IER 302 – World International Politics

IER 302 – World International Politics; Weekly hours: 2+1, ECTS: 4
This course is designed to fulfill two objectives: first, to provide analytical perspectives  for key actors in global politics and second to offer an understanding of key historical and contemporary events in world politics, including issues relating to security and interstate conflict, international institutions, globalization, and law. A part of the course included the development  of theoretical framework in order to understand international politics. As such, the course will introduce students to the institutional, structural and political mechanism, that condition relationships between states, and between states and non-state actors. Extensive use of internet information, articles from professional journals and newspapers will enable students to update information about imminent international issues today and to think about them critically. The course explores the basis of international relations. The following titles are included: Anarchy or system. The growth of theory, Major contemporary issues – Globalization, terrorism and the rise of US power. The realist, pluralist and globalist approaches to international relations. International relations in the twentieth century – The role of ideology. The impact of war. The emergence of superpowers. The end of the Cold War and the world after 1990., Constraints and opportunities – freedom of action in international relations Big and small powers. Case studies: the USA; Germany. National interest – The role of domestic politics. Alliances, friendships and partnerships. Case study: Britain, the USA and the European Union. International organizations – UN system and EU foreign policy. International security – NATO and their peace missions.