This module is an intermediate level module covering theories of International Relations. It builds on the introductory module on IR Theory and prepares students for more advanced study of international politics. By the end of this module students should be able to identify key theorists in the field of IR, apply IR theories to real world examples. critique original works of IR Theory, identify the underlying philosophical commitments of theories and engage with them critically

International political economy (IPE) is a subject that bridges the disciplines of economics and political science. It focuses on how and why countries become ‘open economies’, and how openness and participation in the global economy affect states, individuals, and national policies. This course introduces students to the substantive issues that IPE examines, including both mainstream and critical theoretical approaches, politics of trade, finance, exchange, and economic development.

India is racially, linguistically, geographically, ethnically and culturally diverse. This diversity presents challenges for the future of India. This module will introduce students the ‘Idea’ of modern India. It does this by focusing on the key issues that face India, as it becomes a global power. It discusses the legacy of colonialism on the modern Indian state, it national independence movement and its links with Ireland. It will deal with the contentious issue of caste and its impact on Indian society. It will also discuss the issue of gender, women’s rights and sexuality – including sexual violence. It will examine the politics of independent India. This will include the rise of right-wing Nationalism, India as a nuclear power and its relationship with China and Pakistan. It will also look at India’s internal security problems – including it ongoing violent conflicts with secessionist groups.

This module focuses specifically on theoretical and empirical debates around emerging issues in security. It begins by delving into socio-economic and political moorings of security concerns, before exploring the spatiality of conflict, and looking at specific examples and case studies. It focuses on debates around security and space—both physical space and virtual. With these broader themes explored, students are encouraged to pick a specialised case study for their final essay. The module includes a discussion of relevant and interesting cases and class activities.

On completion of this module students will be able to analyse the challenges that security practitioners face in the contemporary world, critically engage with the scholarly literature on security, and apply their theoretical knowledge to real world cases.

This course covers the main theoretical, historical, and practical approaches to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. It covers some of the most interesting and relevant themes in peace and conflict studies, including the evolution of peacekeeping, different types of peace operations, and how the regional organizations are shaping the nature of peacekeeping in the 21st Century. It disentangles the shortcomings of peacebuilding and statebuilding in practice, as well as explores the new trends of remote peacekeeping and peacebuilding and the emergence of alternative approaches to peace in conflict-affected societies.