DSPO 23A06 - International Organizations: Mechanisms for Responsibility, Accountability and Anticorruption

This course will explore the emergence of global norms and various mechanisms to make international organizations and other transnational actors (including the United Nations, the World Bank, the media, governments and social media) more responsible, accountable, accessible and transparent. It will provide students with a brief overview of the trends in the burgeoning field of social responsibility; transnational anti-corruption enforcement; transparency regimes and independent oversight; compliance and integrity frameworks; and various other accountability features in multilateral institutions and international settings. It will also explore related initiatives by other global actors, non-governmental organizations, academics and citizen action groups. Through readings, lectures, case studies, guest speakers, and "Idea Papers", the course aims to introduce students to significant substantive and practical issues in international organization and transnational work and the fundamentals required for a future career in this field.

• In-class participation 10%

Due to the fairly limited number of classes in this short course series, students are required to attend all classes. Class participation requires your demonstration in class that you have thoroughly read the assigned reading materials, and your active engagement with the materials, the professor, and the other students in the class.

• Four Reaction Papers or “Shorts” 60%

Beginning with Session 2, students will be asked to write and submit a response paper for four (4) Sessions of their choice. Student must submit a two to three-page (double-spaced) brief reaction paper on the topics and issues raised by the week’s assigned readings/materials. The challenge is to use economy of words, be selective but deeply analytical. There is no need to summarize the readings. Students can choose which specific class Sessions to cover. The paper is due by midnight the day before the relevant class session. Please turn in your reaction papers by email to elcid.butuyan@sciencespo.fr. Assignments turned in late will affect your grade.

• Final paper or “Idea Paper”: 30%. The final assignment will be a research paper and/or a project proposal on a relevant practical issue (10 pages for individual and 15 pages for group, double-spaced). The topic should be discussed with the professor in advance, including the possibility for students to form small groups for joint “Idea Papers.” Class presentations may be required toward the end of the course.