URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/R_SecStud

Course Objective

Upon completion of the course, the student should: - have a thorough knowledge and understanding of o contemporary theories of international security, as developed in political science (especially IR theory), such asrealismliberal peace theorysecuritization theoryconstructivismpostcolonial theory o key concepts in the social scientific study of international security, includingsecuritysecurity dilemmarally-around-the-flag effectethnopolitical conflictliberal peace - be capable of o identifying and applying theoretical approaches from political science; o independently setting up a political argument in the area of international conflict and security; o critically reflecting on existing literature and placing the literature in the context of theoretical debates within international security; o presenting (in a group) a case study by using one or more of the theoretical approaches discussed during the course, which allows students to reflect on both the case and the theory; o writing a research paper in which the student applies the theoretical knowledge and reflection skills gained in the course.

Course Content

The course introduces students to the field of international security, its main concepts, and debates. We begin with an overview of how the field has developed and how international security has been defined. We discuss the merits and problems of broadening the notion of international security. We will then introduce the security dilemma as a useful approach to analyze security in the international system (as well as in weak and civil war-torn states). We will discuss the role of international norms, international institutions, and a range of non-state groups in mitigating the security dilemma and managing security issues. Furthermore, we will examine the impact of domestic politics on international conflict, particularly how government policy is influenced by public opinion and by a state’s political system. We also critically reflect on the field of security studies and the question of how ‘Western’ the field’s concepts and approaches are and what de-colonization or de-centering of the field would imply.

Teaching Methods

This course will be taught in a series of interactive lectures.

Method of Assessment

One or two written assignments and a group video presentation.

Literature

A selection of articles and book chapters, to be announced on Canvas.

Explanation Canvas

Further information will be provided on canvas
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master