How does nationalism shape interactions between states? Understanding this question has
increasingly become important with the resurgence of nationalism across the globe. In this course,
students will explore the diverse and complex nature of nationalism and evaluate its role in world
politics. Students will first examine the different meanings of nationalism in international relations,
such as national identity, patriotism, and nationalistic sentiments. With these conceptual building
blocks, students will examine how nationalism affects states’ foreign policy behavior as well as
their perception of Self and Other, discussing issues such as war, ethnic conflict, territorial disputes,
military occupation, and international trade.