POLS250 International Security

Overview

A conceptual overview of International security, and the management of international security issues with reference to past and contemporary cases.

The paper is divided into two sections. Section one covers the major theoretical perspectives on international security. Section two deals with the trajectory of international security since 1945. After a review of the major developments during the Cold War, we assess the cogency of alternative explanations for its termination. Our attention then turns to some of the major issues in the post-Cold War era. These include the US-China relationship, nuclear proliferation, the status of the US-led liberal international order, and Russia’s role in world politics with a focus on the international politics of the Ukraine war.

About this paper

Prerequisite

One 100-level POLS paper or 72 points

Schedule C

Arts and Music

Eligibility

An interest in national and international affairs is an advantage.

Contact

politics@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Associate Professor Nicholas Khoo

Paper Structure

It encompasses the concept of security, the international security agenda in the era of globalisation, the challenge of managing international security issues, and the question of whether globalisation has enhanced or diminished international security.

Textbooks

Readings will be available on eReserve.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students will gain:

• The ability to critically assess arguments put forward by international security scholars.
• The capability to relate arguments about international security to a changing international environment.
• The capacity to analytically compare alternative social science theories and develop reasoned, independent perspectives on international security issues.
• A better understanding of specific current and future challenges in international security.

Overview

A conceptual overview of International security, and the management of international security issues with reference to past and contemporary cases.

This paper provides an overview of international security with reference to the major theoretical perspectives and key events in the post-1945 era in world politics. We seek to understand the dynamics of the Cold War and post-Cold War era, taking note of the similarities and differences between the two eras.

Topics that are covered range  from the origins, evolution and termination of Cold War-Soviet rivalry, through to the current era of US-China strategic competition, nuclear politics and inter-state security competition and cooperation.

About this paper

Prerequisite

One 100-level POLS paper or 72 points

Schedule C

Arts and Music

Eligibility

An interest in national and international affairs is an advantage.

Contact

politics@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Associate Professor Nicholas Khoo

Paper Structure

The paper is divided into two sections. Section one covers the major theoretical perspectives on international security. Section two deals with the trajectory of international security since 1945. After a review of the major developments during the Cold War, we assess the cogency of alternative explanations for its termination. Our attention then turns to some of the major issues in the post-Cold War era. These include the US-China relationship, nuclear proliferation, the status of the US-led liberal international order and Russia’s role in world politics with a focus on the international politics of the Ukraine war.

Textbooks

Readings will be available on eReserve.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students will gain:

• The ability to critically assess arguments put forward by international security scholars.
• The capability to relate arguments about international security to a changing international environment.
• The capacity to analytically compare alternative social science theories and develop reasoned, independent perspectives on international security issues.
• A better understanding of specific current and future challenges in international security.