The course is specifically designed for students coming from diverse areas of expertise, ensuring a broad multidisciplinary understanding of global issues.
The content may initially feel familiar, yet it delves into complex nuances and analytical frameworks, pushing beyond surface-level understanding.
It differs significantly from a formal program in International Relations by focusing on specific themes accessible to a wider audience rather than a comprehensive, deep dive into IR theory.
Students have readily available access to the comprehensive syllabus and course materials on Blackboard.
Course Structure
The course officially commences on October 1st, with each of the six sessions lasting two hours.
Key topics are structured as follows:
Session 1: Role of states in international relations (October 1)
Session 2: Historical perspectives (October 8)
Session 3: France (October 15)
Session 4: Europe (November 12)
Session 5: China and the US (November 26)
Session 6: The race for artificial intelligence (December 10)
Grading Breakdown
The overall grading scheme is divided as follows:
70% from a comprehensive project.
30% from active participation in class discussions and activities.
Active participation accounts for 10% of the final grade due to the limited number of classes, making each contribution more significant.
The participation grade also includes two multiple-choice tests:
Test 1 will cover material from sessions 1-3.
Test 2 will cover material from sessions 4-6.
The project will take the form of an oral presentation, preferably scheduled prior to the Christmas break to allow for timely assessment.
Presentation Criteria
Presentations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Understanding of the subject: 20% – Demonstrates a clear grasp of the chosen topic.
Analysis and critical thinking: 30% – Ability to critically evaluate information and present insightful analysis.
Solutions/results/contribution: 25% – The feasibility and impact of proposed solutions or the value of the research contribution.
Communication structure: 15% – Clarity, organization, and flow of the presentation.
Visual representation: 10% – Effectiveness and quality of visual aids.
Defense and interaction: This component assesses the quality of engagement during the Q&A segment of the presentation, including how students respond to questions and interact with the audience and instructor.
The instructor maintains the flexibility to award grades such as 10.5 instead of strictly adhering to a ceiling of 10, specifically as a motivational incentive for exceptional work.
Course Coordination
The course includes six distinct sessions per semester, with each session designed to last two hours.
Required readings include chapters by Abramo Kenneth Fimo or Gansky (1958), with a particular emphasis placed on chapter two for its foundational concepts.
The instructor strongly encourages adult students' autonomy regarding completing these readings, entrusting them to manage their study schedule effectively.
Teaching Methods
The instructor generally refrains from using PowerPoint presentations, preferring dynamic board discussions to foster a more interactive learning environment.
The primary focus is on engaging debates where students are actively encouraged to participate by stating their names before contributing to ensure organized and respectful dialogue.
Concept of Geopolitics
Definition: Geopolitics refers to the study of international relations, fundamentally incorporating geographical elements such as physical location, natural resources, and topography.
The term 'geopolitics' explicitly combines the understanding of international relations—which are the complex interactions between nations—with critical geographic considerations that influence these interactions.
Nationalism and Nation vs. State
It is crucial to differentiate clearly between a nation, which is depicted as a large group of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, constituting a single race or ethnic group with a shared identity, and a state, which is a political entity occupying a defined territory and having an organized government.
Nationalism is understood as a profound historical process, notably shaped in the 19th century following the transformative French Revolution, which championed the idea of national self-determination.
Examples of significant nationalist movements include the German and Italian unifications, where distinct cultural groups coalesced into unified states, driven by shared identity and territorial claims.
Nationalism broadly promotes the idea of a shared identity and collective territorial claims, fundamental to the formation of modern states.
Factors affecting nationalism globally are extensive and include numerous independence movements in regions like Africa and Latin America, where colonized peoples sought to establish their own national identities and sovereign states.
Characteristics of the State
A state fundamentally requires three foundational elements to be recognized:
Territory: A clearly defined geographical area with recognized and undisputed borders.
Population: A stable community of people inhabiting the territory, bound by common governance.
Government: An organizational authority that effectively governs the state, maintaining order and providing public services.
The importance of sovereignty is paramount: it signifies the state's supreme and independent authority over its internal affairs without external interference, and its capacity to engage on an equal footing in external affairs.
This concept is vividly illustrated through historical examples, most notably the Peace of Westphalia (1648), which is widely regarded as the foundational event marking the emergence of the modern state system and its principles of sovereignty.
Conflict and Power Address
Discussions in class will delve into prominent international relations theories, contrasting idealism against realism.
Idealism advocates for world peace and cooperation as achievable goals through adherence to international law, diplomacy, and mutual respect among states. It often emphasizes organizations like the UN.
Realism posits that states primarily act out of self-interest in an anarchic international system, constantly vying for power and security, which often leads to inherent conflict and a reliance on military strength.
Role of Globalization
Globalization profoundly impacts the relevance and authority of the state by intensifying international interdependencies and creating new challenges beyond national borders.
This leads to an erosion of the nation-state's power and autonomy through two primary mechanisms:
The rise and influence of powerful international organizations (e.g., the European Union, which diminishes the sovereignty of its member states in certain policy areas, or the World Trade Organization).
The immense economic and political power wielded by transnational corporations (e.g., Google, Amazon), which can operate beyond the regulatory reach of individual states, influencing global economics and politics.
Class Engagement
Reflective questions will be posed to students regarding their identity affiliations, fostering debates on whether they primarily identify as a global citizen or a national citizen, exploring the implications of both perspectives.
Participative discussions will explore the dynamic tension between the perceived erosion of state power in the face of global challenges and the state’s undeniable central role during national and international crises (e.g., the critical role of national governments in coordinating responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing lockdowns, and healthcare provisions).
Suggested readings and preparatory materials will be provided to ensure students are well-prepared for exploring historical topics in the