International relations

Nationalism and International Relations

Module code: 024IRS
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

This module explores the origins, evolution and the possible futures of nationalism and the nation-state from an international perspective. The decline of nationalist politics and the diminishing significance of the nation-state have been predicted for a long time. And yet, over the recent decades we have witnessed the intensification of nationalist rhetoric and practice and the recentring of the nation-state in international relations. These can be seen in for example formation of new nation-state, interstate conflicts in Europe, the Caucuses and West Asia, Brexit, ‘minority’ nationalisms, and national responses to global health emergencies. This module offers an internationally sensitive, theoretically informed, and historically grounded approach to the rise and evolution of nations and nationalism and explores the possibility for post-national(ist) forms of political community and international relations.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of ‘the nation’ and ‘nationalism’
• Demonstrate an understanding of historical origins of nations and nationalism
• Demonstrate an understanding of the link between international relations and nationalism
• Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of the interactive development of nationalism and international relations in a specific country or region
• Evaluate the significance of nationalism in contemporary international relations
• Investigate the possibility of a post-national world order