STV4217B – Rational Choice and International Conflict
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course introduces students to rational choice models and their applications in the study of international conflict, with a focus on game-theoretical models. As you learn game theory, you will deepen your understanding of specific topics in international conflict research. These topics include the canonical bargaining theory model, foundational to rationalist explanations of war, and related applications such as mutually assured destruction and sanctions.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The following topics are given particular attention:
- Nuclear deterrence.
- The effectiveness of economic sanctions.
- Rational choice explanations of war.
- Rational choice explanations of terrorism.
Skills
You will learn to:
- Construct and analyze game-theoretical models.
- Read and understand scholarly work on international conflict that uses game theory.
- Develop game-theoretical models for use in your master's thesis.
Competencies
You will:
- Increase your general analytical competence.
- Enhance your ability to use game theory as part of a larger research project in political science.
- Develop your ability to critically assess political science work, both work that uses game theory and work that uses other approaches.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme. Apply for guest student statusif you are admitted to another Master`s programme (deadline 1 August / 5 January).
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with STV2217B – Rational Choice Models and International Conflict (discontinued).
Teaching
Lectures.
Examination
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read the regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination .
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system .
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
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- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Nov. 6, 2026 2:44:12 AM