Course summary

The question of security now dominates contemporary international politics. Issues such as the 'War on Terror', pre-emptive self-defence and humanitarian intervention constitute seminal international concerns that have implications for all states and all peoples. The International Relations and Security MA provides you with a detailed understanding of the nature of the contemporary security agenda, its origins, theoretical foundations and future trajectory. You'll examine the theories of international security and those key security issues that have dominated security discourse in the post-Cold War era. You'll also develop your analytical skills in order to facilitate understanding of the seminal contemporary security issues in a broader theoretical and historical framework. You'll consider 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.