INTR9016 Issues and Ideas in International Relations

2015

3

1 x 4-day intensive workshop yearly

This topic is only available offshore.

Master of Arts (International Relations in Economy and Trade) by coursework

This topic introduces students to key debates in international relations theory. The topic begins by presenting the main frameworks of analysis in the study of international relations, focusing in particular on those of realism and liberalism. Each of the frameworks is used to discuss contemporary issues such as the global balance of power, changes in patterns of peace and war among states, and some central trends in international political economy. The topic then examines two challenges to orthodox international relations theory, and assesses the future of the nation-state in light of the 'challenge from above' ('globalisation'), as well as the 'challenge from below' ('nationalism').

This topic introduces students to contemporary international relations theory and its practical implications for global governance. The topic examines three dominant and enduring approaches to the theory and practice of international relations, illustrates their explanatory scope via use of a variety of case-studies in global conflict and international political economy, and assesses their strengths and weaknesses.

By the time students complete the topic they should be able to:

• identify and understand fundamental concepts and tools used in the study of international relations
• apply the fundamental concepts to specific dimensions of international relations, including global capitalism, global financial governance, and global security
• improve their knowledge of and capacity to use a variety of information sources to produce written work in accordance with good scholarly practice
• contribute consistently to seminars led by other students