Introduction to International Relations

Introduces the field of International Relations (IR), examining how world politics affects individuals and who the main actors in International Relations are. A first-level overview of what these actors pursue, how they seek to achieve their goals, and how IR can be understood using theoretical frameworks and different levels of analysis. Discusses recurring IR problems, including the gap between political aspirations and reality, historical parallels, and the ‘perennial questions’ of international politics. Concludes by considering different perspectives on world politics, addressing great power centrism, faultlines of the international system, and issues of international change.

Introduces the field of International Relations (IR), examining how world politics affects individuals and who the main actors in International Relations are. A first-level overview of what these actors pursue, how they seek to achieve their goals, and how IR can be understood using theoretical frameworks and different levels of analysis. Discusses recurring IR problems, including the gap between political aspirations and reality, historical parallels, and the ‘perennial questions’ of international politics. Concludes by considering different perspectives on world politics, addressing great power centrism, faultlines of the international system, and issues of international change.

An overview of the historical development of the modern international system, beginning with the world in 1500, the emergence of the European state system and the expansion of European empires. It then examines World War I, the failed attempts to rebuild the international order in the interwar period, World War II and the subsequent Cold War international order. It also considers decolonization, the Non-Aligned Movement and developing countries, as well as the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Finally, it analyses the international order after 1991, including the transition from a unipolar system to the return of great power politics; globalization and its backlashes; global terrorism and the shock of the global pandemic.

An overview of the historical development of the modern international system, beginning with the world in 1500, the emergence of the European state system and the expansion of European empires. It then examines World War I, the failed attempts to rebuild the international order in the interwar period, World War II and the subsequent Cold War international order. It also considers decolonization, the Non-Aligned Movement and developing countries, as well as the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Finally, it analyses the international order after 1991, including the transition from a unipolar system to the return of great power politics; globalization and its backlashes; global terrorism and the shock of the global pandemic.

Introduction to the main theoretical traditions that explain international relations, starting with realism and liberalism and characterizing the assumptions and main theses of each of these approaches. It also analyzes neoliberal institutionalism and constructivism, including the constructivist view of the formation of the reality of international politics. The range of theories considered also includes the English school, Marxism, feminism and critical theory and their main assumptions. A mutual comparison of the theoretical traditions considered and their view of the 'permanent questions' of IR.

Introduction to the main theoretical traditions that explain international relations, starting with realism and liberalism and characterizing the assumptions and main theses of each of these approaches. It also analyzes neoliberal institutionalism and constructivism, including the constructivist view of the formation of the reality of international politics. The range of theories considered also includes the English school, Marxism, feminism and critical theory and their main assumptions. A mutual comparison of the theoretical traditions considered and their view of the 'permanent questions' of IR.

Linking Foreign Policy Analysis as a sub-discipline of IR to the broader study of international relations. An introductory overview of the basic concepts of foreign policy interests and strategy. The causes of foreign policy behaviour are examined at three levels of analysis: the individual, the state and the international system. This approach allows for a structured explanation of states’ foreign policy behaviour in terms of factors at the level of decision-makers; in the context of domestic circumstances; and under the pressures of the international environment. The chapter also analyses how and why states change their foreign policies, again examining the causes of such changes at different levels of analysis.

Linking Foreign Policy Analysis as a sub-discipline of IR to the broader study of international relations. An introductory overview of the basic concepts of foreign policy interests and strategy. The causes of foreign policy behaviour are examined at three levels of analysis: the individual, the state and the international system. This approach allows for a structured explanation of states’ foreign policy behaviour in terms of factors at the level of decision-makers; in the context of domestic circumstances; and under the pressures of the international environment. The chapter also analyses how and why states change their foreign policies, again examining the causes of such changes at different levels of analysis.

Introduction to the basic concepts of international law and international organizations, distinguishing between different types of them and comparing international and national law. Overview of several areas of their activity, including the legality of war, humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect, human rights, and the regulation of the world’s oceans and waterways. The liberal, realist, constructivist, and Marxist theoretical traditions are then used to explain the existence of international law and organizations and their relationship to interests, power, norms, and economic inequality. Finally, the explanations of different theoretical traditions for why and under what conditions international law and organizations can or cannot be effective are compared.

Introduction to the basic concepts of international law and international organizations, distinguishing between different types of them and comparing international and national law. Overview of several areas of their activity, including the legality of war, humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect, human rights, and the regulation of the world’s oceans and waterways. The liberal, realist, constructivist, and Marxist theoretical traditions are then used to explain the existence of international law and organizations and their relationship to interests, power, norms, and economic inequality. Finally, the explanations of different theoretical traditions for why and under what conditions international law and organizations can or cannot be effective are compared.

The chapter analyses both interstate and intra-state wars, first examining the different types of military conflict between states and the ‘direct’ causes of war. It then analyses deeper causes of war at the level of the individual, including misperception, stress, motivated bias, groupthink and over-optimism of leaders. At the level of the state, it considers the possible impact on conflict emergence of economic systems, political institutions and government processes, nationalism and shared societal beliefs. At the international level, it analyses anarchy both as a condition that allows for war and as a factor that promotes conflict, and concludes with an analysis of intra-state wars, their causes and their impact on international peace and security.

The chapter analyses both interstate and intra-state wars, first examining the different types of military conflict between states and the ‘direct’ causes of war. It then analyses deeper causes of war at the level of the individual, including misperception, stress, motivated bias, groupthink and over-optimism of leaders. At the level of the state, it considers the possible impact on conflict emergence of economic systems, political institutions and government processes, nationalism and shared societal beliefs. At the international level, it analyses anarchy both as a condition that allows for war and as a factor that promotes conflict, and concludes with an analysis of intra-state wars, their causes and their impact on international peace and security.

It considers various theoretical and practical mechanisms by which peace between states can be achieved or maintained, beginning with the distribution of power in the international system and comparing the balance of power arrangement with the state of hegemony. It then analyses the strategies available to individual states, especially diplomacy and balancing. Another group of mechanisms for securing peace is international law and institutions, the operation of which is examined using the experience of the League of Nations, the United Nations and the European Union. Finally, the chapter turns to transnational mechanisms for promoting peace, including economic interdependence, a possible international community of democratic states, peace movements and global civil society.

It considers various theoretical and practical mechanisms by which peace between states can be achieved or maintained, beginning with the distribution of power in the international system and comparing the balance of power arrangement with the state of hegemony. It then analyses the strategies available to individual states, especially diplomacy and balancing. Another group of mechanisms for securing peace is international law and institutions, the operation of which is examined using the experience of the League of Nations, the United Nations and the European Union. Finally, the chapter turns to transnational mechanisms for promoting peace, including economic interdependence, a possible international community of democratic states, peace movements and global civil society.

An overview of how technological developments have changed the conduct of war, with a focus on nuclear weapons and the so-called nuclear revolution. It discusses the motives of states to acquire nuclear weapons, the threat posed by nuclear proliferation and efforts to curb it, as well as chemical and biological weapons and their control mechanisms. A comparison of different types of weapons of mass destruction and the possibility that they could be used by non-state actors and terrorists. Finally, it analyses recent technological challenges to international security – drones, cyber warfare, hybrid warfare and artificial intelligence as a potentially revolutionary factor in the military field.

An overview of how technological developments have changed the conduct of war, with a focus on nuclear weapons and the so-called nuclear revolution. It discusses the motives of states to acquire nuclear weapons, the threat posed by nuclear proliferation and efforts to curb it, as well as chemical and biological weapons and their control mechanisms. A comparison of different types of weapons of mass destruction and the possibility that they could be used by non-state actors and terrorists. Finally, it analyses recent technological challenges to international security – drones, cyber warfare, hybrid warfare and artificial intelligence as a potentially revolutionary factor in the military field.

Fundamentals of international political economy, looking at the theory of international trade, including production and consumption, comparative advantage, the benefits of trade and the reasons why countries nevertheless pursue protectionist policies. International monetary relations are then examined, with a comparison of flexible and fixed exchange rate systems. Multinational corporations are analysed, looking at their characteristics, their role in the world economy and the political issues surrounding their activities. Finally, the chapter looks at global economic and financial institutions, including the transition from GATT to the WTO and ‘new regionalism’, the IMF and the controversies surrounding international finance, and the development of global economic governance from G7/G8 to G20.

Fundamentals of international political economy, looking at the theory of international trade, including production and consumption, comparative advantage, the benefits of trade and the reasons why countries nevertheless pursue protectionist policies. International monetary relations are then examined, with a comparison of flexible and fixed exchange rate systems. Multinational corporations are analysed, looking at their characteristics, their role in the world economy and the political issues surrounding their activities. Finally, the chapter looks at global economic and financial institutions, including the transition from GATT to the WTO and ‘new regionalism’, the IMF and the controversies surrounding international finance, and the development of global economic governance from G7/G8 to G20.

An analysis of political, power and economic relations, seen in the historical context of two eras of economic globalization. An examination of three main theoretical traditions regarding the interaction between states and markets—economic liberalism, economic nationalism and Marxism—and an examination of economic relations in an anarchic international environment. The chapter also examines the desire of governments to manage both domestic and international processes at the same time, as well as the special role of great powers in shaping the world economy. Finally, an analysis of the relationship between hegemony and the liberal world economy and the challenges faced by today’s globalized economic system.

An analysis of political, power and economic relations, seen in the historical context of two eras of economic globalization. An examination of three main theoretical traditions regarding the interaction between states and markets—economic liberalism, economic nationalism and Marxism—and an examination of economic relations in an anarchic international environment. The chapter also examines the desire of governments to manage both domestic and international processes at the same time, as well as the special role of great powers in shaping the world economy. Finally, an analysis of the relationship between hegemony and the liberal world economy and the challenges faced by today’s globalized economic system.

Definition of ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ countries, discussion of the possibilities of measuring economic development and comparison of the growth experience of different groups of developing countries. Comparison of development obstacles created by international relations, including the legacy of colonialism and the international ‘division of labour’, as well as comparison of market-controlling and market-accepting trade strategies and attempts to reform international trade rules. Opportunities and risks created by international financial flows, IMF lending system for developing countries, and artificial intelligence as a new development challenge. Development strategies in the context of new powers, including BRICS.

Definition of ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ countries, discussion of the possibilities of measuring economic development and comparison of the growth experience of different groups of developing countries. Comparison of development obstacles created by international relations, including the legacy of colonialism and the international ‘division of labour’, as well as comparison of market-controlling and market-accepting trade strategies and attempts to reform international trade rules. Opportunities and risks created by international financial flows, IMF lending system for developing countries, and artificial intelligence as a new development challenge. Development strategies in the context of new powers, including BRICS.

Analysis of the relationship between non-state actors and sovereign states within the framework of the Westphalian system. The rise in importance of non-state actors after World War II. Challenges to state power posed by economic motives – international companies, large data companies, international currency traders and drug cartels. Politically and socially motivated actors and processes – including transnational terrorism, military groups, separatist movements, WikiLeaks, migrants and refugees. The broader analytical questions about the resilience of the sovereign state in a context where power, resources, information and people increasingly cross national borders.

Analysis of the relationship between non-state actors and sovereign states within the framework of the Westphalian system. The rise in importance of non-state actors after World War II. Challenges to state power posed by economic motives – international companies, large data companies, international currency traders and drug cartels. Politically and socially motivated actors and processes – including transnational terrorism, military groups, separatist movements, WikiLeaks, migrants and refugees. The broader analytical questions about the resilience of the sovereign state in a context where power, resources, information and people increasingly cross national borders.

International problems related to environmental degradation and competition for natural resources, starting with ‘negative externalities’ and the ‘tragedy of the commons’. The main ecological and environmental challenges affecting the atmosphere, the world’s water resources and the terrestrial environment are considered. After an analysis of the causes and manifestations of the problems, attention is paid to the policy question of how environmental problems of an international nature can be managed. Discussion of unilateral action by states, bilateral cooperation and a broader multilateral approach to international environmental governance.

International problems related to environmental degradation and competition for natural resources, starting with ‘negative externalities’ and the ‘tragedy of the commons’. The main ecological and environmental challenges affecting the atmosphere, the world’s water resources and the terrestrial environment are considered. After an analysis of the causes and manifestations of the problems, attention is paid to the policy question of how environmental problems of an international nature can be managed. Discussion of unilateral action by states, bilateral cooperation and a broader multilateral approach to international environmental governance.

The course concludes by offering six different models for the future international order: geo-economic competition, the return of a multipolar balance of power system, new bipolarity, democratic peace, clash of civilizations, and a nationalist world with entrenched borders. An analysis of international trends that might suggest the formation of the relevant model; countervailing evidence and unanswered questions are also considered. In conclusion, attention is returned to the ‘perennial questions’, as well as an analytical framework for thinking about the uncertain future of the international system.

The course concludes by offering six different models for the future international order: geo-economic competition, the return of a multipolar balance of power system, new bipolarity, democratic peace, clash of civilizations, and a nationalist world with entrenched borders. An analysis of international trends that might suggest the formation of the relevant model; countervailing evidence and unanswered questions are also considered. In conclusion, attention is returned to the ‘perennial questions’, as well as an analytical framework for thinking about the uncertain future of the international system.