...International Relations: Contemporary Issues and Actors Elective, 2nd year BA ES, Period 3 (4.5 ECTs) 1. General overview 2. Organisational Issues 3. Participation 4. Attendance rules 5. Grading 6. Essay questions 7. Main rationale and acquired skills 8. Changes introduced to last year’s course 9. Lectures 10. Tutorials 11. Essay writing - Quality criteria 3 4 6 9 10 10 14 15 16 17 36 2 1. General Overview This course is about how we understand International Relations (IR) and what major international actors operate in a number of contemporary policy areas. As it serves as an introduction to the discipline of IR, it starts with some of the basic concepts in it: e.g. war and peace; the role of the state, etc. This is complemented by introducing the role of International (governmental) Organizations (IOs) such as the UN, WTO, NATO, the EU, OSCE, CoE; and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), such as Amnesty International; Greenpeace; Medicins Sans Frontieres; etc. The course also introduces the role of the individual and self-organized groups of individuals that claim actorness in IR (advocacy groups; epistemic communities, policy networks; guerrillas; pirates; terrorist groups, etc.). In covering these issues, students are acquainted with some of the main theoretical debates in IR (e.g. Neo-Realism; Neo-Liberal Institutionalism; Social Constructivism; etc.). The lectures provide the general framework for discussing the role of the abovementioned...
Words: 8192 - Pages: 33
...major political ideologies. The next two, third and fourth, puts emphasis exclusively on the Indian political system. The fifth and sixth semesters courses deal with public administration and International relations. Course objectives 1. Imparting value based education. 2. Preparing responsible and politically conscious citizens. 3. Building good leadership qualities and responsible future leaders. 4. Understanding the art of government and administration. 5. Motivating students to take competitive examinations. 6. Creating civic sense COURSE STRUCTURE I Semester Course Code POL 131 II Semester Course Code POL 231 III Semester Course Code POL 331 IV Semester Course Code POL 431 V Semester Course Code POL 531 POL 532 VI Semester Course Code POL 631 POL 632 Title Core Concepts of Political Science. Title Major Political Ideologies Title Indian Government and Politics- I Title Indian Government and Politics- II Title International Relations- I Principles of Public Administration Title International Relations- II Personnel and Financial Administration Hrs/ wk 5 Hrs/ wk 5 Hrs/ wk 5 Hrs/ wk 5 Hrs/ wk 4 4 Marks 100 Marks 100 Marks 100 Marks 100 Marks 100 100 Credits 4 Credits 4 Credits 4 Credits 4 Credits 3 3 Hrs/ wk 4 4 Marks 100 100 Credits 3 3 1 BA SEMESTER I POL 131: POLITICAL SCIENCE PAPER I – CORE CONCEPTS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE 75 Hrs This course deals with basic concepts of political science such as state, government, law, rights etc. Objectives To introduce the students to:...
Words: 3092 - Pages: 13
...1 The Foundations of International Society 2013-2014 Part I: Politics 2 (International Relations I) Paper organiser: Professor Christopher Hill (POLIS): Room 105, Alison Richard Building Email: cjh68@cam.ac.uk Lecturers: Professor Hill (CH), Dr Elisabetta Brighi (EB), Dr Aaron Rapport (AR) and Dr Stefano Recchia (SR). Aims and Objectives The course aims to introduce students to the subject of International Relations (IR), whose main focus is the nature of politics at the international level. Students will acquire the empirical and conceptual foundations needed to understand a world political system which cannot be accurately described as either pure anarchy or a coherent form of ‘global governance’. The starting point is the notion of ‘international society’, which refers to the set of institutions and common procedures generated by states over the last three and a half centuries in their attempts to achieve some minimal form of co-existence, but which has gradually evolved to include many non-state actors and different levels of activity – diplomatic, economic and cultural, as well as that of military competition. By the end of the course you should be able to have an informed discussion about: the historical origins of the present system; what is distinctive about international politics as opposed to politics inside the state; and the main challenges which confront humanity in the twenty-first century. You will also acquire a basic familiarity with the main theories needed...
Words: 12326 - Pages: 50
... Abstract In the history of diplomacy and political thought in general, nothing can influence objectives of the states more dynamically than changes in the international relations and progress of the process of globalisation. In this context, American diplomacy is not an exception. In the previous paper, Eisenhower’s Doctrine was analyzed by its essence and objectives in the framework of the requirements of the international relations and possible threat for the national security. The main aim of the present paper is to view American diplomacy in its evolution from Eisenhower’s approach to the modern diplomatic doctrine. Key words: global responsibility, supremacy, US diplomacy, the Cold War, Poland. Current Events and US Diplomacy In the history of diplomacy and political thought in general, nothing can influence objectives of the states more dynamically than changes in the international relations and progress of the process of globalisation. In this context, American diplomacy is not an exception. In the previous paper, Eisenhower’s Doctrine was analyzed by its essence and objectives in the framework of the requirements of the international relations and possible threat for the national security. The main aim of the present paper is to view American diplomacy in its evolution from Eisenhower’s approach to the modern diplomatic doctrine. In order to understand how diplomacy changed after the end...
Words: 1491 - Pages: 6
...Introduction International politics has been shifted enormously into a new episode in the mid 20th century in the history of International Relation. Before 1950s world politics was confined within frequent wars including two world wars. But after 1950s world politics, including cold war was filled up by many variants to ensure each states security as arms race, nuclearization as well as security against global climate change. Like all other things, global climate change also got a strong basis of global agenda in international relations specificly in 1972. Since then international relations and global climate change have become very intimate to one another to be discussed. By 1972 and having a remarkable benchmark in 1992, global environment as well as global climate change is being practiced almost with every aspect of international relations which include state, non-state actors, domestic international relationship, various political approach, several global accord, security and world trade as well. In this paper, we will try to find out the intensity of the intimacy between international relations and global climate change through several different approaches. In the beginning of the paper we will survey on the theories of international relations through which both international relations and global climate change can be explained then the discussion will be shifted to the role of state and non state actors on climate change, which will be pursued to the effect of climate...
Words: 11943 - Pages: 48
... Focusing on the Republic of China (Taiwan) suggests a more complicated view where economic self-interest on one side and national pride on the other may undermine traditional conceptions of recognition. Using the ROC-PRC diplomatic battle as a case study, this paper hopes to shed light on two questions: why, despite the PRC's rise as a global power, a country would continue to formally recognize the ROC and secondly what does the ROC receive in exchange for such high-cost endeavors to maintain recognition. In this case mutual ideological rationales have greatly diminished while I contend that economic factors have predominantly maintained this diplomatic battle. In addition, previous research often focuses on major world powers granting or withholding formal recognition to smaller states. In this situation, poor countries with typically little political influence are the major players, suggesting different rationales behind recognition. Methodologically, this paper blends qualitative and quantitative analysis to uncover factors affecting recogni- T IMOTHY S. RICH is a doctoral student in political science at the Indiana University. His previous rese arch analyzed Taiwan's democratization and cross-Strait relations. His dissertation analyzes electoral reform in East Asia . In 2009, Timothy received a National Science Foundation grant to conduct research in Taiwan regarding recent electoral reforms. The author can be reached at . ©...
Words: 6627 - Pages: 27
...Dumisani Yambira 1147585 8/12/2015 [Type the company name] user President Zuma`s letdown approach to deliver a sound foreign policy indicates a failure. Factors of negligence and corruption within top officials have put the South African foreign policy brand into shame on the International relations platform. The failure to observe the policies on the Government White paper associates the current Administration with incompetency. The vocal tone of discontentment by the social forces indicate the State`s inability to perform the policies outlined on the Government`s diplomacy of Ubuntu. South Africa`s role in the COP17 indicates the State`s incoherence on their foreign policy. President Zuma`s Administration did not live to the expectations of the International community and of the locals. The conference expected South Africa to take the lead on the promotion of green technology and encourage renewable sources like wind as outlined on the website of (South African Government White Paper on Foreign Policy 2011). To great disappointment, scholar (Watson n.d.) observed that little support is given to these sources. In 2011, the public campaign of “One million Climate Jobs” demanded for the State to use electricity from wind and solar power (Austin-Evelyn 2011). However the negligence highlight the Foreign Policy`s failure to lure in investors on the climate change program and promote community empowerment. This presents the Government’s failure to meet the demands of civil...
Words: 2187 - Pages: 9
...Course Overview This course seeks to examine the major international financial organizations which have emerged and survived in the international system in the post World War II era. Emphasis will be placed on the Bretton Woods institutions, namely the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB). Course Objectives • To show the relationship between the theoretical and practical dimensions of International Financial Organizations in relation to mainstream IR theories and in the subfield of International Relations known as International Political Economy • To introduce students to the major international financial institutions which have impacted on world politics in the post World War II era • To critically assess the roles, contributions, operations and prescriptions of these organizations particularly in the context of developing countries • To locate these organizations within the theoretical realm of the development problematique of the Third World You can realize these objectives by • Regular and punctual lecture and tutorial attendance. • Tutorials are mandatory, roll will be taken and there will be no pandering to absenteeism. Students must attend 75% tutorials otherwise students will be debarred from writing exams. • Frequently assimilating and reviewing lecture notes • Reading all recommended articles and relevant chapters from the designated textbooks before attending class since lectures frequently make references to and offer perspectives...
Words: 2386 - Pages: 10
...Free University of Amsterdam Faculty of social sciences Department of political science Globalization: The end of state Sovereignty? Ofran Badakhshani: 1586513 Words: 1442 Ofran Badakhshani: 1586513 Written assignment for International Relations Index Introduction......................................................................................................................... 3 Globalization....................................................................................................................... 3 State sovereignty................................................................................................................. 4 Analysis............................................................................................................................... 4 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 6 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................... 7 2 Globalization: The end of state Sovereignty? Ofran Badakhshani: 1586513 Written assignment for International Relations Introduction “A specter is haunting the world’s governments, the specter of globalization”. The world order and politics are facing a new danger; the sovereignty of the nation states is under question. According to some theorists there is a constantly growing dependency and interconnectedness between the...
Words: 1626 - Pages: 7
...outlines a new theory of international relations which he calls “offensive realism.” Mearsheimer’s theory is a spin-off of Kenneth Waltz’s neorealism, also known as structural or defensive realism. Mearsheimer follows on the premises of Kenneth Waltz’s theory by deriving the behavior of states from the “structure” of the international system. Mearsheimer outlines five assumptions or premises comprising his theoretical foundation: 1) the international system is anarchic (no world government) 2) all states posses some offensive capability and are thus capable of using force against other states 3) no state can be certain another state will not use force against it 4) survival, territorial integrity, and domestic autonomy are the primal goals of all states and 5) great powers are rational actors (Mearsheimer 2001, pp. 30-31). It is difficult to definitively discern what conclusions Mearsheimer thinks follow from these premises (Wagner 2007, pg. 14). He argues for perhaps three conclusions: 1) great powers have powerful incentives to “think and act offensively with regard to each other…In particular, three general patterns of behavior result: fear, self-help, and power maximization (Mearsheimer 2001, pg.32)” 2) even states that want only to survive end up pursuing hegemony as the ultimate insurance for survival 3) even states that care only about their survival may end up in war. These conclusions constitute what Mearsheimer calls the tragedy of international politics (Mearsheimer...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...Abstract • Concerns over the potential negative spillovers from globalization have resulted in increasing demands for multinational corporations (MNCs) to adhere to international standards and codes of responsibility. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have been important advocates for development and adoption of these standards and codes. • In this paper, we provide a brief review of the emergence of NGOs and their influence on debates about globalization, and a specific assessment of NGO efforts to promote stronger labor and environmental policies of multinational corporations. • We examine the role of NGOs in development and enforcement of twelve international agreements and codes of conduct addressing labor issues and environmental practices. We use findings from these cases and insights from international business and other managerial theory to develop propositions that explain the circumstances under which NGOs have more or less influence in developing and enforcing international codes. Key Results • We suggest NGOs will achieve the greatest impact on codes of conduct when: 1) they intervene early in the code development process; 2) they forge transnational coalitions with other organizations, including other NGOs, MNCs, and governments; 3) codes are devised outside of international organizations; and 4) the structure of the codes or agreements explicitly provides for involvement by non-business and non-state actors. Authors Jonathan P. Doh...
Words: 9703 - Pages: 39
...Investigating international relations and global politics more often than not involves properly recording international affairs but also understanding certain events and phenomena. As such global actors, political leaders, political scientists and academia as whole attempts to formulate theories as to explain and makes sense of those events that affect the global community. Those theories also serve the purpose of predicting the outcome of certain actions but more importantly; theories, in the case of international relation serves as a guideline from which political leaders and international actors conduct and formulate their global political agenda. Based on the first great debate of international relations opposing the liberalism to realism, this paper will attempt to argue that democracy is not a guarantee of peace but instead it is the economic interdependence present between states; based on the realist premise that global politics is about competition for power among self-seeking states that seek to maximize their national interests. Arguments will be presented in order to support the stated thesis by consistently outlining the relationship between economic/trade interdependence and political conflict. It is clear that one of the challenges that will arise in the attempt to support the thesis will be how the key concepts are defined and understood as such this paper will provide clear concise definitions of those concepts and ideas. But mostly, those definitions will...
Words: 1703 - Pages: 7
...approach to international law, one should not completely link such a discipline using a commercial approach. This commercial approach is used in contemporary international law. While understanding international law, there is a need to understand the term “world order”. According to Richard Falk, “world order is a system that consists of a behavior for security and changes identified by states, the structure of authority, conflicts, violence and international mediation” This current order is based on the behavior of states and its people. Since behavior is concerned here, there is also what kind of life and styles are followed by the people resulting in a global evolution....
Words: 1103 - Pages: 5
...12/20/13 International Politics Final Paper A Contest for Supremacy Over the past several decades the relationship between the US and China had its share of ups and downs. This can largely be attributed to the shift in strategic policies and thinking that occurred within both countries over this period. The thinking and policies that occur in both countries can be explained by the application of both liberalism and realism. Realism is a way of thinking that believes the state is the principle actor in international relations and that it acts as a single unit with one voice. Liberalism on the other hand states that individuals are rational by nature and if a just society is not created, fault lies with inadequate institutions. In my view I believe that the realist theory provides the best explanation of past relations and predictions for future ones. The way Friedberg explains it in his book the US policy towards China went through three phases which include Containment, Alignment, and Congagement. The first period of Containment spanned from 1949-69 which began with a new policy to deal with China after it became evident that the Communist would win the civil war. This new policy stated “the fundamental aim of American strategy must remain what it had been since the turn of the twentieth century and the days of the Open Door policy” (Friedberg, 61). This was supposed to be a means of assuring that US interest in Asia would be secure despite the rising power of the Soviet...
Words: 1339 - Pages: 6
...Paradigms Student name: Institution: Course name: Ttor name: Due Date: Iran’s Nuclear Weapons: Realist and Idealist Paradigms This paper will discuss the impending nuclear agreement with Iran reflecting on the realistic and idealistic paradigms in international affairs. Observations of the relationship will firmly accommodate the two paradigms. The aim will be to elaborate clearly the use of international law and organizations on all the paradigms in connection to international security and inter-state relationships. Realist Paradigm Realism is mounted on the notion that, world politics is driven by competitive self-interests and a struggle for power that is aimed at preserving and improving military, security and economic interests. To realists, the presence of war is essential in a state system as it clearly underlines the hypothesis of international conflict. Such states are characterized by chaos and revolutions, which are directly linked to vested national interests, distribution of power and conflict. a. Political realism The Iranian nuclear program has attracted much attention within the international arena due to the interest devoted by nation’s states on their foreign policies (Bowen & Brewer2011). In international relations, realists and idealists paradigms are important as they concern themselves with substantive issues affecting nations and states while making foreign policy decisions. Political...
Words: 1772 - Pages: 8
