Geopolitics, Territory & Security – (M.A.)

The MA in Geopolitics, Territory & Security is a unique, multidisciplinary programme that originated from the MA in International Boundary Studies, inaugurated at the School of Oriental and African Studies in 1997. It is taught by renowned academic authorities in the field based here at King's and elsewhere (Richard Schofield [Founding Editor of the journal, Geopolitics], George Joffe and Julian Minghi) as well as leading specialists and practitioners in the field of boundary and territorial dispute resolution (see above) and staff from the Law of the Sea Division at the UK Hydrographic Office, Taunton (John Brown).
This programme is rooted in geopolitical analysis but necessarily includes aspects of international law and international relations theory. Students are introduced to the creation and maintenance of international boundaries on land and sea alongside processes involved in boundary and territorial dispute resolution. Special attention is given to the changing role of international boundaries in the early 21st century, particularly contemporary securitisation questions following 9/11 and its aftermath. Contemporary boundary fortification in the Middle East and elsewhere suggests that, in what was only recently described as a borderless world, boundaries are back as barriers.