Introduction to International Relations

Bachelor 2025/2026

Type: Compulsory course (Asian and African Studies)

Delivered by: School of Asian Studies

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Online hours: 20

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Georgy Kutyrev

Language: English

ECTS credits: 6

Contact hours: 42

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

The purpose of this course is to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to address fundamental questions about the nature and dynamics of world politics. We will survey a broad sweep of international history—from the late Middle Ages to the contemporary global era—in order to understand how historical developments have shaped the modern international system. In parallel, the course introduces all major theoretical schools of International Relations (IR), including Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism, as well as more critical and innovative approaches such as Marxism, Feminism, Post-colonialism, and English School theory. Special attention will be given to core IR concepts such as sovereignty, anarchy, balance of power, international institutions, global governance, and the role of ideas, identities, and norms in shaping state behavior. By covering this wide intellectual and historical terrain, the course aims to provide students with a solid foundation from which they can explore specialised areas in IR. No prior knowledge of international affairs is required. However, to gain the most from this course, students are expected to demonstrate a genuine interest in global events and a willingness to broaden their understanding of international history, theoretical frameworks, and the methodological debates that shape the study of world politics.

Learning Objectives

Explore the evolution of the discipline of international relations (IR) over the past century by examining the changing understandings of order in the modern world
Consider the impact of major historical events on the evolution of IR, including the treaties of 1648, Europe’s imperial expansion, the First World War and the ongoing influence of globalisation
Introduce students to a range of theoretical tools in order to analyse the behaviour of international actors and the nature of international systems
• Introduce students to a range of theoretical tools in order to analyse the behaviour of international actors and the nature of international systems
Define and discuss some main concepts within the discipline, including war, peace, the state and power
Critically assess challenges facing contemporary international society, including new security issues, global governance and the rise of East Asian actors.
• Critically assess challenges facing contemporary international society, including new security issues, global governance and the rise of East Asian actors.

Expected Learning Outcomes

basic knowledge on constructivism in IR
basic knowledge on English school of IR
basic knowledge on gender theory in IR
basic knowledge on international political economy in IR
basic knowledge on liberalism in IR
basic knowledge on marxism in IR
basic knowledge on poststructuralism in IR
basic knowledge on realism in IR
Can discuss the future of IR
Knows basic approaches in the IR theory
Knows history of international relations
knows key concepts of International Relations

Course Contents

Introduction to International Relations (IR)
History of IR
Theories of IR
Key concepts of IR
The future of IR

Assessment Elements

Socrative
Seminars activity (Socrative)
Final Group Assignment
Instructions: Choose a case study: Examples: Syrian Civil War, Russia–Ukraine conflict, Brexit, South China Sea disputes, UN interventions, climate diplomacy, international trade tensions, etc. Select theoretical frameworks: Each group must apply at least two IR theories (e.g., Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Marxism, Feminism, English School). Analyze the case: Describe the event/issue briefly. Explain how each theory interprets the causes, actors, and outcomes. Compare and contrast the insights provided by different theories. Highlight any limitations of the theories in explaining the case. Reflect critically: Which theory provides the most convincing explanation? Why? What new perspectives or insights emerge when combining theories?
Abstract
Analytical Abstract (Analytical Summary) — 150 words Students receive a text (for example, an article by Morgenthau or Keohane). Their task is to briefly: identify the central argument of the text; outline the author’s main supporting arguments; indicate which theoretical school of International Relations the author represents and explain why. Up to 4 abstrats

Interim Assessment

2025/2026 1st module
0.5 * Seminars activity (Socrative) + 0.5 * Socrative
2025/2026 2nd module
0.3 * Abstract + 0.5 * Final Group Assignment + 0.2 * Seminars activity (Socrative)

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Chan, S., & Zakkour, M. (2014). China’s Super Consumers : What 1 Billion Customers Want and How to Sell It to Them. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=842625
Hung-PoHsieh, & 謝宏博. (2016). Cross-Border e-Commerce Studies in Taiwan and Mainland China. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsndl&AN=edsndl.oai.union.ndltd.org.TW.104NCKU5457058
Pettis, M., & Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. (2013). Avoiding the Fall : China’s Economic Restructuring. Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for Int’l Peace. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=641536
Russia's Identity in International Relations : Images, Perceptions, Misperceptions, edited by Raymond Taras, Routledge, 2012. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/hselibrary-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1039305.
Гоббс, Т. Leviathan in 2 volumes. V 1. Левиафан в 2 т. Том 1 / Т. Гоббс. — Москва : Издательство Юрайт, 2019. — 284 с. — (Читаем в оригинале). — ISBN 978-5-534-06074-4. — Текст : электронный // Образовательная платформа Юрайт [сайт]. — URL: https://urait.ru/bcode/441701 (дата обращения: 28.08.2023).
Гоббс, Т. Leviathan in 2 volumes. V 2. Левиафан в 2 т. Том 2 / Т. Гоббс. — Москва : Издательство Юрайт, 2019. — 266 с. — (Читаем в оригинале). — ISBN 978-5-534-06076-8. — Текст : электронный // Образовательная платформа Юрайт [сайт]. — URL: https://urait.ru/bcode/441782 (дата обращения: 28.08.2023).

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Grotius Society. (1921). The Grotius Society publications : texts for students of international relations. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.13D74A82
Hudson, M. O. (2019). Legal Foundations of International Relations. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.910716C1

Authors

KUTYREV Georgii IGOREVICH
KULIK MARGARITA YAKOVLEVNA

Course Syllabus