Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 26/27.R.2.00

Description Period: 2026./27 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Security Governance: the Euro-Atlantic Space and Beyond

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_052
Branch of Science
International Politics; Political science
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Civil and Military Defense; Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Māris Andžāns
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The course aims to provide an overview of security governance in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond. 

We will start the course with two introductory workshops on some of the world's most pressing security issues. We will focus on the first (almost) two years of the second presidency of the 45th and 47th President of the United States, as well as artificial intelligence and national security. 

Then we will have four lectures that will begin with a review of concepts and theories in International Security Studies, followed by a general review of past and present armed conflicts and the current status of armed forces at global and regional levels. 

Subsequently, two workshops will be devoted to student presentations on the topics covered in the first four lectures. Students will present their individual reports on more specific issues discussed in the course.

The course will enter the next phase, comprising three lectures on weapons of mass destruction. It will cover biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear weapons, including measures of disarmament and control.

Subsequently, one workshop will be devoted to student presentations on the topics covered in the three lectures from the previous week. 

The lecture component of the course will conclude with three lectures on the control of conventional arms, security governance in a (re)emerging domain of warfare – space, and a lecture on Russia's war in Ukraine.  

The final workshops will be devoted to the remaining student presentations.

Preliminary Knowledge

Previous knowledge of international security.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.The student demonstrates advanced knowledge of the main concepts and theories of international security, contemporary armed conflicts and the development of armed forces, weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons, their control and disarmament, as well as security governance in space and contemporary trends in warfare.

Skills

1.Ability to analyse and compare international security issues, armed conflicts, the development of armed forces, arms control and disarmament processes, and security governance across different domains of warfare. Ability to independently analyse security issues using relevant sources and present the results in a well-reasoned manner.

Competences

1.Ability to independently and critically assess contemporary international security and security governance challenges by applying theoretical knowledge to practical aspects of armed conflicts, arms control, disarmament, and the evolution of warfare.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work
-
10 points

Individual report and presentation.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Report and presentation
50.00% from total grade
10 points

Each presentation must be supported by a written report. The report must be submitted by the day before the exam. The report should provide a structured, well-reasoned overview of the chosen topic, drawing on a range of sources. It should be at least 10 pages long (Times New Roman or similar, 12-point, 1.5-line spacing) and based on at least 15 sources. The report must be submitted to the E-studies system. It will be checked for plagiarism and use of artificial intelligence tools. 
2.

Exam
25.00% from total grade
10 points

Each student will complete a multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions. The exam will be followed by a debrief.    
3.

Final grade structure
-
10 points

The highest possible final grade is 10, consisting of: 

1. Attendance – 10%

2. Activity during workshops, familiarity with materials provided in the required reading – 15%

3. Written report – 25% 

4. Presentation of the written report – 25%

5. Exam (multiple-choice test) – 25%

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on the most topical security governance issues
Description

Following the professor’s introductory statement, students should be prepared to discuss the first (almost) two years of the second presidency of the 45th and 47th President of the US, as well as artificial intelligence and national security. On the first topic, the emphasis will be placed on American foreign and defence policy. On the second topic, students will be advised to share their views and experiences in using artificial intelligence tools for personal and professional purposes, as well as their take on the current and prospective impact of artificial intelligence on national security and, more generally, the evolution of humankind.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on the most topical security governance issues
Description

Following the professor’s introductory statement, students should be prepared to discuss the first (almost) two years of the second presidency of the 45th and 47th President of the US, as well as artificial intelligence and national security. On the first topic, the emphasis will be placed on American foreign and defence policy. On the second topic, students will be advised to share their views and experiences in using artificial intelligence tools for personal and professional purposes, as well as their take on the current and prospective impact of artificial intelligence on national security and, more generally, the evolution of humankind.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Concepts and theories of International Security Studies

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Concepts and theories of International Security Studies

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Past and Present Armed Conflicts and the Current Status of Armed Forces at Global and Regional Levels

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Past and Present Armed Conflicts and the Current Status of Armed Forces at Global and Regional Levels

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (first two blocks)
Description

September 10 and 12. Up to six presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Application of the concept of deterrence – NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States 
  2. Application of the concept of security dilemma – nuclear programs of India and Pakistan
  3. Application of the concept of securitization – securitization of the People's Republic of China in US policy
  4. Application of the concept of security communities – the United States and Canada in 2026
  5. Application of the concept of regional security complexes – the Baltic States
  6. Application of the concept of geopolitics – Russia's war in Ukraine
  7. Possibilities for peace in the world's most notable current armed conflicts
  8. Similarities in the causes of the most notable current armed conflicts
  9. NATO member states' current defense expenditures and the reasons for their amounts
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

September 17. Up to three presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  2. Effectiveness of radiological safety and security regulations
  3. Effectiveness of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
  4. Expansion prospects of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to non-member countries
  5. Possibilities for the establishment of new nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs)
  6. Future of the US nuclear weapons sharing program with other NATO members
  7. Status of Iran's nuclear program and possible future direction
  8. Status of North Korea’s nuclear program and possible future direction
  9. Risks of further use of CBRN in armed conflicts   
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (first two blocks)
Description

September 10 and 12. Up to six presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Application of the concept of deterrence – NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States 
  2. Application of the concept of security dilemma – nuclear programs of India and Pakistan
  3. Application of the concept of securitization – securitization of the People's Republic of China in US policy
  4. Application of the concept of security communities – the United States and Canada in 2026
  5. Application of the concept of regional security complexes – the Baltic States
  6. Application of the concept of geopolitics – Russia's war in Ukraine
  7. Possibilities for peace in the world's most notable current armed conflicts
  8. Similarities in the causes of the most notable current armed conflicts
  9. NATO member states' current defense expenditures and the reasons for their amounts
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

September 17. Up to three presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  2. Effectiveness of radiological safety and security regulations
  3. Effectiveness of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
  4. Expansion prospects of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to non-member countries
  5. Possibilities for the establishment of new nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs)
  6. Future of the US nuclear weapons sharing program with other NATO members
  7. Status of Iran's nuclear program and possible future direction
  8. Status of North Korea’s nuclear program and possible future direction
  9. Risks of further use of CBRN in armed conflicts   
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Biological, chemical and radiological weapons and disarmament

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Nuclear weapons and control and disarmament

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Nuclear weapons and control and disarmament

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (first two blocks)
Description

September 10 and 12. Up to six presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Application of the concept of deterrence – NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States 
  2. Application of the concept of security dilemma – nuclear programs of India and Pakistan
  3. Application of the concept of securitization – securitization of the People's Republic of China in US policy
  4. Application of the concept of security communities – the United States and Canada in 2026
  5. Application of the concept of regional security complexes – the Baltic States
  6. Application of the concept of geopolitics – Russia's war in Ukraine
  7. Possibilities for peace in the world's most notable current armed conflicts
  8. Similarities in the causes of the most notable current armed conflicts
  9. NATO member states' current defense expenditures and the reasons for their amounts
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

September 17. Up to three presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  2. Effectiveness of radiological safety and security regulations
  3. Effectiveness of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
  4. Expansion prospects of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to non-member countries
  5. Possibilities for the establishment of new nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs)
  6. Future of the US nuclear weapons sharing program with other NATO members
  7. Status of Iran's nuclear program and possible future direction
  8. Status of North Korea’s nuclear program and possible future direction
  9. Risks of further use of CBRN in armed conflicts   
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Evolution of arms control and disarmament processes. Conventional weapons and their control

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Re-emergence of the space domain and security governance in space

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Russia’s war in Ukraine and the future of warfare

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (final part)
Description

September 24. Up to six presentations during the workshop. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Possibilities of extending US-Russia arms control commitments
  2. Possibilities of expanding US-Russia arms control commitments to other countries
  3. Comparison of Chinese and Indian space exploration programs
  4. Comparison of the US and Russia space exploration programs
  5. Role of space technology in Russia's war in Ukraine
  6. Impact of the commercialization of space exploration on the militarization of space
  7. Impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the understanding of modern warfare
  8. Position of the People's Republic of China in Russia's war in Ukraine
  9. India's position in Russia's war in Ukraine
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (final part)
Description

September 24. Up to six presentations during the workshop. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Possibilities of extending US-Russia arms control commitments
  2. Possibilities of expanding US-Russia arms control commitments to other countries
  3. Comparison of Chinese and Indian space exploration programs
  4. Comparison of the US and Russia space exploration programs
  5. Role of space technology in Russia's war in Ukraine
  6. Impact of the commercialization of space exploration on the militarization of space
  7. Impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the understanding of modern warfare
  8. Position of the People's Republic of China in Russia's war in Ukraine
  9. India's position in Russia's war in Ukraine
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (final part)
Description

September 24. Up to six presentations during the workshop. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Possibilities of extending US-Russia arms control commitments
  2. Possibilities of expanding US-Russia arms control commitments to other countries
  3. Comparison of Chinese and Indian space exploration programs
  4. Comparison of the US and Russia space exploration programs
  5. Role of space technology in Russia's war in Ukraine
  6. Impact of the commercialization of space exploration on the militarization of space
  7. Impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the understanding of modern warfare
  8. Position of the People's Republic of China in Russia's war in Ukraine
  9. India's position in Russia's war in Ukraine
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (final part)
Description

September 24. Up to six presentations during the workshop. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Possibilities of extending US-Russia arms control commitments
  2. Possibilities of expanding US-Russia arms control commitments to other countries
  3. Comparison of Chinese and Indian space exploration programs
  4. Comparison of the US and Russia space exploration programs
  5. Role of space technology in Russia's war in Ukraine
  6. Impact of the commercialization of space exploration on the militarization of space
  7. Impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the understanding of modern warfare
  8. Position of the People's Republic of China in Russia's war in Ukraine
  9. India's position in Russia's war in Ukraine
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (final part)
Description

September 24. Up to six presentations during the workshop. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Possibilities of extending US-Russia arms control commitments
  2. Possibilities of expanding US-Russia arms control commitments to other countries
  3. Comparison of Chinese and Indian space exploration programs
  4. Comparison of the US and Russia space exploration programs
  5. Role of space technology in Russia's war in Ukraine
  6. Impact of the commercialization of space exploration on the militarization of space
  7. Impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the understanding of modern warfare
  8. Position of the People's Republic of China in Russia's war in Ukraine
  9. India's position in Russia's war in Ukraine
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (final part)
Description

September 24. Up to six presentations during the workshop. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Possibilities of extending US-Russia arms control commitments
  2. Possibilities of expanding US-Russia arms control commitments to other countries
  3. Comparison of Chinese and Indian space exploration programs
  4. Comparison of the US and Russia space exploration programs
  5. Role of space technology in Russia's war in Ukraine
  6. Impact of the commercialization of space exploration on the militarization of space
  7. Impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the understanding of modern warfare
  8. Position of the People's Republic of China in Russia's war in Ukraine
  9. India's position in Russia's war in Ukraine
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (final part)
Description

September 24. Up to six presentations during the workshop. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Possibilities of extending US-Russia arms control commitments
  2. Possibilities of expanding US-Russia arms control commitments to other countries
  3. Comparison of Chinese and Indian space exploration programs
  4. Comparison of the US and Russia space exploration programs
  5. Role of space technology in Russia's war in Ukraine
  6. Impact of the commercialization of space exploration on the militarization of space
  7. Impact of Russia's war in Ukraine on the understanding of modern warfare
  8. Position of the People's Republic of China in Russia's war in Ukraine
  9. India's position in Russia's war in Ukraine
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Exam and debrief
Description

Each student will complete a multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions. The exam will be followed by a debrief.    

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Exam and debrief
Description

Each student will complete a multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions. The exam will be followed by a debrief.    
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Concepts and theories of International Security Studies

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on the most topical security governance issues
Description

Following the professor’s introductory statement, students should be prepared to discuss the first (almost) two years of the second presidency of the 45th and 47th President of the US, as well as artificial intelligence and national security. On the first topic, the emphasis will be placed on American foreign and defence policy. On the second topic, students will be advised to share their views and experiences in using artificial intelligence tools for personal and professional purposes, as well as their take on the current and prospective impact of artificial intelligence on national security and, more generally, the evolution of humankind.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Past and Present Armed Conflicts and the Current Status of Armed Forces at Global and Regional Levels

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Biological, chemical and radiological weapons and disarmament

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Nuclear weapons and control and disarmament

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Nuclear weapons and control and disarmament

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Evolution of arms control and disarmament processes. Conventional weapons and their control

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (first two blocks)
Description

September 10 and 12. Up to six presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Application of the concept of deterrence – NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States 
  2. Application of the concept of security dilemma – nuclear programs of India and Pakistan
  3. Application of the concept of securitization – securitization of the People's Republic of China in US policy
  4. Application of the concept of security communities – the United States and Canada in 2026
  5. Application of the concept of regional security complexes – the Baltic States
  6. Application of the concept of geopolitics – Russia's war in Ukraine
  7. Possibilities for peace in the world's most notable current armed conflicts
  8. Similarities in the causes of the most notable current armed conflicts
  9. NATO member states' current defense expenditures and the reasons for their amounts
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

September 17. Up to three presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  2. Effectiveness of radiological safety and security regulations
  3. Effectiveness of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
  4. Expansion prospects of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to non-member countries
  5. Possibilities for the establishment of new nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs)
  6. Future of the US nuclear weapons sharing program with other NATO members
  7. Status of Iran's nuclear program and possible future direction
  8. Status of North Korea’s nuclear program and possible future direction
  9. Risks of further use of CBRN in armed conflicts   
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (first two blocks)
Description

September 10 and 12. Up to six presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Application of the concept of deterrence – NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States 
  2. Application of the concept of security dilemma – nuclear programs of India and Pakistan
  3. Application of the concept of securitization – securitization of the People's Republic of China in US policy
  4. Application of the concept of security communities – the United States and Canada in 2026
  5. Application of the concept of regional security complexes – the Baltic States
  6. Application of the concept of geopolitics – Russia's war in Ukraine
  7. Possibilities for peace in the world's most notable current armed conflicts
  8. Similarities in the causes of the most notable current armed conflicts
  9. NATO member states' current defense expenditures and the reasons for their amounts
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

September 17. Up to three presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  2. Effectiveness of radiological safety and security regulations
  3. Effectiveness of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
  4. Expansion prospects of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to non-member countries
  5. Possibilities for the establishment of new nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs)
  6. Future of the US nuclear weapons sharing program with other NATO members
  7. Status of Iran's nuclear program and possible future direction
  8. Status of North Korea’s nuclear program and possible future direction
  9. Risks of further use of CBRN in armed conflicts   
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (first two blocks)
Description

September 10 and 12. Up to six presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Application of the concept of deterrence – NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States 
  2. Application of the concept of security dilemma – nuclear programs of India and Pakistan
  3. Application of the concept of securitization – securitization of the People's Republic of China in US policy
  4. Application of the concept of security communities – the United States and Canada in 2026
  5. Application of the concept of regional security complexes – the Baltic States
  6. Application of the concept of geopolitics – Russia's war in Ukraine
  7. Possibilities for peace in the world's most notable current armed conflicts
  8. Similarities in the causes of the most notable current armed conflicts
  9. NATO member states' current defense expenditures and the reasons for their amounts
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

September 17. Up to three presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  2. Effectiveness of radiological safety and security regulations
  3. Effectiveness of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
  4. Expansion prospects of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to non-member countries
  5. Possibilities for the establishment of new nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs)
  6. Future of the US nuclear weapons sharing program with other NATO members
  7. Status of Iran's nuclear program and possible future direction
  8. Status of North Korea’s nuclear program and possible future direction
  9. Risks of further use of CBRN in armed conflicts   
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Workshops on security governance - students' presentations (first two blocks)
Description

September 10 and 12. Up to six presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Application of the concept of deterrence – NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic States 
  2. Application of the concept of security dilemma – nuclear programs of India and Pakistan
  3. Application of the concept of securitization – securitization of the People's Republic of China in US policy
  4. Application of the concept of security communities – the United States and Canada in 2026
  5. Application of the concept of regional security complexes – the Baltic States
  6. Application of the concept of geopolitics – Russia's war in Ukraine
  7. Possibilities for peace in the world's most notable current armed conflicts
  8. Similarities in the causes of the most notable current armed conflicts
  9. NATO member states' current defense expenditures and the reasons for their amounts
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

September 17. Up to three presentations. Possible topics (no more than one student per topic):

  1. Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
  2. Effectiveness of radiological safety and security regulations
  3. Effectiveness of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
  4. Expansion prospects of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to non-member countries
  5. Possibilities for the establishment of new nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs)
  6. Future of the US nuclear weapons sharing program with other NATO members
  7. Status of Iran's nuclear program and possible future direction
  8. Status of North Korea’s nuclear program and possible future direction
  9. Risks of further use of CBRN in armed conflicts   
  10. Another topic related to the preceding lectures and agreed upon by the professor 

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Exam and debrief
Description

Each student will complete a multiple-choice test consisting of 30 questions. The exam will be followed by a debrief.    
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Buzan, B. and L., Hansen. The Evolution of International Security Studies. Cambridge, New York, Cambridge University Press, 2009. (pēdējais iznākušais izdevums)Suitable for English stream

2.

Shawn Davies, Therése Pettersson, Magnus Öberg, Organized violence 1989–2025, and violent political protests, Journal of Peace Research, Volume 63, Issue 4, July 2026, Pages 705–723.Suitable for English stream

3.

SIPRI YEARBOOK 2026. Armaments, Disarmament and International Security. Summary. Oxford University Press, 2026.Suitable for English stream

4.

Fei Su and Ian Anthony, eds. Reassessing CBRN Threats in a Changing Global Environment. Solna: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 2019.Suitable for English stream

5.

Nye, Joseph S. Jr. The Non-Proliferation Problem. Project Syndicate. 09.07.2024.Suitable for English stream

6.

THE 2023 NTI NUCLEAR SECURITY INDEX. Falling Short in a Dangerous World. Nuclear Threat Initiative, 2023, 33-58.Suitable for English stream

7.

Kristensen, Hans M. & Korda, Matt. World nuclear forces. In: SIPRI Yearbook 2026, 251-301. Oxford University Press, 2026.Suitable for English stream

8.

Samson, Victoria & Brett, Kathleen (Editors). Executive Summary - GLOBAL COUNTERSPACE CAPABILITIES. An Open Source Assessment. Secure World Foundation, April 2026.Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Buzan, B., Wæver, O. and J. Wilde de. Security: A New Framework for Analysis. London, Boulder, 1998. (pēdējais iznākušais izdevums)Suitable for English stream

2.

Issues. The White House.Suitable for English stream

3.

Fact Sheets. The White House.Suitable for English stream

4.

Project 2025. PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION PROJECT. The Heritage Foundation. 2023.Suitable for English stream

5.

How AI is changing warfare. The Economist. June 20, 2024.Suitable for English stream

6.

Starptautiskā drošība. Rakstu krājums, edited by Māris Andžāns, 90-100. Rīga: Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka, 2019. (latviešu plūsmai)

7.

Uppsala Conflict Data Program. Number of Conflicts 1975-2025. Uppsala University.Suitable for English stream

8.

Uppsala Conflict Data Program. UCDP Charts, Graphs and Maps. Uppsala University.

9.

Russia and Ukraine. Institute of War Studies.Suitable for English stream

10.

Kühn, Ulrich (ed.). Trilateral Arms Control? Perspectives from Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy, 2020.

11.

Erästö, Tytti. “Fifty years of the NPT—cause for celebration or commemoration?” Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Last modified May 23, 2019.Suitable for English stream

12.

NATO. “NATO and Warsaw Pact: force comparisons.” Last accessed September 1, 2020.

13.

Palayer, Jules & Brunn, Laura. Artificial intelligence and international peace and security. In: SIPRI Yearbook 2025, 329-346. Oxford University Press, 2025.

14.

Weeden, Brian, and Victoria Samson (eds.). Global Counterspace Capabilities: An Open Source Assessment. Secure World Foundation, April 2020.

15.

Preston, Robert, Dana J. Johnson, Sean J. A. Edwards, Michael D. Miller, Calvin Shipbaugh. Space Weapons Earth Wars. RAND Corporation, 2022.

Other Information Sources

1.

Booth, K. ‘Security and Emancipation’, Review of International Studies, vol. 17(4), 1991, pp. 313-326.

2.

Deutsch, K. W. Political Community and the North Atlantic Area: International Organization in the Light of Historical Experience. Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2015.Suitable for English stream

3.

Herz, J. H. ‘Idealist Internationalism and the Security Dilemma’. World Politics, vol. 2(2) 1950, pp. 157-180.

4.

Galtung, J. ‘Violence, Peace, and Peace Research’. Journal of Peace Research, vol. 6(3) 1969, pp. 167-191.

5.

Mearsheimer, J. J. The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. New York, London, W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.

6.

Morgenthau, H. J. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. New York, A. A. Knopf, 2006.Suitable for English stream

7.

Wolfers, A. ‘“National Security” as an Ambiguous Symbol’. Political Science Quarterly, vol. 67(4), 1952, pp. 481-502.

8.

Waltz, K. N. Theory of International Politics. Boston, Mass McGraw-Hill, 1979. (pēdējais iznākušais izdevums)Suitable for English stream