Prospectus

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Globalization and Governance

Course
2019-2020

Admission requirements

MSc International Relations and Diplomacy students.

Description

This course maps out the on-going debate about the effects of globalisation on the governance-capacity and role of the state. It tracks the evolution of the European state from the Treaty of Westphalia, evaluates the role and scope of International Organisations, and examines the impact of globalisation. It is clear that the role of the state is changing rapidly. Few European states harbour illusions that they can manage and solve the serious challenges they are facing on their own. In order to cope with a globalising world, states increasingly pool their capabilities and sovereignty to achieve shared goals. Still, within Europe, criticism of globalisation is mounting. The UK’s decision to leave the EU (Brexit) even puts the future of European integration as a means of dealing with globalisation into question. Beyond Europe, few states share the EU’s commitment to develop a postmodern, cosmopolitan global order. Global Powers like the US, China and India all have a different understanding of how to cope with globalisation and the best way to organise global governance. So what lies ahead? Can globalisation be “managed”, and if so: how? Is it possible to modernize established international organisations (like NATO, the UN, IMF and many others) to make them (more) effective in a globalised economic, political and security environment, or are new and more innovative cooperative structures possible and even necessary?

This course explores the main academic and policy debates on globalisation, the role of the state and the future of global governance. It evaluates the main challenges, problems and developments in the context of the dynamic transformations of key International Organisations as well as the newest initiatives, including the rise of transnational governance.

Course objectives

The purpose of the course is to raise, exchange and evaluate questions regarding the changing role of the state, International Organisations and the future of global governance by looking at specific concepts and cases. The main objective of the seminar meetings is for all students to form their own judgement and to encourage critical thinking.

Timetable

On the right-hand side of the programme front page of the E-Prospectus you will find a link to the online timetables.

Mode of instruction

The course comprises introductory lectures and class presentations prepared by students (often in small groups); some of these presentations will be on the basis of case-studies. Class attendance is mandatory.

Course Load

5 EC

Assessment method

  • Presentation 30%

  • Class participation 10% (pass/fail)

  • Paper outline 10%

  • Final paper 50%

Students are required to prepare the readings and actively participate in each seminar. In each class students will give a 15-20 minutes presentation on the assigned topic for that session, which will be followed by a group discussion.

Failed partial grades or components should be compensated by passed partial grades or components. The calculated grade must be at least 5,5 to pass the course. It is not possible to re-sit a partial grade or component once you have passed the course.

Blackboard

To be announced.

Reading list

No books need to be purchased; readings will be announced.

Registration

Use Blackboard to register for every course. The programme will register the students in Usis based on the group division.

Contact

Dr. P. van Ham pham@clingendael.nl

Ms. R. Drange r.drange@fgga.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks

This course is an elective designed for MIRD students. This elective is conditional on at least 5 students registering for this course.