Studying at York
International Crisis Diplomacy - POL00070H
Module summary
The principal aim of this module is to provide students with a strong grounding in theoretical and empirical research into international crises.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
The principal aim of this module is to provide students with a strong grounding in theoretical and empirical research into international crises. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical approaches used to analyze state behavior during international crises. Students will be shown how uncertainty and the distribution of information is a key factor in explaining crisis outcomes. The module will demonstrate why some strategies are more effective than others, in particular highlighting the difficulties of implementing successful sanctions. The module will discuss the factors that affect elite decision-making during international crises. By the end of the module the students will be equipped with a range of theoretical tools that will allow them to analyze two ongoing international crises, such as Iran, North Korea, Russia or Syria.
Module learning outcomes
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Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how information influences crisis outcomes. (PLO 1) |
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Independently apply theoretical debates to ongoing international crises. (PLO 2) |
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Explain the strengths and weaknesses of competing approaches to crisis diplomacy and to critically evaluate the principal debates about coercive diplomacy. (PLO 2) |
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Apply theories such as those on leader behaviour to international crises to evaluate attempts at diplomacy and to formulate solutions (PLO 4) |
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Discuss factors that underpin the effectiveness of the use of force and economic sanctions. (PLO5) |
Module content
Likely structure to include:
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Intro
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Costly signalling
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Reputation
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Economic sanctions
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Inducements
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Airpower
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Psychology and crises
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North Korea
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Iran
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Russia and Ukraine
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.
Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 25 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s regular feedback and guidance hours.
Indicative reading
Jentleson, Bruce W. and Christopher A. Whytock (2005/06). “Who “Won” Libya? The Force-Diplomacy Debate and Its Implications for Theory and Policy”, International Security Winter 2005/06, Vol. 30, No. 3: 47–86.
Fearon, J. D. (1994). “Domestic political audiences and the escalation of international disputes.” American Political Science Review, 88:577–92.
Schultz, K. A. (1998). “Domestic opposition and signaling in international crises”. American Political Science Review 92: 829-844.
Downes, A. B., & Sechser, T. S. (2012). The illusion of democratic credibility. International Organization, 66(03), 457-489.
Davies, Graeme A.M. and Robert Johns (2013)“Audience Costs among the British Public: The Impact of Escalation, Crisis Type and Prime Ministerial Rhetoric” International Studies Quarterly 57.4 : 725-737