This course offers an introduction to the field of International Relations (IR), and its main theories and concepts.

To better understand world politics today, we first take a look at key developments in international history and how they have shaped the modern international system. Our main focus is on the ideological and material changes that took place during the so-called long 19th century until today.

Second, we turn to IR’s theoretical and conceptual toolbox. In this course, we cover three mainstream approaches in IR (realism, liberalism, and constructivism) and one critical approach (Marxism). These approaches will help us not only to better understand historical events but also to make sense of world politics today.

Third, we have a closer look at some of the main actors, processes and structures that underlie contemporary world politics: states, international organizations, (transnational) non-state actors such as multinational corporations and NGOs, international organizations and international law, international security, and the global political economy.