of states. In the first, entitled "Making War and Peace"- we look at a series of the most important episodes in twentieth-century diplomacy. In the second section under the heading "Professional Norms and Pathologies"-we consider some of the problems faced by diplomats in any period. The concluding section of the course called "The Newest 'New Diplomacy'"- takes up distinctive aspects of diplomacy in the current period: how the United States and other governments have dealt with the proliferation of multilateral organizations (and of weapons of mass destruction), with ethnic warfare and genocide, with the pressures and opportunities of globalization, and with the war on terrorism that began after September 11, 2001. SIPA: MIA- Interstate Relations. SIPA: United States.

INAF U6236x History of American Ecology & Environmentalism 3 pts. We will explore various conceptions of nature and ecology in changing ideas of conservation, preservation, the Dust Bowl, the atomic age, growing environmentalism, and the current focus on biodiversity as one route to a sustainable society. We will look at how scientific information has been constructed and used in environmental debates over pollution and overpopulation and will question the utility of distinguishing between "first nature" (untouched by humans) and "second nature" (nature modified by humans). Along the way, we will address connections between environmentalism and nationalism, the relationship between environmental change and social inequality, the rise of modern environmental politics, and different visions for the future of nature. SIPA: E&E- IEMP. SIPA: E&E- Environment Policy. SIPA: United States. SIPA: PESP.

INAF U6680x and y US Energy Security: Geopolitics of Oil & Gas 3 pts. This seminar is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the relationship between U.S. national security and the economics and politics of the international oil and gas industry. The course places the current U.S. energy predicament in the context of past American experiences, and it analyzes how energy policy affects U.S. relations with other states. The course also examines how these other states use their energy resources (or lack thereof) to cooperate and/or compete with the United States. The political, economic, diplomatic and military aspects of "energy security" are considered through a series of case studies. The final sessions are devoted to the U.S. bilateral energy security issues with Canada and Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, India, and China. SIPA: MIA- Interstate Relations. SIPA: E&E- IEMP. SIPA: United States.

INAF U8136x or y US Foreign Policy-Persian Gulf 3 pts. This course will focus on the process by which U.S. foreign policy is formulated and executed, using the Persian Gulf region as case material. Readings and lectures will examine the relationship between U.S. government agencies (White House, State, Defense, CIA, Congress, etc.) and instrumentalities (declaratory policy, diplomacy, military presence, arms transfers, covert action, etc.) in the pursuit of national goals. Special attention will be devoted to the analysis of U.S. regional policy and international relations from the Iranian revolution through the two gulf wars to the present. Instructor permission is required to register for this course. Please go to: http://sipa.columbia.edu/academics/sipa_registration/instructions.html for instructions. SIPA: MIA- Interstate Relations. SIPA: EPD. SIPA: E&E- IEMP. SIPA: ISP. SIPA: Middle East. SIPA: United States.

INAF U8415x US-Latin American Relations: WWII to Present 3 pts. The course seeks to analyze the dynamics and issues that describe relations between the United States and Latin America since the end of World War II. A complete picture of the current state of affairs in the hemisphere and the reasons that led to it require an analysis in three different - but related - dimensions. To cover the first one, the course analyzes historical benchmarks that contextualize particular overt American interventions in the region, dissecting their causes, operation and consequences. In a second dimension, the course looks at topics that have permeated the relationship between the United States and Latin America over this period. Because of their typically cross-national nature, they illustrate a different set of dynamics and concerns that have fueled tensions in the relationship. A third and final dimension concerns recent developments in Latin America that affect and have been affected by American foreign policy. Their novelty suggests that these issues will remain relevant at least in the immediate future. SIPA: MIA- Interstate Relations. SIPA: EPD. SIPA: Latin America. SIPA: United States.

REGN U8090x The Transatlantic Economy 3 pts. A course on economic relations in an era of regionalism and the formation of rival economic blocs. This course examines the changing architecture of contemporary US-EU relations, placing this relationship within wider multilateral obligations. Topics to be discussed include conceptual frameworks within which the relationship may be analyzed; the economic dimension to common security; causes and consequences of past and present trade disputes; the development and implementation of the Transatlantic Agenda and related programs such as the Transatlantic Business Dialogue; implications for the dollar of European Monetary Union; and the impact on the relationship of each side's ties to other regional arrangements such as APEC, Mercosur and EU enlargement to Eastern and Central Europe. Course requirements: A term paper and classroom presentations. SIPA: MIA- Interstate Relations. SIPA: APEA. SIPA: IFEP- Finance. SIPA: IFEP- Economic Policy. SIPA: Europe. SIPA: Intl Org. SIPA: United States. SIPA: UN Studies.

SIPA U0030x and y (Section 9) Regional Specialization: United States

All SIPA candidates are required to register for one of the specializations in each semester of matriculation at SIPA. The regional specialization registration will be for zero academic credits and will not affect or be affected by fees or financial charges. SIPA: United States.