INTR9069 Approaches to International Relations

This topic introduces students to a variety of different approaches to the study of International Relations. The main classical and contemporary theoretical approaches will be engaged. Particular attention will be given to the way in which these theoretical approaches engage with the contemporary agenda of international politics, with speciflrc reference to changes and developments of international relations in the Asia-Pacific. Here issues will include the big powers' relationships and regional political and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

The topic aims to:

• Introduce students to various theoretical approaches to international relations
• Equip students to analyse international politics though the prisms of both classical and contemporary theoretical approaches
• Pay particular attention to the uses of international relations theory in understanding international politics today
• Have a focus on the international politics of the Asia Pacific

1. Identify and utilise different theoretical approaches to international relations
2. Discriminate between classical and contemporary theoretical debates and be able to explain the significance of these for understanding world affairs today
3. Interpret the regional politics of the Asia pacific using these approaches