Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Security Governance: the Euro-Atlantic Space and Beyond
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.
The study course starts with a review of International Security Studies from a theoretical perspective.
After a brief break, we will continue with two introductory workshops on some of the world's most pressing security issues. In 2025, we'll focus on the first months of the second presidency of the 45th & 47th president of the US, as well as artificial intelligence and national security.
From here on, the course will proceed with a general review of war and peace in retrospect and perspective – armed conflicts of the past and present, and the current status of armed forces at global and regional levels. Particular attention will be devoted to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The course will enter the next phase with a review of weapons of mass destruction, disarmament, and control of such weapons. It will cover biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear weapons, complemented by a review of the often-related control of conventional arms.
The lectures part of the course will end with a review of security governance in a (re)emerging domain of warfare: space.
During the workshops over the last two weeks of the course, students will present their individual projects on more specific issues discussed in t
Preliminary Knowledge
Previous knowledge on international security.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Demonstrate a deep understanding of the evolution of the security governance, contemporary structure and operation of Euro-Atlantic and out of Euro-Atlantic security structures, including their legal frameworks, institutions, decision-making processes and practices, interaction between the security governance institutions.
Skills
1.Ability to understand the basic aspects of the formal and informal operation of security management both within and outside institutions. Ability to professionally explain different security management models to different audiences.
Competences
1.Deep understanding of the theoretical and practical operations of safety management at different levels of analysis.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Individual report, presentation of the individual report, and midterm test. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Each student must prepare one report on one of the topics offered below. The report must be submitted by the end of the last workshop and presented in one of the workshops. The report should provide a structured and reasoned overview of the chosen topic based on various sources. It should be seven to ten pages long (Times New Roman or similar, 12 size, 1.5 line spacing) and based on at least 15 sources. 15 minutes are allocated for each report’s presentation, followed by a 15-minute discussion with all students participating. |
||
|
2.
Examination |
-
|
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. Mid-term multiple-choice test – 25% 4. Written report – 25% 5. Presentation of the written report – 25% |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concepts and theories of International Security Studies
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concepts and theories of International Security Studies
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on the most topical security governance issues
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on the most topical security governance issues
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
War and peace in retrospective and perspective. Russia-Ukraine war.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
War and peace in retrospective and perspective. Russia-Ukraine war.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
War and peace in retrospective and perspective. Russia-Ukraine war.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Biological, chemical and radiological weapons & disarmament
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nuclear weapons and control & disarmament
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nuclear weapons and control & disarmament
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Evolution of arms control and disarmament processes. Conventional weapons and their control
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Midterm test
Description
Each student will complete a mid-term test on the information discussed in the previous lectures and the compulsory reading material. The test will be conducted in the E-studies system. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Re-emergence of space domain and security governance in space
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Consultations before the exam
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Consultations before the exam
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
46 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concepts and theories of International Security Studies
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on the most topical security governance issues
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
War and peace in retrospective and perspective. Russia-Ukraine war.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Biological, chemical and radiological weapons & disarmament
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nuclear weapons and control & disarmament
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Nuclear weapons and control & disarmament
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Evolution of arms control and disarmament processes. Conventional weapons and their control
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Midterm test
Description
Each student will complete a mid-term test on the information discussed in the previous lectures and the compulsory reading material. The test will be conducted in the E-studies system. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Workshops on security governance - students' presentations
Description
Each student will prepare a written report and present it during the workshops. All students will discuss the reports. |
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)
2.
Davies, S., Pettersson, T., Sollenberg, M., & Öberg, M. (2025). Organized violence 1989–2024, and the challenges of identifying civilian victims. Journal of Peace Research 62(4).
3.
SIPRI YEARBOOK 2025. Armaments, Disarmament and International Security. Summary. Oxford University Press, 2024.
4.
Fei Su and Ian Anthony, eds. Reassessing CBRN Threats in a Changing Global Environment. Solna: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 2019.
5.
Nye, Joseph S. Jr. The Non-Proliferation Problem. Project Syndicate. 09.07.2024.
6.
THE 2023 NTI NUCLEAR SECURITY INDEX. Falling Short in a Dangerous World. Nuclear Threat Initiative, 2023, 33-58.
7.
Kristensen, Hans M. & Korda, Matt. World nuclear forces. In: SIPRI Yearbook 2025, 177-213. Oxford University Press, 2025.
8.
Samson, Victoria & Cesari, Laetitia (Editors). Executive Summary— GLOBAL COUNTERSPACE CAPABILITIES. An Open Source Assessment. Secure World Foundation, April 2025.
Additional Reading
1.
Buzan, B., Wæver, O. and J. Wilde de. Security: A New Framework for Analysis. London, Boulder, 1998. (pēdējais iznākušais izdevums)
2.
Issues. The White House.
3.
Fact Sheets. The White House.
4.
Project 2025. PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION PROJECT. The Heritage Foundation. 2023.
5.
How AI is changing warfare. The Economist. June 20, 2024.
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 1975-2023. Uppsala University.
8.
Uppsala Conflict Data Program. UCDP Charts, Graphs and Maps. Uppsala University.
9.
Ukraine conflict updates. Institute of War Studies.
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.
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.
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.
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)