GOVT2003 The International Political System

This topic provides an account of the institutions, political relationships, practices and norms that make up and govern the international political system. With a focus on the international political system from the end of the Second World War to the present, it examines how the contemporary global order came into being and how it functions. The topic will equip students to make critical assessments of its current effectiveness and likely future development.

This topic aims to:

• Provide students with a comprehensive overview of the international political system
• Outline the main institutions, political relationships, practices and norms within the international political system
• Enable students to use this knowledge to analyse contemporary issues within the international political system
• Develop student's analytical capacities and skills for written and aural communication

1. Give an account of the development of the contemporary international order
2. Identify and critically assess the key institutions, political relationships, practices and norms of the international political system
3. Critically examine contemporary issues and dilemmas for the global order
4. Present written and aural argumentation about the international political system