Theoretical Approaches to World Politics

This module is an intermediate level module covering theories of International Relations. It builds on the introductory module, LG117: "Introduction to International Relations and Security", and prepares students for more advanced study of international politics. Each week examines in some detail the work of one classic theorist of International Relations, and applies their work to a real-world case. The course covers both historical and contemporary issues in world politics, including the two World Wars, decolonization, the Iranian nuclear challenge, the US pivot to Asia and US-Israeli relations, the current crisis in Ukraine, women and violence in world politics, interdependence, and European integration. In each case, the course seeks to show how the writings of International Relations theorists can help us better understand challenges and controversies in world politics.