The Evolution of International Order

How to understand the global crisis of the 21st century, from America’s War on Terror to the rise of ISIS, and from the climate crisis to the challenges posed to the West by the resurgence of Asia, to Russia’s war in Ukraine? This minor aims to explore these and other crises as well as their interlinkages through focusing on the theory and history of international relations from 1500 through to the present.
The 21st century is mired in crisis and conflict that beg further exploration of the theory and history of international relations. For example, why does Trump’s America impose tariffs on allies whilst spending $32 million per hour on the global War on Terror? How is the global financial crisis related to the rise of nativist movements in the West? Why don’t one million Uyghurs in Chinese internment camps cause as much public outrage as 245 inmates of Guantanamo Bay? And why can’t the global community come together to resolve the climate crisis?
This minor draws on history and political science to offer students a historical perspective and the conceptual and theoretical frameworks through which they may start to explore, examine and grasp the complex global challenges that societies face today. The three modules focus on the history and theory of peace and international conflict, the origins and evolution of international society, and on the evolution of the relationship between the state and the markets in the context of a globalising world.

• will be able to survey the evolution of international relations 1500-present.
• be able to evaluate the conceptual and theoretical frameworks to explore, examine and understand international society, the global economy and peace and conflict.
• will be able to appraise the historical roots and political foundations of diplomacy within contemporary international relations.
• will be able to analyse the development of capitalism as a historical process that emerged from political choices, geopolitical competition, business cultures and technological transformation.
• will be able to assess cases of violent conflict and peace-making, 1500-present, and locate them in their appropriate historical and political contexts.

• The education level for the minor is BA-3.
• The maximum number of students is 40. Placement will be by means of direct registration. Erasmus University students can.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. We advise a VWO-final examination grade of 7 or higher, a TOEFL-test minimum score of 100 or an IELTS-test minimum score of 7.
• Attendance is mandatory, though, in line with the History Department’s policy, students are permitted to miss two seminars per course.
• The courses of the minor are offered offline, on campus.

Teaching method
Seminars

Teaching material
Articles via the University Library and online resources

Examination
War & Peace:
Learning Journal Assignment 1 (30%).
Primary source Analysis (70%).

The International System:
Learning Journal Assignment 2 (OpEd) (30%).
Position Paper (70%).

States and Markets:
Learning Journal Assignment 3 (30%).
Response Paper (70%).