Power in Crisis: Politics in the 21st Century

Explore the political challenges of the 21st century through a critical lens

The 21st century is marked by innovation, shifts in power dynamics, and the fight for equality and human rights, bringing humanity closer to collective progress. However, amidst these positive changes, there are challenges and potential downfalls. Without vigilance, the advancements of the 20th and 21st centuries could easily regress.

On this three-week course from the University of York, you’ll explore the contemporary political crises of climate change, migration, and terrorism, and understand their impact on global power dynamics.

Discern the politics of climate change and their impact on various populations

You’ll start by diving into the complex political landscape of climate change.

As you discover the global efforts to combat climate change, you’ll also unpack the political challenges that hinder progress and people.

Understand how migration is part of politics and international relations

Analyse the power dynamics at play and how different countries frame the debate on refugees and migrants.

Armed with this knowledge, you’ll understand the impact of migration on national and international politics and their policies and how the label ‘crisis’ might not always tell the full story.

Analyse terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies and tactics

Investigate the definitions and perceptions of terrorism before learning how terrorism is shaped by political agendas.

You’ll also unpack how different countries approach counter-terrorism and how these policies might become a crisis in themselves.

Develop a critical perspective on power and crisis

By the end of this course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of some of the major political crises of our time and the skills to analyse and engage with these issues critically.

This course is designed for students and enthusiasts in politics and international relations.

It’s ideal for those interested in understanding 21st-century political crises and their impact on global power dynamics, climate change, migration, and terrorism.

• Climate change
• Welcome
• Introduction
• What's the crisis?
• What's the solution?
• What are the challenges?
• Closing thoughts and quiz
• Refugees
• What's the crisis?
• Framing the "crisis"
• Responding to the "crisis"
• Closing thoughts and quiz
• Terrorism
• What's the crisis?
• Cases of terrorism
• Countering terrorism
• Closing thoughts and quiz/test