Overview

This course will introduce you to the study of International Security. Whether you are a student or just someone interested in what studying International Security is about, this course will carefully guide you through the basics of this fascinating academic sub-field of International Relations.

The course is ideal for beginners with no prior university education because it allows you to understand the basics of the sub-field. Although it is designed for beginners, the course will give you confidence to speak about International Security theories and concepts with much greater confidence.

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

What you'll learn

Define International Security and Security Studies
Understand the historical evolution of Security Studies
Understand the Realist tradition in Security Studies
Understand the Liberal tradition in Security Studies
Understand the Securitization Theory
Understand the Human Security approach in Security Studies
Define the meaning of war
Understand the definition, historical context and categories of war
Understand the causes and motivations for war
Define global terrorism
Understand the root causes and motivations of terrorism
Understand the ethical dilemmas of combating terrorism
Define the proliferation of nuclear weapons
Understand the importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
Identify the most important non-proliferation efforts and strategies
Be able to conceptualize non-traditional security threats
Understand how climate change and pandemic diseases can be conceptualized as security problems

Requirements

The course is designed for beginners 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.