Armed Conflicts and the Politics of the 21st Century

Course Title: Armed Conflicts and the Politics of the 21st Century

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 20

Session Titles

1. Historical and Geopolitical Contextualization 1: Introduction to Security Studies

2. Historical and Geopolitical Contextualization 2: The Evolution of International Security from 1945

3. Conflict in Focus 1: Palestine

4. Perspectives on Security Studies 1: The ‘Neo-Neo Debate’

5. Perspectives on Security Studies 2: Neorealism

6. Perspectives on Security Studies 3: The Evolution of Warfare

7. Conflict in Focus 2: Ukraine

8. The Phenomenology of Conflict 1: Terrorism and the Prevalence of Asymmetric Conflicts

9. The Phenomenology of Conflict 2: Inland Empire or Freedom and Security in the ‘Homeland’

10. The Phenomenology of Conflict 3: Ethnic Conflicts and Genocide

Course Overview

The field of International Relations has long focused on the security of states and how best to preserve a peaceful balance of power among them. In the twentieth century, processes of decolonisation led to a dramatic increase in the number of nation states. However, when many of them achieved their independence they were left lacking the crucial infrastructures, diversified productive sectors and human capital necessary to grow and provide for their populations.

On this course we will investigate the problems faced by a number of countries in the post-Second World War period as they sought to achieve stability and find their place in the world. We will consider development projects which set out to raise living standards and the problems that arose from Cold War politics as the East and West and their development agencies sought to steer newly independent states into their orbit.

We will also explore geopolitical events in the post-9/11 world, asking ourselves whether everything really changed after 9/11, as some influential voices have claimed, and look at how certain groups emerged in this period to be seen as threats to the West in need of containment.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the key processes of decolonisation after the Second World War, and explain how newly independent states confronted challenges related to political stability, economic development, and nation-building.
• Critically evaluate the role played by Cold War geopolitics and international development agencies in shaping the economic, social, and political trajectories of newly independent nations.
• Analyse how perceptions of international security evolved after 9/11, examining how certain groups and regions became framed as threats, and assess continuity and change within international relations theory and practice.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.