International relations

War in International Politics

Module code: L2138
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

War is a violent expression of international politics causing thousands of deaths each year. It is, therefore, integral that we study war to make it more humane and less common.

In the discipline of International Relations, there are different perspectives on how and why war occurs. This module takes you through different perspectives on different conflicts, from interstate war to civil war to insurgencies and beyond. We also consider some developments in warfare – for example the introduction of drones or the violent potential of cyberattacks – and how these affect war.

Module learning outcomes

• Develop a critical understanding of how war has been conceptualised over time.
• Apply knowledge and understanding of various theories of war to contemporary and historical challenges in international relations.
• Analyse and evaluate various approaches to the study of war as described by various thinkers.