This course is tailored for third and fourth year students of political science, and particularly those majoring in international relations (IR). Students who would have done the required prerequisite courses or have read introductory textbooks of international relations are likely to be familiar with some of the theories and concepts that are covered. The theories that underpin changes in the international system have progressed and changes with time. Within the last 15 years or so, we have witnessed the passing of the Cold War and the increasing influence of globalisation in its inherent facets. We have seen and read about genocide caused by ethnic and religious conflicts, international terrorism, and violent disintegration of countries. At the same time, there has been a sprout of both bilateral and multilateral efforts to contain problems that not only threaten the immediate populations of individual countries, but the whole of humanity. How can all these international occurrences be explained by theory? How can theory allow us to project into the future? What is the future of the state system? There is no defined way to look ahead and ascertain how international politics is going to evolve. This is where the utility of theories would be most appreciated.
Assessment: Course work (60%), exam (40%).
Note: This is an old course. See 4.25504 for a description of the new course.