International Politics What causes conflict or cooperation among states? What can states and other international entities do to preserve global peace? These are among the issues addressed by the study of international politics. This course examines the forces that shape relations among states, and between states and international regimes. Key concepts include: the international system, power and the balance of power, international institutions, foreign policy, diplomacy, deterrence, war, and global economic issues. Both the fall and spring sections of this course emphasize rigorous analysis and set theoretical concepts against historical and contemporary case studies.

The Future of Great Power Relations Will America’s global preeminence endure in the 21st century? Will Russia, Japan, and the European Union decline while other powers grow more influential? In this course we will explore the future global balance of power and prospects for cooperation and conflict among the world’s great powers. Topics include the rise of China and India; the changing nature of American power; the causality of global power shifts and their implications for cooperation or competition on issues such as energy security, cyber security, nuclear nonproliferation, UN Security Council reform, intervention in the Middle East, and Sino-American relations.

The Political Economy of Drug Trafficking This course examines the political economy of drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. How have transnational drug markets evolved, and why? What effects has narco-trafficking had on the political, economic, legal, financial, and social systems of producer, consumer, and transshipment countries? What policy responses are available to combat it? How should we weigh alternative policy options? Examination of these issues centers on source countries in Latin America's Andean region, the chief transshipment country (Mexico), and the principal consumer country (the US). Attention also is devoted to the drug trade's effects on American society and criminal justice system.

9?11: Significance & Legacies The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States killed nearly 3,000 people. Those attacks, in turn, generated two regional wars—in Afghanistan and Iraq—and a “global war on terror.” This course examines the 9/11 attacks from a number of angles. What factors helped produce them? What was their goal, how were they carried out, and why were they not prevented? How did 9/11 — and the US response to it — help shape (for better or worse) today’s world? Through readings, films, discussion and group activities we will examine the significance and legacies of 9/11.

The International Drug Trade This seminar examines the political economy of drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. How have transnational drug markets evolved, and why? How has narco-trafficking differentially affected the political, economic, legal, financial, and social systems of producer, consumer, and trans-shipment countries? What policy responses are available to combat it? How should we weigh alternative policy options? Our focus is the cocaine source countries in Latin America's Andean region, the chief trans-shipment country (Mexico), and the principal consumer country (the U.S.). We also will examine the drug trade's effects on America’s society and criminal justice system. 3 hrs. sem

Mark Williams

Reviews and ratings for Mark Williams at Middlebury College.Mark Williams teaches International Politics, Future Great Power Relations, Pol Economy Drug Trafficking and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Mark Williams good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Williams taught a very narrow view of the course. He focused too much on realism. His teaching of 9/11 focused less on the international politics theory he taught us and more on his own personal feelings on the event. He is a tough grader, but he accommodates students well. If you can handle the readings and the grading, take this course. 

I found this class to be very rewarding even for someone who isn't planning on majoring in political science. The grade consists of three short essays, which are challenging but rewarding to complete. His style of lecture is unique and infromative.

I found this class fascinating and challenging in the right ways. Professor Williams pushes students to develop their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. The only negative part about this class was that the seating arrangement was unusual--some kids sat around a u-shaped discussion table, while the rest behind them in chairs. 