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International Relations and Foreign Policy 1: diplomacy

Overview

  • Credit value: 15 credits at Level 5
  • Convenor and tutor: David Styan
  • Assessment: a 1000-word report (40%), 1500-word examination/in-class test (50%) and group presentation (10%)

Module description

This module builds on the Introduction to International Relations Level 4 module to examine the functioning of the international system of states via the principles and practices of diplomatic interactions between states. It also examines relations between states, international institutions and non-governmental actors.

Indicative module content

  • Power, prestige and ‘decline’
  • The history of diplomatic practice
  • Empire: identity and structures of foreign policy
  • 'Old’ vs ‘new’ diplomacy in the 1930s
  • UN and building the post-war order
  • The evolution of British foreign policy  
  • Economic sanctions
  • Multilateral diplomacy

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of international relations and diplomatic practice.