Theories of International Relations

The development of international relations as a field of academic study. The relationship between the history of IR theory and the history of international politics. A broad introduction to the characteristics of the main IR theories (realism, liberalism, Marxism, constructivism, scientism). The relationship between IR theories and political philosophies and their real-life examples. Deepening understanding, analysis and interpretation of international events from different perspectives, including foreign policy decisions and actions, security operations and wars in the international affairs. Criticism of the main IR theories. The course is an introduction to the main theoretical perspectives in international relations. The importance of international relations (IR) theories will be assessed and the main schools of thought and their contributions to the field will be described in depth. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the main theoretical debates in the IR field (both historical and contemporary) and the authors involved in shaping contemporary theoretical thinking on international affairs. The course considers both the historical evolution of IR theories as well as practical applications of the main IR theoretical assumption and perspectives. The contents of the course also include in-depth explorations of the connections existing between IR theories and main political philosophies, main foreign policy, main security policy and main war theories, which will be demonstrated on various case studies.