Course Overview
Teacher
William Spaniel holds a PhD in political science from the University of Rochester and is a Stanton Nuclear Security Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University. Beginning in the fall of 2016, he will be an assistant professor in political science at the... View ProfileDetails
- Total Time 8 hr, 52 min
- Lessons 69
- Attachments 21
- Exercises 190
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302 CQ
69 Lessons in This Course
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4 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 1Free3 CQ
Let’s talk about international relations! In this introductory lesson, take a look at the syllabus for this extensive political science series.
with William SpanielLet’s talk about international relations! In this introductory lesson, take a look at the syllabus for this extensive political science series.
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10 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 2Free6 CQ
Who are the major actors in international relations? Learn how entities like the United States and Russia came to exist through the principle of sovereignty.
with William SpanielWho are the major actors in international relations? Learn how entities like the United States and Russia came to exist through the principle of sovereignty.
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5 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 3Free3 CQ
Who is sovereign over sovereign states? Nobody! Learn how, without a unified ruler, the stage for international relations is based on anarchy.
with William SpanielWho is sovereign over sovereign states? Nobody! Learn how, without a unified ruler, the stage for international relations is based on anarchy.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 4Free5 CQ
What does it mean for X to cause Y? Learn the difference between proximate causes and underlying causes in this lesson on international relations.
with William SpanielWhat does it mean for X to cause Y? Learn the difference between proximate causes and underlying causes in this lesson on international relations.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 5Free4 CQ
In the anarchic world of international relations, how can we predict and explain outcomes? Learn how to apply game theory to political science in this lesson.
with William SpanielIn the anarchic world of international relations, how can we predict and explain outcomes? Learn how to apply game theory to political science in this lesson.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 6Free4 CQ
Under what conditions can two parties play nice with one another? This lesson introduces the idea of conflict versus cooperation in international relations.
with William SpanielUnder what conditions can two parties play nice with one another? This lesson introduces the idea of conflict versus cooperation in international relations.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 7Free4 CQ
How can individually rational behavior lead to collectively bad outcomes? Find out in this tutorial, which reviews the prisoner's dilemma through game theory.
with William SpanielHow can individually rational behavior lead to collectively bad outcomes? Find out in this tutorial, which reviews the prisoner's dilemma through game theory.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 8Free5 CQ
Why did World War I start? Through the lens of this major event in international relations history, learn how preemptive decision can lead to massive war.
with William SpanielWhy did World War I start? Through the lens of this major event in international relations history, learn how preemptive decision can lead to massive war.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 9Free5 CQ
Why was it so hard to establish free trade? This lesson explores how the basic principles of international relations encourage high tariffs.
with William SpanielWhy was it so hard to establish free trade? This lesson explores how the basic principles of international relations encourage high tariffs.
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5 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 10Free3 CQ
Why do states stockpile weapons and never use them? This lesson explains how the prisoner's dilemma contributes to the decision to engage in arms races.
with William SpanielWhy do states stockpile weapons and never use them? This lesson explains how the prisoner's dilemma contributes to the decision to engage in arms races.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 11Free5 CQ
Can future interactions inspire cooperation today? In this lesson, learn how the prisoner's dilemma affects decisions about repetitive international relations.
with William SpanielCan future interactions inspire cooperation today? In this lesson, learn how the prisoner's dilemma affects decisions about repetitive international relations.
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11 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 12Free6 CQ
Learn how, once and for all, states apply game theory logic toward indefinite cooperation. This tutorial explains the grim trigger strategy.
with William SpanielLearn how, once and for all, states apply game theory logic toward indefinite cooperation. This tutorial explains the grim trigger strategy.
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4 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 13Free3 CQ
Why do states fight costly wars? In this tutorial by William Spaniel, learn how bargaining is more effective than war by comparing wars with lawsuits.
with William SpanielWhy do states fight costly wars? In this tutorial by William Spaniel, learn how bargaining is more effective than war by comparing wars with lawsuits.
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4 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 14Free3 CQ
Can two perfectly intelligent, unbiased leaders fight a war against each other? Answer this question using the unitary actor assumption in this lesson.
with William SpanielCan two perfectly intelligent, unbiased leaders fight a war against each other? Answer this question using the unitary actor assumption in this lesson.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 15Free4 CQ
Can war be mutually beneficial? In this lesson, learn how states may determine the costs and benefits of war with the help of a simplified example.
with William SpanielCan war be mutually beneficial? In this lesson, learn how states may determine the costs and benefits of war with the help of a simplified example.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 16Free4 CQ
To prove the conclusion set out in "War's Inefficiency Puzzle" that war is inefficient, this lesson converts a practical example into pure algebra.
with William SpanielTo prove the conclusion set out in "War's Inefficiency Puzzle" that war is inefficient, this lesson converts a practical example into pure algebra.
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5 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 17Free3 CQ
Still not convinced that war can't be mutually beneficial? This lesson visually demonstrates, with a geometric model, that war is inefficient for both sides.
with William SpanielStill not convinced that war can't be mutually beneficial? This lesson visually demonstrates, with a geometric model, that war is inefficient for both sides.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 18Free5 CQ
What sort of offer must Country A make Country B in order to avoid war? Find out by solving a game theory model of the possible strategies for each country.
with William SpanielWhat sort of offer must Country A make Country B in order to avoid war? Find out by solving a game theory model of the possible strategies for each country.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 19Free5 CQ
Why do power shifts lead to war? And what is preventive war? Consider various theories while expanding your knowledge of bargaining and geometric game theory.
with William SpanielWhy do power shifts lead to war? And what is preventive war? Consider various theories while expanding your knowledge of bargaining and geometric game theory.
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5 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 20Free3 CQ
How does uncertainty cause war? Learn about the war's inefficiency puzzle in game theory and international relations by examining information problems.
with William SpanielHow does uncertainty cause war? Learn about the war's inefficiency puzzle in game theory and international relations by examining information problems.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 21Free4 CQ
How can bargaining indivisibilities lead to war? Learn the international relations and game theory rationalizations to find out what goods can't be shared.
with William SpanielHow can bargaining indivisibilities lead to war? Learn the international relations and game theory rationalizations to find out what goods can't be shared.
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12 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 22Free7 CQ
What is the justification for seizing first strike advantages? Using game theory, find out how realistic an explanation preemptive war really is.
with William SpanielWhat is the justification for seizing first strike advantages? Using game theory, find out how realistic an explanation preemptive war really is.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 23Free4 CQ
Why is international trade vast and important? Learn about international trade and economics with a lesson on absolute advantage and consumption value.
with William SpanielWhy is international trade vast and important? Learn about international trade and economics with a lesson on absolute advantage and consumption value.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 24Free4 CQ
Why would a country engage in world trade if it is the best at making everything? Learn about comparative advantage and differential opportunity costs.
with William SpanielWhy would a country engage in world trade if it is the best at making everything? Learn about comparative advantage and differential opportunity costs.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 25Free4 CQ
International trade is beneficial to both parties. So why do states encounter bargaining problems? Learn about trade rivalry that develops over surplus goods.
with William SpanielInternational trade is beneficial to both parties. So why do states encounter bargaining problems? Learn about trade rivalry that develops over surplus goods.
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11 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 26Free6 CQ
How do international courts settle world trade disputes with no enforcement mechanism? Learn about coordination problems in game theory and economics.
with William SpanielHow do international courts settle world trade disputes with no enforcement mechanism? Learn about coordination problems in game theory and economics.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 27Free5 CQ
How can international trade affect coercive bargaining? Learn the economic and political reasons why trade can lead to relative security concerns.
with William SpanielHow can international trade affect coercive bargaining? Learn the economic and political reasons why trade can lead to relative security concerns.
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10 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 28Free6 CQ
In the politics of war, the Democratic Peace Theory takes center stage. In this introductory lesson, learn its definition and who is less apt to fight.
with William SpanielIn the politics of war, the Democratic Peace Theory takes center stage. In this introductory lesson, learn its definition and who is less apt to fight.
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11 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 29Free6 CQ
How does democracy cause peace between countries? Learn three explanations for why democracies are more peaceful and have fewer wars with each other.
with William SpanielHow does democracy cause peace between countries? Learn three explanations for why democracies are more peaceful and have fewer wars with each other.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 30Free5 CQ
What's the difference between correlation and causation? Learn important methodology distinctions in the context of international relations, democracy & peace.
with William SpanielWhat's the difference between correlation and causation? Learn important methodology distinctions in the context of international relations, democracy & peace.
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3 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 31Free2 CQ
McDonald’s Peace Theory…ring a bell? No, it’s not just about Big Macs. This political science theory helps explain which nations are less likely to fight.
with William SpanielMcDonald’s Peace Theory…ring a bell? No, it’s not just about Big Macs. This political science theory helps explain which nations are less likely to fight.
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5 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 32Free3 CQ
In the politics of war, it’s important to know which countries are less likely to fight. Learn about Capitalist Peace Theory and how capitalism promotes peace.
with William SpanielIn the politics of war, it’s important to know which countries are less likely to fight. Learn about Capitalist Peace Theory and how capitalism promotes peace.
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10 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 33Free6 CQ
As more Chinese invest in our economy, should the US be worried about a Chinese invasion? Learn how the rise of China impacts our chances of going to war.
with William SpanielAs more Chinese invest in our economy, should the US be worried about a Chinese invasion? Learn how the rise of China impacts our chances of going to war.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 34Free4 CQ
Our government is a very powerful employee of the people it governs. Learn about conflict between citizens and leaders, also known as Principal-Agent Problems.
with William SpanielOur government is a very powerful employee of the people it governs. Learn about conflict between citizens and leaders, also known as Principal-Agent Problems.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 35Free4 CQ
When leaders want their people to forget about domestic problems, sometimes they start wars. Learn how leaders get the public’s support for military action.
with William SpanielWhen leaders want their people to forget about domestic problems, sometimes they start wars. Learn how leaders get the public’s support for military action.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 36Free4 CQ
Why did Hitler keep fighting WWII in spite of the odds against him? Learn about situations that make leaders want to keep fighting losing wars.
with William SpanielWhy did Hitler keep fighting WWII in spite of the odds against him? Learn about situations that make leaders want to keep fighting losing wars.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 37Free4 CQ
Dictators aren’t known for being responsive to their citizens. In this lesson, learn about the factors that influence leaders as they make policy decisions.
with William SpanielDictators aren’t known for being responsive to their citizens. In this lesson, learn about the factors that influence leaders as they make policy decisions.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 38Free4 CQ
Dictators leave office in many ways, including exile, jail, and death by murder. Learn how these potential outcomes can shape policy decisions while in office.
with William SpanielDictators leave office in many ways, including exile, jail, and death by murder. Learn how these potential outcomes can shape policy decisions while in office.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 39Free4 CQ
Being a dictator is tricky. Sometimes autocrats choose between war and peace to ensure their survival, even when it’s not what’s best for their country.
with William SpanielBeing a dictator is tricky. Sometimes autocrats choose between war and peace to ensure their survival, even when it’s not what’s best for their country.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 40Free4 CQ
To fight or not to fight? Learn about the logical formula used to decide if two countries will go to war or if they can resolve their dispute peacefully.
with William SpanielTo fight or not to fight? Learn about the logical formula used to decide if two countries will go to war or if they can resolve their dispute peacefully.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 41Free4 CQ
Would you believe that our electoral process keeps you from legally enjoying a Cuban cigar? Learn about how voters in Florida and Ohio sway foreign policy.
with William SpanielWould you believe that our electoral process keeps you from legally enjoying a Cuban cigar? Learn about how voters in Florida and Ohio sway foreign policy.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 42Free5 CQ
William Spaniel breaks down the structure and activity one of the United Nations' most powerful bureaucratic institutions, the Security Council.
with William SpanielWilliam Spaniel breaks down the structure and activity one of the United Nations' most powerful bureaucratic institutions, the Security Council.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 43Free4 CQ
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council have veto power over any resolution. Learn about how these countries have used this power over the years.
with William SpanielThe five permanent members of the UN Security Council have veto power over any resolution. Learn about how these countries have used this power over the years.
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11 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 44Free6 CQ
Why would a UN Security Council member vote against its own interests? This lesson explores the entanglement of conflicts that can cause insincere voting.
with William SpanielWhy would a UN Security Council member vote against its own interests? This lesson explores the entanglement of conflicts that can cause insincere voting.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 45Free4 CQ
The UN Security Council votes unanimously on most of its resolutions. Could bribery have anything to do with it? William Spaniel investigates this question.
with William SpanielThe UN Security Council votes unanimously on most of its resolutions. Could bribery have anything to do with it? William Spaniel investigates this question.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 46Free4 CQ
Did you know that the U.N. Security Council can affect a president’s approval ratings in a time of crisis? William Spaniel shows you how and why.
with William SpanielDid you know that the U.N. Security Council can affect a president’s approval ratings in a time of crisis? William Spaniel shows you how and why.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 47Free5 CQ
Interested in international commerce? In this introductory lesson, learn the difference between private, club, common pool, and public goods.
with William SpanielInterested in international commerce? In this introductory lesson, learn the difference between private, club, common pool, and public goods.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 48Free4 CQ
How can oversight create cooperation between separate parties? Learn how monitoring institutions prevent the exploitation of common pool goods.
with William SpanielHow can oversight create cooperation between separate parties? Learn how monitoring institutions prevent the exploitation of common pool goods.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 49Free5 CQ
How can individually rational behavior lead to collectively bad outcomes? This lesson delves into a large scale version of the prisoner’s dilemma.
with William SpanielHow can individually rational behavior lead to collectively bad outcomes? This lesson delves into a large scale version of the prisoner’s dilemma.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 50Free4 CQ
Why do hegemons (powerful countries) provide public goods? What’s in it for them? Learn why hegemons are more inclined to provide than freeride.
with William SpanielWhy do hegemons (powerful countries) provide public goods? What’s in it for them? Learn why hegemons are more inclined to provide than freeride.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 51Free5 CQ
How do you force a free rider to cooperate? Learn how issue linkage pushes countries to cooperate and contribute to the public good for a long period of time.
with William SpanielHow do you force a free rider to cooperate? Learn how issue linkage pushes countries to cooperate and contribute to the public good for a long period of time.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 52Free5 CQ
Are A-bombs everywhere? In this lesson by William Spaniel, learn which countries have nuclear weapons programs and which have dismantled their atomic bombs.
with William SpanielAre A-bombs everywhere? In this lesson by William Spaniel, learn which countries have nuclear weapons programs and which have dismantled their atomic bombs.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 53Free5 CQ
What happens when everyone has nukes? Is the world safer, or more dangerous? In this lesson, William Spaniel will explain the pros and cons of this scenario.
with William SpanielWhat happens when everyone has nukes? Is the world safer, or more dangerous? In this lesson, William Spaniel will explain the pros and cons of this scenario.
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6 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 54Free4 CQ
In this lesson, William Spaniel will explain how modern weapons and industrialization have deterred war, and how nukes don’t have much to do with it.
with William SpanielIn this lesson, William Spaniel will explain how modern weapons and industrialization have deterred war, and how nukes don’t have much to do with it.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 55Free5 CQ
If you’ve ever studied international relations, you know nuclear weapons are a hot button issue. This lesson probes some of the downsides to these explosives.
with William SpanielIf you’ve ever studied international relations, you know nuclear weapons are a hot button issue. This lesson probes some of the downsides to these explosives.
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5 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 56Free3 CQ
Do nuclear weapons provide coercive benefits? Can a state credibly threaten to nuke other states? Explore an international relations debate on nuclear strength.
with William SpanielDo nuclear weapons provide coercive benefits? Can a state credibly threaten to nuke other states? Explore an international relations debate on nuclear strength.
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11 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 57Free6 CQ
Why do states powerful enough to possess nuclear weapons not develop them? Explore the bargaining methods weaker states employ to avoid nuclear proliferation.
with William SpanielWhy do states powerful enough to possess nuclear weapons not develop them? Explore the bargaining methods weaker states employ to avoid nuclear proliferation.
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11 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 58Free6 CQ
Iran’s nuclear program. Those are some loaded words. Learn why talks with Iran aren’t going anywhere and about the choices the United States is forced to face.
with William SpanielIran’s nuclear program. Those are some loaded words. Learn why talks with Iran aren’t going anywhere and about the choices the United States is forced to face.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 59Free5 CQ
How do covert nuclear programs lead to war? This international relations lesson compares the strategy of preventive war to soccer penalty kicks.
with William SpanielHow do covert nuclear programs lead to war? This international relations lesson compares the strategy of preventive war to soccer penalty kicks.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 60Free5 CQ
Was the Iraq war a rational mistake? Sometimes the threat of nuclear weapons causes accidental preventive war even when weapons of mass destruction don't exist.
with William SpanielWas the Iraq war a rational mistake? Sometimes the threat of nuclear weapons causes accidental preventive war even when weapons of mass destruction don't exist.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 61Free5 CQ
Are terrorists rational? Yes. Note that rationality does not infer sensibility. Learn how to predict terrorist behavior by seeing them as strategic individuals.
with William SpanielAre terrorists rational? Yes. Note that rationality does not infer sensibility. Learn how to predict terrorist behavior by seeing them as strategic individuals.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 62Free4 CQ
Why do terrorist groups use suicide tactics rather than tactics that will keep them alive? Learn about the strategic benefits of suicide terrorism.
with William SpanielWhy do terrorist groups use suicide tactics rather than tactics that will keep them alive? Learn about the strategic benefits of suicide terrorism.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 63Free4 CQ
How can terrorists sabotage negotiations between two states? Spoiling the peace between a domestic government and foreign power is easy for a terrorist.
with William SpanielHow can terrorists sabotage negotiations between two states? Spoiling the peace between a domestic government and foreign power is easy for a terrorist.
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5 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 64Free3 CQ
Should we pay any attention to terrorists or should we simply ignore them? Find out how lethal terrorism actually is and how indifference might be best.
with William SpanielShould we pay any attention to terrorists or should we simply ignore them? Find out how lethal terrorism actually is and how indifference might be best.
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3 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 65Free2 CQ
To know where terrorists gather, you must study insurgency & civil war conflict. Find out how insurgency may lead to terrorism and under what circumstances.
with William SpanielTo know where terrorists gather, you must study insurgency & civil war conflict. Find out how insurgency may lead to terrorism and under what circumstances.
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7 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 66Free4 CQ
Is William Spaniel actually a villainous drug dealer? Learn how a run-in with the law leads to the concept of time-inconsistency commitment problems.
with William SpanielIs William Spaniel actually a villainous drug dealer? Learn how a run-in with the law leads to the concept of time-inconsistency commitment problems.
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9 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 67Free5 CQ
What makes civil war different from interstate war? Learn about absolute and limited war, and find out why states fighting civil wars can’t just "shake" on it.
with William SpanielWhat makes civil war different from interstate war? Learn about absolute and limited war, and find out why states fighting civil wars can’t just "shake" on it.
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8 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 68Free5 CQ
Parties fighting civil wars have commitment problems, but alas, a resolution: third party enforcement. Learn about the critical barrier to civil war settlement.
with William SpanielParties fighting civil wars have commitment problems, but alas, a resolution: third party enforcement. Learn about the critical barrier to civil war settlement.
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4 minFREEPolitical Science lesson 69Free3 CQ
An important thing we must understand about terrorism is that it has no agreed upon definition. Learn about the term and review all that you’ve learned.
with William SpanielAn important thing we must understand about terrorism is that it has no agreed upon definition. Learn about the term and review all that you’ve learned.
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36266 minFREE36-part Statistics courseFree151 CQ
William Spaniel, author of "Game Theory 101: The Complete Textbook," explains concepts in the study of strategic decision making. Learn to apply math and logic to determine the best possible outcome.
with William SpanielWilliam Spaniel, author of "Game Theory 101: The Complete Textbook," explains concepts in the study of strategic decision making. Learn to apply math and logic to determine the best possible outcome.
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69532 minFREE69-part Political Science courseFree302 CQ
In this extensive international relations course, gain real insight into the forces, structures, and ideas that influence how nations strategize to survive and prosper in the realm of global politics.
with William SpanielIn this extensive international relations course, gain real insight into the forces, structures, and ideas that influence how nations strategize to survive and prosper in the realm of global politics.
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525 min5-part Political Science course15 CQ
This course provides an overview of the U.S. census, how Congressional seats are apportioned, the redistricting process within states, as well as how and why gerrymandering occurs.
with Citizen GeniusThis course provides an overview of the U.S. census, how Congressional seats are apportioned, the redistricting process within states, as well as how and why gerrymandering occurs.
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442 min4-part Political Science course23 CQ
The United States may have a messy political system, but it is based on the vision of the founding fathers and a commitment to Federalism. Learn all about Federalism in this political science course!
with Keith HughesThe United States may have a messy political system, but it is based on the vision of the founding fathers and a commitment to Federalism. Learn all about Federalism in this political science course!
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1299 min12-part Political Science course57 CQ
In this course, learn about the globalized world and how society, politics, law, culture, and more are impacted. Plus review how to measure globalization, and discover the future of globalization.
with University of ShedIn this course, learn about the globalized world and how society, politics, law, culture, and more are impacted. Plus review how to measure globalization, and discover the future of globalization.
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1195 min11-part Political Science course53 CQ
For several thousand years, humans have been guided by different political and social structures. In this course, learn about tribes, empires, and nations and how they continue to exist even now.
with Arthur JacksonFor several thousand years, humans have been guided by different political and social structures. In this course, learn about tribes, empires, and nations and how they continue to exist even now.