Overview

In this course, you will get in-depth knowledge and understanding of key realist thinkers, theories and concepts, including real world examples and even tips for writing essays and dissertations.

The course will give you confidence to think and speak about world problems through the lens of the oldest, most powerful and influential theory of International Relations.

If you are interested in world politics, chances are you are reading and watching quite a bit of news about what's going on. That's OK, but there is nothing more rewarding that actually educating yourself to improve the depth and breadth of your knowledge and understanding of how the world works.

My courses are designed to help you with that objective and this course offers you complete knowledge and understanding of the most exciting theory of International Relations.

Consider some of these timeless quotes from the most influential classical thinkers:

“The right, as the world goes, is only in question between equal power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must” - Thucydides
“But since it is difficult for a ruler to be both feared and loved, it is much safer to be feared than loved (...)." - Machiavelli
"Because men are wretched creatures who would not keep their word to you, you need not keep your word to them" - Machiavelli
“In such condition [state of nature], the life of man [is] solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short” - Hobbes
"Political realism believes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature." - Morgenthau

This is just a sample of quotes we explore in the course in depth to understand their meaning, context and impact on the realist theory.

How You Will Learn

It is my philosophy in this course to allow those brilliant thinkers speak for themselves. I want to give them the voice. At the same time, I offer you my full explanation and interpretation of every quote we analyse in the course. I don't just leave you there wondering what this all means.

In addition to classical realism, neorealism and offensive realism, my bonus lectures also gives you insights into neoclassical realism. This is an interesting and exciting development in the realist theory and I want you to understand what it is all about.

Another one of my bonus lectures offers you practical tips for incorporating realism into writing your academic essays and dissertations.

As much as talking about theories is interesting in itself, I also believe in the value of practical examples. So in this course, we discuss three case studies of how realism can be applied to analyse real world problems. These include: the realist perspective on coronavirus, US foreign policy and the rise of China.

My Promise to You

I promise that the tuition in this course is of the highest quality, based on genuine university-level teaching and research. It is presented in a highly-accessible and engaging way, designed specifically for those who do not have prior university degree in Politics or International Relations.

I invite you to send me a message if you have any questions about the content of this course.

Who this course is for

Individuals interested in International Relations and the problems of international politics.
Students of Politics and International Relations who want to consolidate their knowledge and improve their grades.
Commentators, bloggers and journalists covering international politics.
Policy practitioners who want to improve their analytical skills and better understand the context of their policy activities.

Testimonials

This course is absolutely hands down one of the best international relations course that ever existed. Kamil explained the topics very clearly and easy to understand. Shout out to Kamil for this wonderful course! :) ~ Abdulla Emir P
I'm really enjoying this course and getting a lot out of it! Coming into the course, I was already familiar with some of these philosophers/theorists and their works, and I already had a basic understanding of International Relations. This course has reinforced what I was already familiar with, while providing me with many new insights and ideas to ponder. Great job, Dr. Zwolski! I highly recommend this course to anyone looking for either a refresher, or to advance their understanding of IR ~ Aaron S
As a new student to the subject of International Relations Theories it is important for me to find teachers of quality from whom I can learn. I am offered this opportunity by signing up for Kamil's courses ~ Kevin D
I am enjoying this course as it provides relevant information to my existing knowledge in Jurisprudence and legal theory ~ Darmashakthini A
Wonderful teacher and amazing course, i got the opportunity to learn a lot. thank you! ~ Pragya G
Kamil is an excellent teacher. Very knowledgeable and often interjects great humor to keep the subject matter current and real. It is a joy to be a student in his lectures ~ Christy A
Great course! It's not the professor's Kamil first course I do, and I never regret. He goes straight to the point in a clear, direct and comprehensive way. Everyone should start learning with his courses - they help us to develop a deeper view on old, new (and surely relevant) topics. Highly recomended! ~ Winston L
This is a detailed course on Realism. I'm a masters degree graduate of International Relations and Political and International Relations Theory was my favourite lesson. With this 3 hour course i learned even more than what i was taught in one hours lesson focused on Realism at the University. Recommended both for people with existing knowledge on the topic as well as people with no knowledge ~ Nicolas Z

What you'll learn

Think and speak about world problems through the lens of the oldest, most powerful and influential theory of International Relations
Identify and understand the idea of key realist thinkers, including Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Morgenthau, Waltz and Mearsheimer
Recognise the value of Ancient Greek Peloponnesian War to understand the principles of world politics
Understand why Machiavelli is realism's 'dark character' and why his perspective on government is so demoralised
Understand what Hobbes meant by 'state of nature' in his groundbreaking masterpiece Leviathan and how it's relevant to realism
Identify the key components of classical realism, particularly the notion of the flawed human nature and interest defined as power, as advanced by Morgenthau
Understand the original features of Waltz's neorealism, including his emphasis on the international system and anarchy
Identify the distinguishing features of Mearsheimer's offensive realism and his focus on the pursuit of power
Understand the realist perspective on coronavirus
Understand the realist perspective on US foreign policy, including war in Iraq, NATO expansion, Persian Gulf policy, Afghanistan, Iran & Israel
Understand the realist perspective on the rise of China
Recognise the original contribution of neoclassical realism, including key works
Learn 6 practical tips for incorporating realism into your academic essays and dissertations

Requirements

The course is designed for all study levels and therefore does not require prior education in Politics or International Relations.
No upfront reading is necessary. In the course, students will learn about some of the most influential books on each topic.
For convenience, handouts for each lecture are provided and can be downloaded.