The course will explore historical examples of decision-making in international affairs. The choice of case studies will vary from year to year, but might allow attention to a wide range of issues: e.g., decisions to go to war; economic globalization and instability; energy and environmental crises; regional tensions around indigenous, ethnic, or religious divisions; post-colonial political adjustments involving law, gender, and institutional development. Readings, research, and discussions will consider whether greater sensitivity to historical roots and complexities might have improved the results produced by decisions and solution efforts.