Description
The complex problems that world face today range from traditional threats such as nuclear weapons proliferation and global terrorism, to non-traditional challenges like ethnic strife, climate change, failed states, migration, pandemics and poverty. None of the problems can be tackled by sovereign states only. These challenges require a degree of cooperation among states, establishment of international mechanisms as well as involvement of non-state actors; in short they demand governance. Within this context, this course explores the origins and role of international and multilateral organisations in contemporary world politics, their functioning and their institutional framework with special emphasis on theoretical approaches to global governance and the changing international environment.
Course objectives
Knowledge:
Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to: ● understand the major concepts of and theoretical approaches to global governance ● analyse/examine/critically review the different roles played by multilateral organisations in the areas of their competence ● distinguish between different forms of multilateral organisations, and compare and contrast their weaknesses and strengths ● reflect on the challenges and prospects of governance in selected issue areas
Insights:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have insight on: ● the dilemmas of global governance ● the key debates on the role of international organisations in relation to a number of issues of international concern ● the role of multilateral institutions versus the states in implementing the goals of global governance ● the efficacy of the major international mechanisms and norms in global governance.
Skills:
Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to: ● think analytically and critically ● find, evaluate and critically read relevant academic literature and other information ● discuss issues orally and in writing using the appropriate formats ● develop skills of presentation with well-developed arguments and group communication techniques
Mode of instruction
This is a distinctly interactive course. Students will be expected to come prepared with questions and comments based on readings, and to engage by sharing such puzzles and remarks while also building on points made by others in the class.
Classes generally consist of a lecture and discussion of course material, as well as a variety of engaging activities, including group discussions, debates, presentations, and analysis of case studies. In some seminars, groups of students will take the lead by giving presentations.
Assessment method
Participation (15%);
A group presentation (15%);
A response paper (30%);
An essay (40%).
Reading list
The list of readings will be made available upon commencement of the course.
Registration
See 'Practical Information'
Timetable
Se 'MyTimetable'