International Security

2023-2024

Algemene informatie

Vakcode W_JSM_222
Studiepunten 6 EC
Periode P4
Vakniveau 200
Onderwijstaal Engels
Faculteit Faculteit der Geesteswetenschappen
Vakcoördinator dr. P.A. Mello
Examinator dr. P.A. Mello
Docenten dr. M.R. Luitjens
dr. P.A. Mello
Onderdeel van opleiding(en)

Praktische informatie

Voor dit vak moet je zelf intekenen. De inteken- en afmeldtermijnen staan op VU.nl

Onderwijsvorm Werkcollege*, Hoorcollege

*Voor deze onderwijsvorm kun je geen groep kiezen, je wordt hiervoor ingedeeld.

Dit vak wordt in het Engels aangeboden. Omschrijvingen kunnen daardoor mogelijk alleen in het Engels worden weergegeven.

Doel vak

Upon completion of the course, the student will

- have a thorough knowledge and understanding of key issues and

challenges to international security, including

o trends in the changing nature of warfare

o current wars and military interventions

o radicalization and terrorism

o proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

- have a thorough knowledge and understanding of key practices of the

international community in addressing challenges to international

security, including

o peacekeeping

o the United Nations system of collective security and legitimizing the use of armed force

- have a thorough knowledge and understanding of core concepts and

debates in the social scientific study of international security,

including the

o security dilemma

o ‘rally-around-the-flag’ effect

o democratic peace

Inhoud vak

The course is composed of two parts. The first part lays the conceptual groundwork in four consecutive sessions, examining trends in the changing nature of warfare, and discussing the collective security system of the United Nations and UN peacekeeping. The second part addresses traditional and current challenges to international security, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the Russian war against Ukraine, and the politics of military assistance. This is followed by sessions on the democratic peace phenomenon, democratic institutions, and the war involvement of liberal democracies. It specifically investigates the influence of parliaments, political parties, public opinion, and political and strategic culture on government policy and decisions in the context of armed conflict. Finally, sessions on radicalization and terrorism and the nexus of war and technology round off the course.

Aanvullende informatie onderwijsvormen

Lectures and seminars

Toetsvorm

The course grade will be based on the results of two assignments, each of which amounts to 50% of the final grade. The first is an individual assignment and the second is a group assignment.

Aanvullende informatie doelgroep

Second year PPE students