The course introduces students to the literature on International Relations theory. The seminars focus on an in-depth understanding of the conceptual, theoretical and methodological perspectives of International Relations. Theory helps us to make sense of the past and anticipate possible patterns in the future. Fundamentally, theoretical frameworks help us to understand why states - pivotal actors in international relations - behave as they do. Through asking questions about how international politics works, analysts develop general explanations which are called theories. In a word, a theory is a generalized explanation of a set of basically similar phenomena. Theory can help us to understand why comparable events happened. For instance, theory might help us to understand what causes war. Theory is not used to explain a single event, such as World War II. Theory is used to help us to explain related events, predict future events, and prescribe policy.

 

Purpose of the Course

The main purpose of this seminar is to provide the participants with the theoretical, conceptual and methodological underpinnings of International Relations. The participants shall be exposed to competing theories of International Relations. It is expected that the course will enhance the participants’ knowledge, research, analysis and critical thinking which would help them not only to appreciate international relations but also apply the gained analytical tools to case studies. The course seeks to ground participants theoretically so as to nuance, analyse and write rigorously. It also seeks to help the participants to read international politics robustly.