https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_WGGPELearning outcomes:: A. Knowledge and understanding – The student has acquired knowledge and understanding of: (1) various scholarly debates in international relations, geopolitics and global political economy and (2) how to situate those debates in the academic field as well as in addressing and solving societal problems (i.e. transdisciplinary understanding and knowledge). B. Skills – The student is able to: (3) critically unpack academic literature and how to assess its theoretical, methodological substantive value; (4) be conversant in (different) methodological ways to approach research problems in the field; (5) apply acquired methodological and scientific skills to their own research projects; (6) work independently as well as in groups. C. Attitude – The student displays: (7) understanding that research is an iterative process which needs continuous revision; (8) the ability to be self-reflective.The workshop trains students to conduct political science research in the field of International Relations, Geopolitics and Global Political Economy. As the workshop evolves, students form study groups to apply their insights to design and carry out limited research projects. This way, substantive knowledge is deepened while training students ‘on the spot’ to further develop research skills and competences within the setting of an applied project. The workshop thus conveys an understanding of the practice of political science research, bringing familiarity to different empirical, meta-theoretical and methodological issues while enabling students to undertake their own research projects. Throughout the workshop, a selected number of issues, concepts, and debates are introduced through thematic readings and accompanying lectures with interactive elements. Lectures are complemented by seminar sessions in which students further engage with the material and start working on their own projects. Building on students’ prior knowledge about theoretical perspectives and issue areas, the workshop provides a critical lens for analyzing current developments, trends, and puzzles in international relations and security studies. Besides exposing students to established research, the course also directs attention to recent stocktaking exercises that critically reflect on the development of the discipline, as well as underappreciated topics, including the role of non-Western actors. It does so while exploring events in light of ongoing dynamics such as the return of war in Europe, global migration, and geopolitical rivalries.SeminarsThe course grade will be based on the results of written assignments, presentations and active participation.To be announced in the course manual (see CANVAS).Mandatory course for students in the specialisation International Relations, Geopolitics and Global Political EconomyParticipation in Selected Issues: Global Political Economy and Geopolitics