Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis International politics is one of the most complex and intellectually exciting domains of human social interaction. This subject begins by introducing students to the major traditions of international relations theory, focusing on classical and structural realism, neoliberalism, British rationalism, cosmopolitanism, and Marxism. We then consider several influential critiques of these dominant modes of thought, especially those offered by critical theorists, poststructualists, and feminists. The remainder of the subject examines a number of historical and contemporary events, developments and issues in international relations. These include the causes of war, the evolution and collapse of the Cold War, the demise of the Soviet Union, the role of the United Nations, the politics and ethics of intervention, the dynamics of European integration, the problem of underdevelopment, the growth of ethnic separatism and political nationalism, and the issues of human rights and environmental protection.
Assessment Tutorial participation: 10% + Assignment (1000 words): 15% + Essay (1,500 words): 35% + Examination (2 hours): 40%