Michael J. Tierney
IR Playlist
During the Fall of 2005 I began playing "IR-themed" music at the beginning of my 8 and 9am Introduction to International Relations courses at William and Mary. Each day I would use the ten minutes before class to blast a song on repeat related to that day's lecture while displaying the title, artist, and study topic via powerpoint. While I wait for the overwhelming evidence of increased understanding of IR theory that will undoubtably come any day now, at the very least my students seem a bit more awake.
The original playlist I recieved from Kate Weaver at the University of Kansas has been subsequently modified by fellow faculty, students, and my very talented ex-RA Jess to produce the working list shown here. As I am always looking for ways to rectify the bad musical tastes of my colleagues, however, I encourage you to submit your own ideas about song changes or omitted topics below.
To submit your suggestions, please complete the following form:
Introduction to International Relations: Daily Musical Selections
Introduction: Political Science (Randy Newman)
War as the Central Issue in IR: War (Bruce Springsteen’s live version)
World Politics Simulation: Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears)
Theory and Methods in IR: Epistemology (Witchypoo)
Nationalism and the State: Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (Toby Keith)
Non-State Actors: Ma Petite Terroriste (Mint)
Anarchy and the Security Dilemma: Anarchy (Busta Rhymes)
Power and the Balance of Power: The Power (Snap)
World War I: Take me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
Polarity/Hegemonic Stability Theory: One is the Loneliest Number (Three Dog Night)
Military and Information Technology: Mr. Roboto (
Norms and Ideas: Imagine (John Lennon)
Liberalism, Interdependence, and War: It’s a Small World (Disney song)
International Organizations and Collective Security: Peace Train (Cat Stevens)
Exam Review: O Fortuna (Carl Orff)
Mid-Term Exam: I Feel Lucky (Mary Chapin Carpenter)
Nuclear Deterrence: 99 Red Balloons (Nena)
The Political Use of Force: Bomb
The Cuban Missile Crisis: Let Me Die in My Footsteps (Bob Dylan)
Bureaucratic Politics in the Bush Administration: My Sweet Neo-Con (Rolling Stones)
Political Economy: Money (Pink Floyd)
Marxist Theory, Imperialism and War: The Revolution (Gil Scott Heron)
Political Culture and the Clash of Civilizations: Rock the Casbah (The Clash)
The Democratic Peace: Peace, Love and Understanding (Elvis Costello)
Spanish American War and Electoral Connection: Election (Culture Reggae)
Causes of World War II: Springtime for Hitler (The Producers)
Consequences of World War II: Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones)
Sex, Gender, and War: I am Woman (Helen Reddy)
Ethnic Conflict and the Balkans:
Luttwak’s “Give War a Chance”: Give Peace a Chance (Peace Aid)
The IR Discipline and Last Day: Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd)
Final Exam: It’s the End of the World as we Know It (REM)
Extra Topics and Songs
Napoleonic Wars and Concert of
Insurgency and Guerilla Warfare: If I Had a Rocket Launcher (Bruce Cockburn)
Nuclear War and its Consequences: Blackened (Metallica)
Conflict and Natural Resources: Royal Oil (Mighty Mighty Bostones)
Multi-National Corporations: Lawyers, Guns and Money (Warren Zevon)
Collapse of the
Global Environment: Fall on Me (REM)
Universal Human Rights: Biko (Peter Gabriel)
Foreign Aid and Development: Do They Know its Christmas (Band Aid)
Linking Theories Together: Ah Tutti Contenti (From the Marriage of Figaro)
Conflict Resolution: Beat It (Michael Jackson)
Negotiation and Bargaining: Don’t Let me be Misunderstood (Nina Simone)
Postmodernism and IR Theory: Postmodern Sleaze (The Sneaker Pimps)
Moral Obligation in IR: We Didn’t Start the Fire (Billy Joel)
Complete alternate playlist submitted by Stephen Saideman, McGill University.
To view recent submissions, click here.