| CODE | IRL2090 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | International Relations since 1919 | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | International Relations | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit reviews the complex and fast-moving period of international history since the end of World War One (WWI). The first part of the study-unit examines the paradox that defined world politics in the inter-war years amid the massive consequences of WWI, together with the failure of the peace treaties to achieve the promised ‘just and durable peace’, and to change the traditional (Eurocentric) conduct of international relations. It underlines the dissonance between the high principles proclaimed in 1919 and the actual behaviour and attitudes of the major players. The second part of the study-unit looks at the main political and economic developments and transformations in the international system following the end of World War Two (WWII). It elaborates on the emergence of the Cold War, the attempt by the two Super Powers to extend sphere of influence and implications of the nuclear arms race and détente, before expanding on the rise of the ‘Third World,’ the collapse of communism, and the surge of militant nationalism and religious extremism in international relations. It highlights the major characteristics of the role of the USA, Russia, China and the EU, and explores the impact of Islam on international relations. The principal aim of the study-unit is to offer the opportunity to gain insight into the major theoretical questions and policy issues in the post-WWI and WWII eras in the study of international relations, in view of the challenges of instability, armed conflicts, economic under-development and violations of human rights. It applies different analytical approaches to enhance the student’s understanding of the new international environment, current problems of foreign policy and future prospects for peace and prosperity. It is formulated as interactive seminars, where students’ participations constitute an important component of learning. Tutorial sessions for groups of 4-5 students will be organised towards the end of the study-unit. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Carr, E.H. (1990) International Relations between the Two World Wars, 1919-1939. Palgrave Macmillan, London. - Feinstein, Charles H. et al. (1997) The European Economy between the Wars, Oxford. - Taylor, A.J.P. (1961) The Origins of the Second World War, London. - Grayson, Richard S. (1997) Austen Chamberlain and the Commitment to Europe: British Foreign policy 1924-1929, London. - Parker, R.A.C. (1993) Chamberlain and Appeasement: British Policy and the coming of the Second World War, London. - Roberts, Geoffrey C. (1994) The Soviet Union and the Origins of the Second World War. Russo-German Relations and the Road to War 1993-1941, London. - Young, Robert J (1996) France and the origins of the Second World War, London. - Alshinawi Arsalan (2010) The Continuous relevance of the Nation-State. Lambert Publishing, Germany. - Walker Martin, (1994) The Cold War, Vintage, London. - Geddis John Lewis (1998). Now We Know. Rethinking Cold War History, Clarendon Press, Oxford. - Morris, Ian (2010) Why the West Rules - For Now: The Patterns of History, and What They Reveal About the Future. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (1st Edn.). - Crockatt Richard, (1995) The Fifty Years War. The United States and the Soviet Union in World Politics, 1941-1991, Routledge, London. - Walker Martin, (1994). The Cold War, Vintage, London, Hobsbawm Eric, (1994) Age of Extremes. The Short Twentieth Century 1914-1991, Michael Joseph, London. - Calvocoressi Peter, (1998) World Politics since 1945, Longman, London. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Isabelle Calleja Ragonesi Dominic Fenech |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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