Brief Description:

The last few years have been marked by geopolitical conflict, Ukraine and Israel/Gaza being the main two. In my view this likely to intensify as the Western democratic nations seem to be on a path of decline, leading to the destruction of the current world order. This will have direct economic consequences in terms of the continued increase in the cost of living being currently felt by us all. This course is aimed at anyone who has an interest in, or wants to know about current issues in geopolitics aka International Relations.

Keys topics are:

· Introduction; what are International Relations and how are global events analysed and interpreted using the main schools of thought of IR which are Realism, Constructivism and Neoliberal Institutionalism?

· The current and near future geopolitical outlook.

· The decline of the Western order and the rise of the challengers; China and Russia and their BRIC’s allies.

· How will Britain navigate the hostile waters of the current geopolitical environment?

· Potential conflict in the Asia-Pacific region between a rising superpower in China versus the current world superpower – the United States.

· The rise of global terror.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED:

None, but an interest in current affairs would be advantageous.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

· Ability to understand and analyse key geopolitical events both present and future.

· Understanding of how the international political system works between states.

· Understanding of the hierarchical nature of the international system and how it favours the great powers of the day.

· How Britain may be affected by the shifting geopolitical order.

The course will have an emphasis on interactivity with the use of learning aids such as short quizzes and classroom discussions.

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

There is no requirement for a course book as one will be provided, it is also recommended that you bring along a pen and paper for note-taking if you wish to do so.