The political situation of the present is one in which the nation-state – the traditional focus of political analysis – is increasingly under pressure from a range of global forces, from trans-national flows of capital to international organisations and the economic and moral orthodoxies they impose. This makes traditional responses to the problems it encountered – problems like social justice, civil rights and political participation – inadequate. International Politics focuses on this changed situation by studying political theory, political institutions and social movements in an international context. It is the study of social processes that occur across borders and the attempt to understand what is ‘international.’ As such it is an interdisciplinary subject that draws on traditional political and social theory, international relations, philosophy, history and political economy. Its main themes are the concept of global justice; the theory and practice of international human rights regimes; the role of nation-states in the international order; and the possibilities for global political change through international social movements.
Our programme adopts a critical approach to international politics. We challenge the assumption that globalisation is an inevitable and progressive force in the modern world. More fundamentally, we question whether globalisation theory is an adequate basis for understanding the changed political situation in the world. We look at the theoretical justifications underpinning paradoxes in contemporary politics like ‘humanitarian intervention’. We are critical of the ‘democratic deficit’ generated by globalisation and the extent to which international institutions disempower people, preventing them having a say in decisions that affect their lives.
The Big Questions:
- Is ‘globalisation’ a change for the better or a change for the worse?
- What are the causes of global conflict and how can Politics help to resolve these conflicts?
- What is Terrorism?
- What are the main objectives of US Foreign Policy?
- Can the UK exert influence on its own or can it only do so as part of a larger entity like the EU?
- Can a democracy exist without citizens?
- Is a political revolution still possible today and if so where?
- To what extent should religion and politics be kept separate?
- Is the state in decline if so, should we be worried about this?
If you are interested in these questions then International Politics could be the programme for you.
A degree in International Politics provides you with the knowledge and analytic skills necessary for a range of careers. The international focus of the course makes it’s the ideal basis for a career in NGO’s and political campaign groups. Previous Politics students at UEL have gone on to careers in publicity, the voluntary sector, local and central government, teaching, social work, the civil service, trade unions and business.
© 2005
Developing Ecofeminist Theory: The Complexity of Difference, Erika Cudworth, Palgrave Macmillan, 2005
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