Introduction to International Relations

ABOUT THE COURSE: This course Introduction to International Relations goes beyond the traditional narrowly focused and ‘Western-oriented’ discipline to a comprehensive understanding of major theories, concepts, contemporary issues and trends that lie at the inter-section of domestic politics and global issues. It also captures the subject’s quest for a more wider and inclusive ‘global’ discipline aspiration by using and interpreting narratives, history, concepts, theories and paradigms from the non-Western discourses of Latin America, Africa & Asia with a special emphasis on India. After completing this course, the students will develop strong research, analytical and critical-thinking skills and apply their knowledge to in-depth activities dealing with real-world issues from multiple theoretical angles and perspectives including what is now called ‘International Relations with Indian Characteristics’.INTENDED AUDIENCE: All the UG Political Science/IR StudentsPREREQUISITES: +2 IntermediateINDUSTRY SUPPORT: MNCs, Research Firms (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley etc) and Think-Tanks working in/for the South Asian region

Week 1: What Nomenclature? Int. Politics, Int. Relations or Global Politics? Evolution of the Discipline, Meaning, Nature and Scope

Week 2:Levels of Analysis (Domestic, Regional and Systemic) Making International Relations a Global Discipline

Week 3:Mainstream Theories: Realism & Neo-Realism & Subaltern Realism-Part-1

Week 4:Subaltern Realism-Part-2 Liberalism & Neo-Liberalism

Week 5:Critical Theories: Marxism (Classical & Neo), Constructivism-Part 1

Week 6:Constructivism-Part 2, Feminism-Part-1

Week 7:Feminism-Part 2, Major Concepts: Comprehensive National Power & Foreign Policy-01

Week 8:Foreign Policy-Part-2, National Interest

Week 9:Diplomacy & Balance of Power

Week 10:Collective Security & Cold War

Week 11:Major Issues & Trends: Globalisation: Meaning, Characteristics and Impact, Reforming the Brettonwood System and its Key Anchors IMF & WB

Week 12:Nuclear Non-Proliferation & its edifices: NPT and CTBT, International Terrorism: Non-State Actors and State Terrorism; Post 9/11 developments , Refugees and Migration