International Relations

International Relations is now more important to the study of politics than ever as our world becomes more economically integrated and connected, and yet less politically stable. This course examines how globalization, ideology, political culture and religion influence the dynamic relationship between states — and how political theory can help us to understand this constantly changing global landscape. Topics discussed during the course include: the roles and functions of international bodies such as the UN, the nature of armed conflict, the Cold War and international role of a ‘superpower’ and the threat posed by international terrorism. This course takes place in a very international classroom and draws on the different perspectives expressed by our diverse student body. Seminars are supplemented by lectures and talks organized by the Oxford University Islamic Studies Centre, the Oxford Union and Oxford Brookes University’s Human Rights Centre.