Course Objectives:The investigation of phenomenon related to international affairs can be conducted using a range of methodological approaches. The selection of the appropriate methodology is influenced by a number of factors including the theoretical approach underlying the research project. Further, this selection is then linked to the identification of appropriate data collection and interpretation techniques. This course is geared to introduce students to these various facets of conducting research. (Read More)

Course Objectives:This course examines the nature and scope of international organisations (IOs), specifically within the context of the contemporary era of global governance. First, it provides an introduction to the historical evolution of IOs as well as relevant theoretical approaches in International Relations used to study IOs. Second, the course examines processes that constitute the work of, and at, IOs, including multilateral diplomacy, rule making and implementation, and provision of services. Third, it seeks to identify and assess contemporary challenges as well as new trends vis-à-vis the role of IOs in global politics. (Read More)

Course Objectives:The objective of the course is to acquaint students with the complex ways in which the cultural and political realms interact. It undertakes a critical enquiry into the academic and political endeavours that offer cultural interpretations of world politics in both historical and contemporary contexts. It is based on the implicit assumption that politics is negotiated and interpreted through the lens of culture, as are cultural interpretations often imbued with power and political intent. Intended to equip students with the analytical skills to problematise the immediate contexts in which some of the major issues of international politics are embedded, the course covers a broad sweep of issues ranging from strategic culture and diaspora studies to multiculturalism and popular culture. Although it frames culture largely within the IR discourse. (Read More)

Course Objectives: Regional integration is not a new phenomenon and in the twenty-first century, this process has intensified. The relevance of regional integration was not questioned even after the fall of the Berlin Wall when the world politics entered into a phase of hyper-globalisation. The best example is the European Union (EU) that has not only consolidated its position but also expanded its boundary by including East and Central European countries of the former socialist bloc. At present, almost every region of the world has its regional organisation. The EU excelled in this process, ASEAN proved its viability and the SAARC still struggling to gain momentum. Briefly, regional integration is a dynamic process involving many nation states, actors and several interconnected issues ranging from politics to economics. Therefore, regional integration draws the attention of academia, particularly of those interested in International Relations. This course covers theories and concepts of regional integration. Several essential case studies are part of the course for developing a comprehensive understanding of the regional integration process. In the case studies section, South Asia is the primary focus. Along with regular class lectures and general discussions, group discussions and project work is also a part of the course structure. It is expected that students will actively participate in the class and group discussions. (Read More)

Course Objectives:This course aims to equip the students with conceptual and theoretical tools towards understanding the strategic behaviour of state and non-state actors in world politics. A theoretical study of international negotiations, backed by practical examples will also help to underline essential linkages between theory and the practice of diplomacy. Given that there are various factors influencing the behaviour of state actors, it is important that inter-disciplinarity is encouraged. It is from this perspective that choice of actors and issues has been made as diverse as possible ranging from states, non-governmental organizations, terrorists, and affected people’s groups amongst others. Thus, the course intends to engage variety of actors and issues which range from ‘high’ politics to that of ‘low’ politics, intending to go beyond the conventional parameters of IR discipline, where states remain the primary unit of analysis. Issues areas like environment, business, arms control, territorial and social conflict would be discussed to study various approaches, actors, styles and types of negotiation in an applied context. Since this is an introductory course on two important themes of diplomacy and negotiations, students are expected to catch up with the recommended readings. (Read More)

Past and Present: This course is situated within the broad framework of grand strategy. Students are introduced to both Western and Asian thinkers and the classics range from 5th century B.C to as recent as the 20th century. The overarching purpose of the course is to assess how some key concepts in international relations such as war, justice, power, leadership and statecraft have been understood and envisaged by some leading brains at various points of time. The twenty-first century is plagued with various traditional and non-traditional security challenges. While some of the challenges are specific to contemporary times and quite distinct from those posed in the past, the nature of threats posed to the state (internal and external) indeed remain the same. Students focus on four classics in the course of eight weeks to contextualize the strategic thought within the broad frame of strategic themes of past and present.