Bachelor 2025/2026

The Theory of International Relations

Type: Elective course (HSE/NES Programme in Economics)

Delivered by: Undergraduate Programmes Curriculum Support

Where: Faculty of Economic Sciences

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Open to: students of one campus

Language: English

ECTS credits: 6

Contact hours: 56

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course aims to acquaint students with major traditions and schools of thought in International Relations (IR) theory, from realism and liberalism to poststructuralist and constructivist approaches. We will look into different theoretical assumptions, truth claims, past and contemporary debates, as well as a variety of empirical and normative research in order to make sense of the world and its workings. Does the international domain look different depending on which theoretical hat we put on? Do IR theories compete with or, rather, complement each other? How can we explain peace, conflict and cooperation in international relations? What accounts for change in world politics? Are states the main actors on the international scene? Does international law matter in global politics? These are among central questions in IR. You will develop an understanding of these and other international issues. More generally, the course makes a point of theorising about theory and critically reflecting on the practice of IR as a discipline — and what this means for the practice of international relations ‘out there’.