International Relations (Strategic Studies in an Age of Terror) – (M.A.)

Contents

You can expect to gain an understanding of the wide-ranging nature of security studies, an appreciation of the historical importance of security issues, and an insight into future problems and debates that will affect the stability of the 21st-century world order.

You will develop an understanding of the core concepts that inform the study and practice of security, including:

* The changing meaning of security and what issues are considered to be security issues


* The different concepts that inform the study and practice of security, such as explanations of war, deterrence, balance of power theories, alliance formation and management, and collective security


* The concepts that inform the use and control of military force, such as arms races and arms control, coercion, military intervention, and peacekeeping


* Classical strategic thought


* The range of the security issues of the post-Cold War and post-9/11 periods, including terrorism and local and global insurgency and the challenges these pose



Programme content

The programme has the core module, Strategic Studies in the Age of Terror, which examines debates about the threat, use and management of military force in international relations in the 21st century. It explores core concepts such as the causes of war and the legality of the use of force, and examines the influence of major thinkers in the use of military force, as well as the role of military organisations and military and political leaders.
In addition, MA students will write a (maximum) 13,500-word dissertation on a relevant topic of their choice.