GEO 672
Geopolitics in Theory and Practice: A Post-imperial World?

Spring 2002

NOTE: THIS IS A TENATATIVE SYLLABUS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE INSTRUCTOR

Description

Is "globalization" part of the development of a "postimperial" world or is it the manifestation of a new phase of imperialism? To answer this seemingly straightforward question involves examining (at least) two contested terms: "imperialism" and "globalization." To interrogate the former term, we will briefly review Marxist and neo-Marxist theories of imperialism developed over the course of the twentieth century. These theories constitute the most sustained attempts to define and explain imperialism as an aspect of global capitalist development. Yet, for many contemporary theorists, the processes referred to under the heading of "globalization" have fundamentally transformed the nation-state and in doing so made the Marxist and neo-Marxist lineage of theorizing about imperialism obsolete. Thus, in order to critically examine the term "globalization," we will visit some contemporary debates about the degree to which it constrains and/or restructures the exercise of power by nation-states.

The question of globalization's impact on the nation-state suggests the need for a broader consideration of the nature of state power and the forms in which it is exercised in the contemporary world. We will thus consider some recent attempts to re-think state power, with particular emphasis on the how our view of the spatiality of state power affects our conception of the geographies of globalization. This opens the possibility of discussing new forms of imperialism that correspond to the new geographies, and leads to a discussion of the specific role of the United States-as a geo-economic, geopolitical, and socio-cultural force-in the processes of globalization.

After examining these attempts to reconstruct theories of imperialism and globalization, we will conclude by briefly examining recent work in critical geopolitics, which suggests yet different (but perhaps complementary) directions in which theories of state power and inter-state relations might be headed in the era of globalization.

Required texts

All other readings listed in the syllabus will be included in the course packet or else on reserve at the main library.

Course Requirements

The main requirement for the course will be a term paper of 15-20 pages. Participants in the class will also be required to submit four one-page reaction papers to readings of their choice and to lead the class discussion at least once during the term.

Grading

The primary basis for the grade will be the term paper, but completion of the reaction papers and participation in classroom discussions will be taken into consideration as well. (Failing to complete all requirements could lead to a lowering of the grade while evidence of thoughtful and enthusiastic participation may lead to a higher grade.)

Schedule

January 14: Introduction: Geopolitics, imperialism, and globalization

January 28: Historical and contemporary perspectives on Geopolitics
John Agnew, Geopolitics (all)

February 4: Classical Keynesian and Marxist theories of imperialism
Michael Barratt Brown, from The Economics of Imperialism (17-72)

February 11: Neo-Marxist theories of imperialism
Anthony Brewer, from Marxist Theories of Imperialism (136-199, 225-284)

February 18: Globalization theorists and their critics
Kenichi Ohmae, "The Rise of the Region State"
Paul Hirst and Grahame Thompson, from Globalization in Question (19-96)

February 25: Internationalization, globalization, and the power of the nation-state
Peter Dicken, "Transnational corporations and nation-states"
Jim Glassman, "State power beyond the territorial trap"
Leo Panitch, "Globalization and the State"
Linda Weiss, "Globalization and the Myth of the Powerless State"

March 4: Globalization and issues of US economic hegemony
Leo Panitch, "The New Imperial State"
David Slater and Peter J. Taylor, The American Century (1-114)

March 18: Globalization and issues of US political-military hegemony
David Slater and Peter J. Taylor, The American Century (117-240)

March 25: Globalization and issues of US cultural hegemony
David Slater and Peter J. Taylor, The American Century (243-348)

April 1: Contesting US hegemony and neo-liberalism I
Mark Rupert, Ideologies of Globalization (1-93)

April 8: Contesting US hegemony and neo-liberalism II
Mark Rupert, Ideologies of Globalization (94-155)

April 15: Feminist IR theory, critical geopolitics, and the analysis of imperialism
Readings from Gearóid Ó Tuathail, Critical Geopolitics
Readings from V. Spike Peterson, Gendered States
David Slater, "Geo-political imaginations across the North-South divide"

April 22: Critical geopolitics vs. the "Clash of Civilizations"
Readings from Gearóid Ó Tuathail and Simon Dalby, Rethinking Geopolitics
Samuel Huntington, "The Clash of Civilizations"
Edward Said, from "Covering Islam"

April 29: Geopolitics and interpretations of the "war on terrorism"
Readings on September 11 and its aftermath

May 6: Final paper due.