Issues in International Politics

Module description

This module examines a range of contemporary issues in international politics. Issues are events that have occurred or are occurring in contemporary world politics that have significant interests for students and layperson alike. This is a fancy way of saying we will be looking at contemporary international politics but from a studious and intellectual perspective. There are two reasons for doing this. The first is to get out of the (text) book and get into the real world. IR scholars spent a lot of time – probably more than they should – navel-gazing. We will try to buck this trend by thinking about the wider meanings of the events we have witnessed and are witnessing in world politics. The second reason is less about the real world and more about the intellectual world. What is the relationship between IR (as a body of knowledge) and international politics (as the subject of that knowledge)? Do our IR theories make sense in terms of contemporary developments, do they shift in line with these developments, or do they lag behind politics? Whilst issues will form the foreground, this question will form the background to the module. 

Assessment details

2-hour exam (50%) & 2,500-word essay (50%)

Educational aims & objectives

The goals of this module are to:

• further develop students' understanding of the complexities of international politics in the 21st century focusing on a number of key contemporary global issues
• develop an understanding of theories of international relations that can be used in understanding international politics
• enable students to apply these theories to current issues in international politics
• enable students to engage critically with the strengths and weaknesses of theories and their applicability to key issues in international politics.

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this module are to:

• Further your understanding of the complexities of international politics in the 21st century focusing on a number of key contemporary global issues;
• Develop your understanding of theories of international relations that as a means for understanding international politics;
• Enable application of these theories to current issues in international politics;
• Enable critical engagement with the strengths and weaknesses of theories and their applicability to key issues in international politics.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.