Course summary

The International Relations and Democratic Politics MA provides an advanced critical and comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping democracy, inter-state relations, and global politics. Designed for future changemakers, this course bridges theory and practice to help students reimagine global politics and champion new pathways for democratic participation and civic engagement. In an era marked by profound challenges to democracy, its impact is evident in preparing graduates for influential careers in foreign service, policymaking, NGOs, international organisations, journalism, or advanced academic study, while fostering their ability to champion innovative pathways for democratic participation and civic engagement in an increasingly complex world. Drawing on key theoretical interpretations of democratic politics, the course examines various principles of democratic thinking (ranging from pluralism and civil society to egalitarianism and human rights) and explores the interplay between theory and practice in old and new democracies and in processes of global governance. You will study various aspects of international order and politics, including the dynamics of international social and political power relationships and conflicts, and state building. These topics are studied comparatively in relation to governmental, political and social processes, and in the contexts of various historical continuities, discontinuities and contrasts.