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Description
This is an undergraduate level course introducing students to critical and postcolonial approaches to International Relations (IR). While the main trends in the field - like Realism, Constructivism and Liberalism - are examined, it is these critical perspectives that are the main focus.
Broadly speaking, students will examine how we come to form opinions about the world, cases of conflict, diplomacy, and the role of non-state actors and major global institutions in creating/sustaining the world around us today. In particular, students will assess the different assumptions within particular approaches to IR, their methods and understanding of who and what matters in global politics; how approaches conceptualises international institutions, and the relationship between agency and international structure. As we progress, we will investigate issues such as whether there is equal sovereignty in the world today, what do we mean by 'North-South relations' and the links between theory and practise. Key concepts introduced to students in the module include 'anarchy', 'sovereignty', 'power', 'hegemony and empire', the state and the international system.
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Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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