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This module starts off with an overview of mainstream and critical international relations theory, before applying these to real-world events. At the core of the module is a question of how globalization has affected the role of states in global politics, particularly against the backdrop of populist nationalism and ever-growing global challenges.

The first weeks introduce main theoretical streams by centring on the question of whether international relations are defined by anarchy or hierarchy. Once equipped with basic conceptual tools, students will focus on what motivates global politics, looking at concepts such as violence, fear, cooperation, power imbalances or oppression, as well as critically evaluating the assumed emancipatory potential of globalization and the liberal international order. The second half of the course then focuses on five big topics in contemporary international politics: security, superpower competition, development, health governance and climate change.

Teaching Delivery

This module will be taught in weekly 1-2-hour lectures followed by a 1-hour seminar.

Indicative Topics

The module will include the following topics (based on 2023/24 curriculum and subject to changes):

1. Anarchy – the order of glboal politics?
2. Hierarchy: marxist and postcolonial approaches
3. Feminist approaches and the theories of war and violence
4. Globalization and the end of history
5. US order and its discontents
6. Global security
7. Guest lecture
8. Development
9. Global health
10. Climate crisisÌýÌý

Module aims and objectives

Upon completion, students will:Ìý

1. Have a good grasp on the theoretical cannon of international relations and global politicsÌý
2. Learn how to analytically approach the study of global politicsÌý
3. Learn to evaluate the political relevance of global events such as climate change, pandemics, non-traditional security challenges and developmental issuesÌý
4. Understand how power relations are embedded into international relationsÌý
5. Be able to critically approach Eurocentric accounts of global politicsÌý
6. Contextualize knowledge from this module with debates in other disciplinesÌý
7. Develop transferable cognitive skills such as conceptualization, critical thinking and problem solvingÌý

Recommended Reading

• Cynthia Weber: International relations theory: A critical introductionÌý
• Ayse Zarakol: Before the WestÌý
• Amitav Acharya: The end of American world orderÌý