International relations

Security and Insecurity in Global Politics

Module code: L2061N
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

Security is key to international relations. The United Nations’ main purpose is to maintain ‘international peace and security’, with the UN Security Council as its most powerful organ. But what does security mean in global politics? Who or what needs to be secured, against which insecurities and how is this done?

On this module, you’ll explore different analytical approaches to these questions. You’ll focus on key global insecurities such as:

• war
• terrorism
• technology
• pandemics
• climate change.

You’ll also evaluate different policy approaches to address these challenges – including international organisations, states and non-state actors.

Module learning outcomes

• Understand different concepts of security.
• Critically examine a variety of contemporary security issues.
• Understand the manner in which theoretical perspectives have been applied to examine these international security issues.