This course addresses key issues that arise in international affairs concerning the ethics of war and peace; the requirements of global justice and human rights; the recognition of cultural differences; and the elimination of harms to women.  We will consider whether the development of economic globalization, the persistence of nationalism, and the emergence of new forms of violence require reconceiving values and whether new forms of global governance may be needed.  Specific topics to be considered include just war theory and humanitarian intervention; harms to women such as sex trafficking, the relation of gender and culture, and women’s human rights; cultural identities, minority rights, and immigration; the alleviation of poverty; social responsibilities of multinational corporations; new uses of the Internet; the possibilities for democracy across borders; and global ecological impacts. 

The course gives special attention to the philosophy of human rights and considers the tension between the recognition of diverse and sometimes oppressive cultural practices on the one hand and cosmopolitan or universal frameworks of human rights, including women’s equality, on the other.  Alternative ethical approaches will also be analyzed, including consequentialist theories, communitarianism, and feminist care ethics.  Readings will include such authors as Michael Walzer, David Luban, Susan Okin, Peter Singer, Thomas Pogge, Martha Nussbaum, and Alison Jaggar. 

The course will proceed in seminar style, with extensive participation and oral presentations.  An original term paper is required on a topic of the student’s choice.  Readings for the course will be available on Blackboard.