International Relations in the 21st Century

The course will provide a critical understanding of key developments and issues in contemporary world politics for students with no prior background in international relations.

Focusing on the period since the end of the Cold War, an era defined by rapid institutional innovation and developments, the course locates these in the context of north-south relations, as it examines how issues that have become central in international politics – including ‘failed states’, nuclear proliferation, armed conflict and terrorism, democratisation, pandemics, the Arab Spring, etc. – are intimately linked to expanding efforts since the mid-20th century to generate a liberal world order.