Overview of Course

This course introduces students to the basic concepts, theories and practices of international relations (IR), providing a foundation for understanding the major issues and dynamics of contemporary global politics. Students will learn about the historical evolution of the international system from early state interactions to today’s globalized interconnectivity, and apply IR schools of thought to understanding key topics, events, actors and institutions in international politics. From an interdisciplinary perspective, the course examines the IR paradigms of realism, liberalism and reflectivism, offering tools for analyzing power, conflict and cooperation. Students will consider the interplay between nation-states and non-state actors and engage with contemporary debates on topics such as global order and security, governance, diplomacy, economic interdependence and the natural environment. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical application, the course aims to foster robust critical thinking skills and encourage informed perspectives on international developments as the basis for global citizenship.