- Learning to assess and compare relevant historical and IR theories at a basic MA level
- Learning to operationalise these theories by preparing propositions for discussion and conducting research on the basis of a given question at a basic MA level
- Learning to present research results, both orally and in writing, in a clear and well-structured way, at a basic MA level
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The course's aim is to gain insight into the development of the ‘World System’ or, as some would call it, the ‘International System of States’. The course relies on three books by prominent authors, analysing the international state system from different perspectives. The focus will be on the emergence of the modern state, the correlation between the nation state and capitalism, the subsequent stages of development of the state system, the implications of humanitarian rules and values, the most recent developments in this field, as well as a view towards the future. ‘Sovereignty’ will be a core concept, partly in relationship to the fairly recent phenomenon of humanitarian intervention, a topic of a wide-ranging and ardent debate. Finally, this course aims to delineate and compare different approaches and theories with regard to the evolution of the international system of states. The purpose is not to discover ‘the one true theory’, but to find strengths and weaknesses in current theories, as well as to understand basic terms and concepts. This will allow students to develop and use a set of instruments for their future reference and use.
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