Theories and Approaches to War and Collective Security

2026-2027

Algemene informatie

Vakcode R_TAWCS
Studiepunten 12 EC
Periode P1
Vakniveau 500
Onderwijstaal Engels
Faculteit Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid
Vakcoördinator prof. dr. W.G. Werner
Examinator prof. dr. W.G. Werner
Docenten 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 Werkgroep, Hoorcollege
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 should

  • understand the nature and dynamics of armed conflict throughout history, including

- colonialism and war
- war as a state policy in the 19th century
- so-called “new wars” since the end of the Cold War

  • understand the main theories and approaches to war and armed conflict, including

- just war thinking
- realism
- collective security
- new war theory

  • understand key concepts in international conflict and security law, including

- ius ad bellum and ius in bello
- lawfare
- self-defense
- intervention

  • understand the interaction between law and politics in international security
  • apply the acquired theoretical and legal knowledge and insights to concrete issues and problems in the field of international security, such as

- peacekeeping
- the privatization of armed force
- the protection of civilians
- technologization of warfare
- terrorism

  • critically discuss theories and approaches in light of these issues and problems
  • independently produce legal and political arguments in the area of international security in both written and oral form.

Inhoud vak

The course studies the evolution of war and collective security from the perspectives of international law and international politics. The course introduces students to legal and political theories of international security and discusses the interplay between law and politics in this field.

Aanvullende informatie onderwijsvormen

The course will make use of online tools but will be taught in interactive seminars on campus.

Toetsvorm

Student presentation and paper assignments.

Literatuur

  • Christine Gray, International Law and the Use of Force, fourth edition, Oxford University Press 2018 (please note: we only use a limited number of chapters from this book and it is online available in the library).
  • Additional literature (either available electronically via VU library or to be handed out and/or posted on Canvas).

NB: the literature may be subject to change!

Aanvullende informatie doelgroep

This course is only open to students of the programme Law and Politics of International Security.

Overige informatie

The course is open for students enrolled in the Master programme Law and Politics of International Security.

Toelichting Canvas

Students are advised to make sure that enrollment for this course in Canvas is completed before the beginning of the academic year, as any decisions and instructions related to the mode of teaching will be communicated via Canvas.