Bachelor 2025/2026

Introduction to International Relations

Type: Compulsory course (Asian and African Studies)

Delivered by: School of Asian Studies

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Online hours: 20

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Andrei Skriba

Language: English

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The purpose of this course is to equip students to answer fundamental questions about the nature of world politics. We shall cover a broad sweep of international history, from the late middle ages to our current global age. And we shall address all the major theoretical schools of international relations, along with some of the more fringe and innovative perspectives. The idea of covering all this ground is to provide a solid foundation from which students can go on to develop their own interests in specialised IR topics. There is no assumed prior knowledge of international affairs. But to get the most from this course, students are expected to have a genuine interest in world events and a willingness to expand their knowledge of international history and international political theory.