Taught In English

There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to familiarize students with the changing international world scenario. After analysing the inherent difficulties of maintaining good relations at local and international level, the students will examine the historical record of the developed countries in the 20th century, the Cold War, and the changing balance following the disintegration of the USSR. Special attention will be paid to the role of the US in the world, the methods and motives of international intervention, the duties of the major powers towards the developing countries and the response to the threat of international terrorism. Current conflictive areas will be analysed an the effectiveness of the international organizations will be assessed.

TEXTS
Students will receive a dossier of relevant literature from a variety of sources which will reflect the background and current state of International Relations.

COURSE OUTLINE
UNIT 1--“IT’S DIFFICULT TO GET ALONG”
Man in society. The world at a glance. Opposing cultures.
Discussion “What’s the problem?”

UNIT 2--TYPES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Political pressures and interventions. Economic interests. Social and humanitarian considerations.
Discussion: “Are these always contradictory?”

UNIT 3--THE ALLIANCE SYNDROME: SELF PROTECTION
International history 1900-1920. International history 1920-1945. Post-war USA.
Discussion: “What went wrong?”

UNIT 4--THE COLD WAR
Global security. The arms race & the space race. The disintegration of the USSR.
Discussion: “Do we trust each other?”

UNIT 5--NEW WORLD STRUCTURES
Global security: NATO. Regional integration and trading groups. The enlarged European Union.
Discussion: “How do these contribute to world peace?”

UNIT 6--THE ROLE OF THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
The rights and duties of the US. Barriers to be overcome: culture, race, religion, etc.
Revision for mid-term exam and mid-term exam.

UNIT 7--SPECIFIC US INTERVENTIONS
Where has the US intervened? Why was it considered necessary for US to intervene?
What form did the intervention take?
Discussion: “How can we evaluate US actions?”

UNIT 8--MULTINATIONALS
Objectives of multinational expansion. Responsibilities to host country. Economic, social and ethical considerations.
Discussion: “How do major US multinationals perform?”

UNIT 9--CURRENT “HOT POTATOES”
The Arab-Israeli crisis. The Afghan and Iraqui wars. International terrorism: a threat to global peace.
Discussion: “What’s the answer?”

UNIT 10--INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The UN: its role and its effectiveness. NATO: a military deterrent? Non-governmental organizations.
Discussion: “Are we doing enough?”

UNIT 11--THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Globalisation and environmental issues. What motivates governments?
Preparation for final exam and final exam.

GRADING
30% mid-term exam
50% final exam
20% classroom participation

ABSENCES
Attendance is mandatory.

CHANGES
Level changes are allowed only through the first week of the course. Dropping the class is not be possible once the second week has started.