https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_IRCCThe overall objective of this course is to introduce students to the main theoretical approaches and concepts in the field of International Relations and how to apply these to better understand key topics and events in world politics today. The learning outcomes are as follows: Knowledge and understandingthe history of the study and discipline of International Relations;several mainstream and critical approaches in International Relations, specifically realism, liberalism, constructivism and Marxism;key events in international history and their significance for international relations;how the global order has changed amidst processes of globalization and the rise of new powers;how contemporary global politics is shaped by the interaction between international and national politics, multilayered governance systems and transnational processes, actors and institutions;some of the main actors, processes, and structures that underlie world politics today, such as states, international organizations, (transnational) non-state actors such as multinational corporations and NGO’s, international law, international security, and the global political economy.Skillsapply, compare, and contrast different theoretical approaches and concepts to historical and contemporary world political events; identify recurrent patterns of cooperation and conflict among states and among states and non-state actors over time.This course offers an introduction to the field of International Relations (IR), and its main theories and concepts. To better understand world politics today, we first take a look at key developments in international history and how they have shaped the modern international system. Our main focus is on the ideological and material changes that took place during the so-called long 19th century until today. Second, we turn to IR’s theoretical and conceptual toolbox. In this course, we cover three mainstream approaches in IR (realism, liberalism, and constructivism) and one critical approach (Marxism). These approaches will help us not only to better understand historical events but also to make sense of world politics today. Third, we have a closer look at some of the main actors, processes and structures that underlie contemporary world politics: states, international organizations, (transnational) non-state actors such as multinational corporations and NGOs, international organizations and international law, international security, and the global political economy.Lectures Please note: Attendance of lectures is not mandatory. However, students are strongly advised to attend all lectures, as the content of the lectures is part of the exam material.Midterm exam and final examThe course makes use of the following textbook: Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (Eds.). (2023). The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (9th edition). Oxford University Press The main textbook will be complemented with newspaper articles, journal articles, and opinion pieces.First year bachelor students in Political Science: Global Politics