International Geopolitics

International Geopolitics course content:

The course focuses on the concept and historical construction of nation-states, the generalization of the nation-state model to the world in the context of power relations within the world-system, theoretical reflections on the decline of the nation-state, its mutations, including in emerging countries, the study of classical theories of geopolitics and the tools of geopolitical analysis. The main aim of this course is to provide students with a framework for analyzing and understanding international geopolitics.

Objectives of the International Geopolitics course:

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills to analyze power relations from a multi-scalar perspective, integrating inter-state power relations into the dynamics of the world-system, as well as the reconfiguration of power, taking into account the role of private actors and the shift of political decision-making to the supra- and sub-national levels. The aim is to examine the evolution of international geopolitics, by anchoring these dynamics in a long-term perspective of globalization and the construction and mutation of nation-states. At the end of the course, students will be able to:
  • Have access to conceptual tools that can help them analyze and understand international geopolitics;
  • Understand the continuities and changes in international geopolitics;
  • To grasp power stakes on intra- and inter-state territories;
  • To demonstrate a global, dialectic and systemic understanding of the relations between the production of economic and social systems and the formation of political spaces;
  • Interpret geopolitical texts and put them into context;
  • To shed light on the conditions of production of geopolitical theories and the practices that these theories generate;
  • Practice practical skills such as geopolitical analysis, including in a language other than their first language, and academic writing;
  • Enhance their knowledge of international geopolitical issues;
  • Understand the dynamics of intra- and inter-state conflicts;
  • Develop the skills needed for professional careers related to geopolitical issues.

Prerequisites:

A good command of the French language is required. In addition, the course includes compulsory readings, and most of these texts are in English. Therefore, a good command of academic English is strongly recommended.

Teaching methods:

12 online courses of 1 hour and 30 minutes each, along with compulsory readings. Before each course, students will be required to read one or two compulsory texts. These texts, read carefully and reflectively, will enable students to better understand the elements presented in class.
The compulsory readings will be available on the Policy Center website or sent by email. They will mainly constitute of geopolitical texts (classic and contemporary), but may also include documents (maps, graphs, tables).
The teaching language and evaluations are in French. For reasons that will be discussed during the course, however, most of the compulsory readings are in English. Additional readings in French are available if you have any difficulties understanding the English language.

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated on the basis of an essay (2000 words), at the end of the session, based on the information provided by the lecturer, that must provide a link with the course and, if necessary, the compulsory readings.
Students will have to send by email the essay (2000 words, without bibliography) along with the bibliographical references of the work they have done.
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