Syria, the US and Russia

Russia warns West over Syria after Obama threats

Russia warned the West on Tuesday against unilateral action on Syria, a day after U.S. President Barack Obama threatened "enormous consequences" if his Syrian counterpart used chemical or biological arms or even moved them in a menacing way... Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking after meeting China's top diplomat, said Moscow and Beijing were committed to "the need to strictly adhere to the norms of international law ... and not to allow their violation".

Read the article linked above and share your analysis of this situation in the comments. Why should Americans care about what goes on in Syria? Why would Russia and China be upset about the potential for American intervention?

Introductory Survey

Please remember to fill out the IS 190 introductory survey. The survey will help me get to know you better and tailor the class to your needs.

You can access the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S7BJGFW. Completing the survey counts for your first day attendance and participation grade.

Required Readings

Welcome to the Fall 2012 semester at Rhodes College. As we begin our IS 190 course, please make sure you have all the required reading materials.

The following books are required for the course:

• The Peace of Illusions: American Grand Strategy from 1940 to the Present by Layne
• The World Since 1945: A History of International Relations by McWilliams & Piotrowski
• Major Problems in American Foreign Relations, Volume II: Since 1914 by Merrill & Paterson

All three are available in the campus bookstore, but you may notice that the Merill & Paterson book is especially expensive. I highly recommend that you buy a used copy, rent it, or buy the digital edition. All three options are significantly cheaper.

In addition to the books, various articles required for the course will be posted here on the course blog (see "Readings" tab above).