This course will address the crucial question of 'who counts' in international politics - and what practical difference such judgments make in the context of particular policies and practices. Assuming that certain groups 'don't matter' can mean that they are not shown restraint in war, are not considered bearers of rights or subjects under international law, and are not party to - or beneficiaries of - deliberation over distributive justice. Through this course, students will be introduced to an important area of International Relations (IR) and develop a critical understanding of important issues that are central to world politics in the 21st century, including global poverty; restraint in war; cultural diversity and the status of women; terrorism and responses to terrorism; proposed responsibilities to protect vulnerable populations from gross human rights violations; indigenous peoples and cultural heritage; nuclear deterrence and the proliferation of weapons; historical injustice and claims to reparation; immigration and freedom of movement; global health and the treatment of diseases such as HIV/AIDS; climate change and environmental degradation; and, the rights and treatment of non-human animals
The course will be delivered through two lectures and one tutorial per week and will be assessed by means of tutorial participation, two essays, and one examination.
