Master 2019/2020

International Relations

Type: Bridging course (Master of International Business)

Area of studies: Management

Delivered by: Магистерская программа "Международный бизнес", направление подготовки "Менеджмент"

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 1 year, 1 module

Mode of studies: distance learning

Instructors: Dmitry Suslov

Master’s programme: International Business

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 16

Course Syllabus

Abstract

IR course was conceived as an introduction to a selection of major theories of International Relations. This course is designed to introduce students to the key aspects of international relations and examine the contemporary and historical factors through which it is possible to explore the behavior of states and international organizations.In this course, main theory approaches are grouped into three broad categories of inter-paradigm debate - realism, liberalism, and structuralism. World system theory is not described in depth since it is almost not present in the literature pertaining to local (Russian and Eurasian affairs).

Learning Objectives

• to teach students to interpret and describe IR in terms of different types of theoretical perspectives

Expected Learning Outcomes

• to learn about the international relations, theories and actors
• learn about different types of Conflict in IR, international organization, unions and their functions
• learn abouttheories & levels of analysis in the study of IR
• learn the concept of human rights, international law

Course Contents

• Concepts, Actors, and Theories
  Introduction. What is International Relations & Why do we study it? Actors, States and Nations. Non-state Actors
• Approaches to International Relations
  Theories & Levels of Analysis in the Study of IR Realism Constructivism Liberalism, Liberal Institutionalism
• Conflict & Cooperation & World Order
  Types of Conflict in IR, Causes of War, Security Alliances, Nuclear Proliferation, Terrorism. Ethnic Conflict & Peace Building. United Nations, Regionalism, European Union, NATO, Regional organizations
• Economics & International Rules
  International Political Economy International Trade/Multinational Business North/South Gap/Causes of underdevelopment International Law, Human Rights & War on Terror

Assessment Elements

• Final structures discussion
• Class participation

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (1 module)
  0.5 * Class participation + 0.5 * Final structures discussion

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Goodhand, J., & Hulme, D. (1999). From wars to complex political emergencies: understanding conflict and peace-building in the new world disorder. Third World Quarterly, 20(1), 13–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436599913893
• Grieco, J. M. (1988). Anarchy and the limits of cooperation: a realist critique of the newest liberal institutionalism. International Organization, 42(3), 485–507. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818300027715
• Hoffman, B., & Huffman, B. (2003). THE LOGIC OF SUICIDE TERRORISM. (cover story). Atlantic, 291(5), 40. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=f5h&AN=9730945
• Keohane, R. O., & Nye Jr., J. S. (2000). Globalization: What’s New? What’s Not? (And So What?). Foreign Policy, (118), 104. https://doi.org/10.2307/1149673
• Walt, S. M. (1998). International relations: One world, many theories. Foreign Policy, (110), 29. https://doi.org/10.2307/1149275

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Burchill, S., Linklater, A., & Devetak, R. (2013). Theories of International Relations (Vol. 5th ed). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1526050