Saint Petersburg State University
Faculty of Economics
Module Specification
1.
Basic module information
Theories of International Relations and Foreign Policy
Module title
Analysis
2.
3.
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5.
6.
Module code
Credit points
Duration (hours)
Department
Date
30
World Economy
7. Overview and Aims
Overview: This course provides for comparative analysis of various theoretical paradigms
of state and non-state interactions in contemporary international system as well as at basic
models of foreign policy analysis such as rational actor model, organizational model and
bureaucratic model.
Aims: Students will be able to think theoretically about international relations subject
matters and provide for basic analysis of foreign policy decision making. They will be able to
draft policy-memos and research papers as well as to consult on central issues of international
relations.
8. Module Content
Topic 1. Introduction: What is theory? What are international relations? What is theory of
IR? Having described the essence of theoretical knowledge, then we discuss specificity if
‘international relations’ in comparison with ’world politics’ and, finally, speculate on the essence
of the theory of the IR, and its potential to foretell the course of developments in international
arena. One of the key issues will be the course of evolution of the IR theories, and failure to
build it as a ‘true’ science.
Topic 2. Actors in international relations and their objectives.
Focus is on state and various international institutions including intergovernmental
international organizations, non-governmental international organizations, international regimes
and contact groups as well as trans-national corporations.
Topic 3. War and Peace in IR theories. Foreign Policy and War. Political Realism and its
critics. Why nations go to war? Are the states doomed to fight each other as political realists
state? What are the causes of wars? Can war be avoided, and if so, what should be done to this
end? Peace in theories of IR: Integrations theories. Theory of interdependence. Regime Theory.
Why nations co-operate? Are there any recopies for achieving a perpetual peace? Can the world
might become a democratic entity one day? What happened with the states in transition? Are
they more war-prone than authoritarian ones? Are inter-dependent (economically and
politically) states inclined to be in peace with each other and why?
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Topic 4. Economics in International Relations. Mercantilism and Liberalism. Liberalism
and Security. “Hegemonic Stability” Theory. World-System Theory. The saying goes that
Mercury always plays a stronger role that Mars. How market economy contributes to peace
and security? Pan-Britanica and pan-Americana as ‘hegemonic stability’ case-studies. Role
of semi-periphery in the world-system theory
Topic 5. Foreign Policy Analysis. Levels-of-Analysis Problem. Groups of Interest, Elites and
Foreign Policy Making. Models of Analysis: RAM, Organizational Model and Bureaucratic
Models.
9. Indicative Reading
Basic literature
Keohane Robert (ed.) Neorealism and its critics. Columbia University Press, 1986
Vasques, John A. The War Puzzle. Cambridge University Press, 1997
Stein, Arthur A. Why Nations Cooperate. Circumstance and Choice in International Relations.
Cornell University Press
Craig, Gordon A. and George, Alexander L. Force and Statecraft. Diplomatic Problems of Our
Time. Oxford University Press, 1983
Allison, Graham and Zelikow, Philip. Essence of Decision. Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Second Edition, Longman, 1999
Morgenthau Hans. Politics Among Nations. 1948, New York: Knopf
Carr Edward H. The Twenty Years’ Crises, 1918-1939. An Introduction to the Study of
International Relations. 4th ed. New York, 1964
Валлерстайн И. Анализ мировых систем и ситуация в современном мире. СПб., 2001
Additional literature
Ломагин Н.А. (ред.) Введение в теорию международных отношений и анализ внешней
политики. СПб, 2001
Understandings of Russian Foreign Policy. Ed. by Ted Hopf. The Pennsylvania State
University Press, 1999, p.211-250
10. Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding. After studying this module students should be able to:
- know contemporary IR theories, their scope and analytical potential;
- grasp the logic of development of IR theories;
- understand dominant methods and models of foreign policy analysis;
- Special attention will be given to EU-Russia energy dialogue as well as to energy policy
of the former Soviet states. Students will analyze the current developments in the energy
sector from political, economic, legal, and environmental angles.
Skills, qualities and attributes. After studying this module students should be able to:
- analyze the current foreign policy developments and international relations theoretically;
- imply key methods and models of foreign policy analysis to on-going foreign policy of
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most important states and international institutions;
grasp the role of the WTO in the emerging energy governance debate;
draft policy-memos and research papers as well as to consult on central issues of
international relations.
- formulate and defend with solid arguments their own point of view in oral and written
discussions
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11. Teaching and learning
Range of modes of direct contact
This indicates the range of direct contact teaching and learning methods used on this module,
e.g. lectures, seminars
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lectures,
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seminars,
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group presentations,
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in-class discussions,
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in-class written assignments
Total contact hours
Range of other learning methods
This indicates the range of other teaching and learning methods used on this module, e.g.
directed reading, research
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preparation of presentations,
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pre-readings,
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home written assignments
Total non-contact hours
12. Indicative Reading
Assessment methods
This indicates the type and weighting of assessment elements of the module
Weighting Type
Description
25%
Essay
Essay on one of 10 basic themes from Topics 1-5.
50%
In-class
Participation in discussions, and case-study presentations during
work
classes, in-class written assignments
25%
Test
Final writing multiple choice test
Diagnostic/formative assessment
This indicates if there are any assessments that do not contribute directly to the final module
Further information on assessment
This section provides further information on the module’s assessment where appropriate