International Relations

The course will emphasize the foreign policy choices and the national security challenges that will confront Donald Trump in his return to the White House. We will examine the various choices that concern the war between Russia and Ukraine in Europe as well as the war between Israel and Gaza in the Middle East that has become a regional struggle that exceeds the difficulties of the Israeli-Palestinian problem. This discussion will involve examining bilateral U.S. policies with such key adversaries as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Special attention will be given to the policies of containment with regard to Russia and China, and whether these policies could lead to confrontation with Russia in Europe as well as confrontation with China over the issue of Taiwan. In addition to key geopolitical issues, an effort will be made to discuss controversial articles and opeds from The Washington Post and The New York Times that treat national security issues. Professor Goodman's most recent book, Containing the National Security State, will serve as the textbook for the course. Goodman's weekly essays in Counterpunch will also be assigned for discussion.