Political Science – III: International Relations
This course on International Relations is introduced in the fourth semester to familiarize students with the evolution of the discipline of International Relations and the modern Nation- State system. The course seeks to further the understanding and exploration on how the main actors in International Relations- the sovereign state and non -sovereign entities interact, and their power dynamics in the contemporary world. Students will understand the various forms of Dispute Resolution Mechanism expounded in the United Nations Charter and the primary organs involved like the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice. This course aims to enrich the students in learning about the working of various International and Regional
University of Mumbai · B.L.S. Semester 4 · 4 modules · 41 topics · 41 written.
Module 1 — Introduction to International Relations (IR)
- 1 IR as an Academic Discipline: Relevance of the study of IR
- 1 Westphalian Nation — State System
- 1.2.1 Peace of Westphalia and Implications on the Modern Nation State System
- 1.2.2 Foundational Elements of Modern Nation State — Principles of Sovereign
- 1.2.3 Equality, Territorial Integrity, Non-Intervention
- 1 National Power
- 1.3.1 Meaning and Definition, Elements and Limitations of National Power
- 1.3.2 Polarity in IR - Bi-Polarity (1949–1991), Uni-polarity (1991 — 2001), Multi — polarity (2001- present)
- 1.3.3 Challenges to State Sovereignty — Globalisation and R2P
- 1.3.4 World Government — Myth or Reality, Methods of Creation and Difficulties
Module 2 — Actors in IR
- 2.1 Sovereign Nation-State as the Primary Actor in IR
- 2.1.1 Inter-state relations — Treaty signing as a Sovereign attribute, Declaration of War and Conclusion of Peace
- 2.1.2 Diplomacy — as an official medium of inter-state communication
- 2.2 Shift in the State Centric System –Emergence of the Non State Actors (NSAs)
- 2.2.1 Classification of NSAs –Non Violent Non State Actors and Violent Non State Actors (VNSAs)
- 2.2.2 Features and Role of Non Sovereign Actors in IR with relevant Case Studies
- 2.2.3 Multinational Company (MNC) (Home State & Host State relations Environmental
- 2.2.4 International Non — Government Organisation (INGO) (Amnesty International, Transparency International & International Red Cross)
- 2.2.5 Intergovernmental Organisation (IGOs) — Features & Role
- 2.2.6 National Liberation Movements [NLM]
- 2.2.7 VNSAs — The rapid rise of VNSAs as a threat to world peace. Impact of Global Terrorist
- 2.3 INGOs and UN ECOSOC
Module 3 — Dispute Redressal Mechanisms in IR
- 3.1 Peaceful Settlement of Disputes
- 3.1.1 Chapter VI of the UN Charter
- 3.1.2 Functions and Role of ICJ in Peaceful Settlement of Disputes– Case laws
- 3.2 UN Peace Keeping Operations — Principles, Case studies and Critical Appraisal
- 3.2.1 United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)
- 3.2.2 United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)
- 3.2.3 UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
- 3.3 Chapter VII of the UN Charter — Coercive Methods of Settlement of Disputes
- 3.3.1 UNSC as Global Enforcement Agency
- 3.3.2 Exercise of Veto by P-5 as an obstacle to UNSC's effectiveness
- 3.3.3 Uniting for Peace Resolution (UNGA /RES/377 (A), Reforms of UNSC
Module 4 — International Organizations and Issues
- 4.1 United Nations Organisation (UNO)
- 4.1.1 Formation, Objectives, Purposes and Principles
- 4.1.2 Principal Organs– Composition, Functions and Evaluation
- 4.2 Specialized agencies — Functions and role
- 4.3 Issues of concern in IR (Specified & New)
- 4.3.1 Global North — South divide (Rich vs. Poor, Stability vs. Progress)
- 4.3.2 Wealth (NIEO and PIEO) and Vaccine Inequality (New), Climate Justice
- 4.3.3 Human Security –Asylum seekers, Migrants and Refugees, the differences