Geopolitics

Course Description

Description
The main aim of this course is to provide the student of International Relations with the basic concepts of geopolitics. The course adopts a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates strategic, geographic, historical, cultural and economic dimensions in order to facilitate a deeper understanding of contemporary international relations.

Building on the transformations of space in contemporary international relations, this course analyzes the core notions and theoretical tools of geopolitics. More specifically, the course seeks to explore the influence of geography and territory in the configuration of the international power structure and the main international dynamics.

The first block of the course looks into the theoretical foundations of geopolitics. This serves as the basis for the second block, which examines the importance of power and structure for the understanding of contemporary international relations. The third block is devoted to the main international dynamics: cooperation, conflict, dependency, interdependency and domination. The fourth block analyzes the key current geopolitical regions and the most relevant contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Prerequisites
None.

Contents
I. FOUNDATIONS OF GEOPOLITICS
1. Introduction to geopolitics and geo-economics. Factors influencing geopolitical processes.
2. Theories of geopolitics.
3. Territory and space. Local/state spaces; global/international spaces.

II. POWER AND STRUCTURE
4. Power in contemporary international relations.
5. The structure of the international system.

III. INTERNATIONAL DYNAMICS
6. Cooperation and integration.
7. Competition, conflict and war. The relevance of resources.
8. Dependency, interdependency, and domination.

IV. GEOPOLITICAL REGIONS AND CURRENT CHALLENGES
9. Key geopolitical "regions" and their implications.
10. Current geopolitical challenges.
 

Methodology
In order to acquire and develop the above-mentioned competences, the following teaching-learning
techniques will be used:
1. Presentation of different topics described in the program.
2. Practical exercises and simulations proposed by the professor.
3. In-class discussions.
4. Individual and group assignments meant for students to deepen in and apply the theoretical
contents studied in class.
5. Individual study.

Assessment
The assessment of the students' work will be progressive and formative. The final grade will be the weighted sum of the scores obtained on the following components:
1.Participation in discussions and debates: 10 %
2.Case studies and oral presentations: 25%
3.Mid-term test: 15%
4.Final exam: 50%