Anthropology

The Anthropology of Geopolitics

Module code: L6301A
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Essay

The module introduces you to literature and debates in the fields of the anthropology of geopolitics and the anthropology of diplomacy. It explores historical expressions of geopolitical projects and processes, focusing on:

• the spatial, cultural, political and social characteristics of these projects and processes
• the experiences of societies living in contexts shaped by geopolitical processes across the world
• the forms of informal diplomacy that are also an important aspect of the contemporary world (dis)order.

A comparative analysis of geopolitical projects and processes across space and time – including imperialism, the Cold War, humanitarianism and the transnational infrastructure projects – based on specific case studies is deployed to engage with theories ascribing universal characteristics to the field of geopolitics.

Module learning outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge/understanding of anthropological approaches to geopolitics
• analyse/evaluate/assess critically main theoretical debates in the fields of the anthropology of geo-politics and diplomacy, and to have an awareness of the history of these debates and how specific theoretical trends have developed over time.
• relate theory to specific ethnographic contexts in the analysis of geopolitical processes, conflicts and projects
• evaluate/compare strengths and weaknesses of anthropological theories developed and deployed to understand urban spaces and urban lives.