How does the world work? This course introduces a variety of practical and theoretical answers to this fundamental question of international relations. Students will learn about the practicalities of key global issues such as foreign policy development, conflict resolution, migration, borders, illicit trafficking, and multinational corporations, using the city of Amsterdam to conduct their own research into their everyday realities. At the same time, students will learn how to frame, understand, and speak intelligently about the contemporary international system by examining core theories and debates about concepts such as The State, Society, Power, Governance, Identity Justice, Conflict, Law, and Trade. As part of an interdisciplinary program, this course draws on a range of disciplines including IR, political science, history, anthropology, law, economics, and philosophy, and aims ultimately to empower students to both understand and act affirmatively within today's world.
