IR2701E: The Evolution and Dynamics of Inter-State Relations in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

In the first term, we will study the elements and evolution of international relations in the 19th and 20th centuries. We will examine the main actors in international relations (such as leaders, states, and institutions), the principles and norms of international relations, the nature (from trade to technology) and impact of contact between states, the causes and consequences of conflict (including the First and Second World Wars, the Cold War and terrorism), various attempts to regulate international relations to keep the peace (for instance, the Congress of Vienna and the Paris Peace conference), shifts in centers of power as well as changes in the nature of power, all within an historical and comparative perspective.

In the second term, we will introduce theories of world politics and international relations to better understand the dynamics of present and former international systems. We will examine the dominant liberal and realist theoretical interpretations of international relations, as well as more recent theories that have emerged largely in reaction to the dominant perspectives. We will also study the changing nature of global politics and the international system. In the process of discussing the various theories, we will focus on their origins, influences, assumptions, and shortcomings. We will also seek to gain a better understanding of how the theories interpret similar historical and contemporary themes and issues in a unique way.

Also from this web page:

 

General Information