This course will present an inquiry into significant developments in Global Politics, some originating in World War II, from perspectives which the mainstream effectively excludes, marginalises, repressively tolerates, or silences in the interests of maintaining its own privileged position in explaining, prescribing, and legitimating the world and its various orders. It examines, in turn, the current state of the world, (in particular the phenomenon known as 'globalisation' and its consequences), and the proximate origins of these conditions in both theory and practice. At each turn the purpose is to juxtapose the accepted and acceptable record, and declared values of the West's victories since 1945 with the empirical record, and to disturb certain conventional truths from their comfortable repose. Accordingly, this course is a critical reflection on the conventional wisdom, the powers, which sustain it, and the purposes that it serves.

The extended schedule of subjects will include: secret government and secret wars conducted by intelligence agencies; genocide, terror, and mass murder; 'black propaganda' operations (including those of a sexual nature) against out-of favour political leaders such as Indonesia's Sukarno; violence; racism; support of dictators; organised crime and drug cartels; and the development and extension of Third World conditions in the name of economic progress. Throughout, extensive use will be made of documentary videotapes.

2,500 word essay (50%) and 1,500 word take-home assignment (50%).

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week.

Two first-year courses in Political Science, or with the permission of the lecturer.

Governance, Identity, and Silenced Discourse POLS3020