By an overview of IR theories, the course aims to enable students to grasp the main themes of the theories that have been most influential in explaining world politics and, to some extent, to apply them in analyzing the reality of world affairs. This course examines traditions of key theories and approaches in the study of international relations, including classical realism and neo-realism; classical liberalism and neo-liberalism; the concept of international society; social constructivism and its application in IR; the relations between states and markets in world affairs (international political economy); the study of managing external relations and activities of nation states (foreign policy analysis).
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the students should be able to familiarize with key concepts and scholarly literature on the subjects of the course, construct the theoretical foundation of International Relations and apply these to explain some key issues/debates, and to better understand the crisis and the events happened in the current world system.