PLT3650 - Terrorism and violence in global politics

Leader(s): Ben MacQueen

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)
Prato Trimester 2 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This subject addresses the political significance for international politics of terrorism and other forms of politically motivated violence. Beginning with an overview of what some have called the 'New Global Disorder', the subject explores the different ways in which political violence manifests itself in the contemporary world. In so doing it covers cultural, economic and political explanations of politically motivated violence, undertakes case studies of violent political groups, touches on conceptual debates over terms such as 'freedom fighter' versus 'terrorist', and critically explores different strategies for dealing with the threat of global terrorism.

Objectives

After successfully completing this subject students should be able to demonstrate the following:

1. A detailed understanding of the cultural, economic, social and religious circumstances that lie behind the spread of politically motivated violence, especially terrorism.

2. A detailed understanding of how politically motivated violence challenges established domestic and international political norms; especially in the areas of citizenship, state surveillance, and international cooperation between states.

3. A thorough understanding of violent secessionist groups and international terrorist networks and how these networks might impact on national and international security.

4. An enhanced ability to contribute in a constructive way to public debates in areas such pre-emptive military action, peacekeeping, intelligence and surveillance, and other pertinent contemporary issues relating to government policies designed to both minimize and control the threat posed by politically motivated violence.

Assessment

Written work: 50% (2500 words)
Class test: 40% (2 hours)
Participation: 10%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminars) per week

Prerequisites

First year sequence in politics.

Prohibitions

PLT2650