This module gives students an introduction to the theoretical background to international relations and examines a range of contemporary and historical topics through which it is possible to explore the behaviour of states and international organisations. The main areas of theory will be covered and these will be related to the changing international environment in which they were developed. Major themes including national interest, realism, ideology, ‘superpowers’, war and co-operation will be addressed as well as the practical aspects of the subject. The course will also contrast the international behaviour of small and large states. Students will receive additional material in class and will be encouraged to relate what they learn to developing issues.
- Introduction The basis of international relations. Anarchy or system. The growth of theory. Some 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.
- Global power – the rise of the ‘superpower’ The USA and the USSR in international relations. Military and economic strength. Case study: nuclear weapons.
- Regional power The role and ambitions of regional powers. Hegemony and competition. Case study: China.
- Regional co-operation Sovereignty and its limitations. The development of regional groupings. Case studies: the European Union; NATO.
- War and international relations The theory and practice of war in international relations. Legitimacy of military action. Idealism and realism. Case studies: Nazi Germany and World War 2; the Gulf War; September 11.
- Intervention: Humanitarian, political and military. Is there a ‘duty’ to intervene? Case studies: intervention in the former Yugoslavia; Iraq; Congo.
- Globalisation or the ‘same old story’ Possible future developments. The roles of the United Nations, nation states and alliances in the new century.
- To give students an awareness of the theory and practice of international relations and to provide them with a structure within which to understand international events.
- To develop an awareness of the underlying concepts and theories of the relations between states.
- To understand how to apply these concepts and theories to contemporary and historical case studies.
- To research topics relating to these case studies
- To present information gained from research in both oral and written form.
- To be able to demonstrate, in both oral and written forms, a knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts in international relations and to be able to apply these to particular situations.
- To be able to demonstrate and apply research skills in both oral and written form.
- To complete regular class work, as set by the tutor, using a range of material and working both on an individual basis and as part of a group.
Students typically complete 2 essays and 2 tests each term in addition to regular classwork and private study assignments. These marks as a whole, combined with an assessment of student performance in class, make up the final grade for the course. Sample essay questions are shown below; test questions will relate to practical topics.
- 40% Essays
- 40% Tests
- 15% Class Participation
- 5% Attendance
Sample Essay Assignments
- How can international relations theory help us to understand the Cold War?
- How is national interest defined by a state? Discuss two examples.
- What role does military power play in contemporary international relations in the Far East?
- How effective is humanitarian intervention?
This class is normally delivered over one term, with 90 teaching contact hours or equivalent in the Michaelmas term, and 60 teaching contact hours for Hilary and Trinity terms. For students requesting credit, we recommend the transfer of three college credits for Michaelmas and two college credits for Hilary and Trinity, on successful completion of the class.
Recommended Introductory reading
The list below is for guidance and to supply some ideas for preliminary reading. We recommend that you do not purchase the books on this list before arrival and certainly not all of them; most should be available from a good library. Your tutor will recommend the most appropriate books for purchase at the first class of term.
Ngaire Woods (ed), Explaining International Relations Since 1945
Peter Calvacoressi, World Politics Since 1945