Course: IR- Theory & Practice

Instructor- Syed Muhammad Ali, Masters Degree (Development Studies) from Melbourne University, Melbourne.

Course: IR- Theory & Practice (VU lectures)

This course basically focuses upon the need and importance of International Relations. It is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the study of international relations. It focuses primarily upon concepts and perspectives which one may employ in understanding and describing the behavior of nations. It will also throw light on the concepts of National Interest, Balance of power, National Integrity and New World Economic Order. Apart from political and economical issues, this subject will also provide knowledge about globalization, global divide and global environment. The primary objective is to provide the student with some ability to interpret and assess international events from a more specific perspective.

At the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. To evaluate different analytical tools of knowledge as well as to competently comprehend and apply the various school of thoughts/ paradigms of International Relations.

2. To have broader view of International society and global politics equipped with strong negotiating skills.

3. To establish and develop viable and forceful link between theory and practice in the field for its proper implementation and utilization by the students.

Topics discussed:

1. What is International Relations and what is its relevance?

2. Approaches to International Relations: Theories in IR

3. The Nation-State System

4. National Interest

5. Balance Of Power (BoP)

6. Diplomacy

7. Colonialism, Neo-Colonialism & Imperialism

8. New International Economic Order

9. Non-Alignment Movement

10. The Cold War And Its Impacts

11. Disarmament And Arms Control

12. The Relevance of International Law In International Relations

13. International Organizations

14. The Role Of Decision Making In International Relations

15. Systems Approach To IR

16. Liberalism And Social Democracy

17. Integration In IR

18. Globalization And Its Implications

19. The Global Divide

20. Focus On Foreign Investments