166-234 World Politics in Transition

Note

Students who have previously taken 166-234 "International Relations Theory" are excluded from taking this subject.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Normally 25 points of first-year Politics; students with only 12.5 points in Politics may apply to the 2nd/3rd-year coordinator.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The subject examines the transformative dynamics shaping world politics since the end of the Cold War. Should international relations focus upon states, the global economy, gender, social movements, or international organisations like the United Nations? Different theories having different views on: the origins of wars; global ethics; the role of culture; human rights; the link between liberal democracy and inter-state peace; environmental issues; resource distribution; globalisation; interdependency; European integration; and the primacy and role of the nation state. Are we moving from geopolitics to geoeconomics as the main determinants of international relations? By engaging with the relevant theories the subject tries to make sense of world politics in changing times, taking account of the forces for continuity and change. Students who complete this subject should: have an appreciation of the contending theories and approaches in international relations; have the background to think critically about these theories; have the ability to apply a variety of theoretical approaches to understand and make sense of contemporary international relations - for example, what was the Cold War all about, how and why did it end, and what does the future hold in terms of global (in)stability?

Assessment

Essay work or equivalent totalling 5000 words.

Prescribed Texts

• C.W. Kegley & E.R. Wittkopf, World Politics: Trend and Transformation. 5th ed.