Introduction to International Relations (POL208)

POL208 Introduction to International Relations presents to students the key theories and approaches in the study of international relations, and how these theories shed light on historical and contemporary events in the real world. The course begins with an overview of the field and its development, followed by an examination of the key topics in contemporary international relations. It will chart the emergence of international society to understand its foundations and discuss how well international relations theories explain war, conflict, globalization, and power relations. The structures and processes that shape international security, international political economy, and international regimes in the post-Cold War era will be covered next, and the course will conclude with a review of how international relations theories inform current developments in world politics.

• The Development of International Relations
• Historical Context of International Relations
• International Political Economy
• Global Power Shift
• International Trade and Investment
• International Financial System and Financial Crises
• International Security: Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation and Cyber Security
• International Organizations and Law
• Rise of Nationalism
• International Human Development
• Contemporary International Issue I
• Contemporary International Issue II

• Demonstrate understanding of international relations theories
• Explain the foundations and structures of the international system and its institutions
• Discuss the evolution of the international system in the post-Cold War era
• Analyse the causes of war, conflict and peace
• Interpret world events in light of international relations theories
• Illustrate how international relations theories explain world politics