The course aims to introduce the field of International Relations (IR) and its main theoretical approaches. We will start with the key concepts and questions, which historically preoccupied IR scholars and discuss their relevance for understanding contemporary international order. We will focus on the classical agent vs. structure dilemma to demonstrate some key differences across theoretical perspectives. In the following weeks, each theory will be introduced through its key representatives, concepts and general contribution. To encourage independent and critical thinking among students, we will discuss the shortcomings of the theories, as well as internal divides within each tradition. At the end of the course, students should be able to understand different paradigms within IR and to apply the specific concepts on real-word issues.
- Učitel: Šárka Kolmašová