Welcome to the module ‘Theories of International Relations’. This module will guide students towards developing the overall theoretical knowledge needed in IR. The aim is to introduce you to a range of mainstream and critical approaches to the study of International Relations. You will learn to assess and distinguish the nature of different theoretical perspectives in furthering an understanding of the dynamics and process characterising international politics. Moreover, the module aims to encourage you to identify the points of divergence and convergence between theories in a comparative perspective, as well as to help you familiarise with the key concepts used in IR theory - e.g. structure, anarchy, power, identity, hierarchy. For this module you will be required to engage with the relevant learning materials and you are expected to actively contribute to in-class discussion. As this module combines face-to-face class time with guided online self-study, it is essential that you check the NEOlms platform on a weekly basis. Looking forward to meeting you all in class and get the conversation about IR going!

What are International Relations? This session will introduce you to the module organization, structure and assignments. You will become aware of the time commitments you will need to make and the skills you will develop throughout the module.

What is a theory? What does theory do? Do we need theories? we This week we will try to answer the questions on what a theory is, the role of theories in IR, and the need for theories in this discipline. Moreover, we will discuss the main concepts and ideas covered both in the lecture and in the readings. You must be an active participant in class and you are encouraged to share your thoughts and discuss with your peers.

This week we will cover Realism and Neorealism. In doing so, you will become familiar, firstly, with the ideas of Hobbes, the concepts of state, legitimacy, social contract theory, and the state of nature. Secondly, you will engage with contemporary realist and realist theories of international relations. Based on the reading, you will be asked to participate actively in class, discussing and exploring the aforementioned ideas.

This week we will focus on Liberalism, on of the oldest schools of thought in IR. You will become familiar with the central ideas of cooperation, interdependence and common interest. We will explore the historical origins of liberalism and its conceptual roots: liberty, equality, natural right, social contract and the rule of law. The liberal worldview based on the democratic peace theory will be compared and contrasted with the realist view of power politics You will be required to engage in debates and in-class activities with your peers.

This week will focus on the concept of Sovereignty, which is central to IR theory. You will discuss and explore the idea of Sovereignty in relation to other related concepts, including territory, population, authority, recognition, domestic sovereignty, interdependence sovereignty, international legal sovereignty, and Westphalian sovereignty. Finally, we will learn about the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) and examine some case studies. As usual, you active participation is essential.

This week we will explore Marxism, neo-Gramscianism and Critical Theory in IR. Starting from the central concern with economic and material aspects, these theoretical approaches put forward a critique of the global economic system and the political structures that sustains it. From Marx, through Gramsci, to Wallerstein, you will engage with the core tenets of this theoretical approach and discuss them in class.

This week will cover Constructivism as a school of thought within the International Relations discipline. We will examine the central constructivist claim that issues in international relations are historically and socially constructed, rather than inevitable. Students will become familiar with the concepts of social constructs, identity and interest, and the role they play in international politics. Constructivists in IR show that it is not only the distribution of material power, wealth and geographical conditions that can explain state behaviour but also ideas, identities and norms.

This week will explore Postcolonialism and Postcolonial Theory in International Relations. Students will become familiar with the central concern of this theory which highlights the persistence of colonial forms of power and the continuing existence of racism in world politics. Students will become familiar with the concepts of colonialism, essentialism, ethnicity, exoticism, Orientalism, othering, and the subaltern. You will engage with some of these ideas not only through the readings but also with reference to real-world examples.

This week will explore Feminism and Gender within the discipline and study of IR. You will become familiar with the concepts of gender politics, power relations, sexuality, stereotyping, objectification, oppression and patriarchy, with a focus on understanding the role they play in the international political context. You are expected to read the material for the week and actively participate to the learning sessions.