Contemporary Issues in World Politics

Overview

This insightful course, a collaboration between Federica Weblearning and the International Political Science Association (IPSA), runs under the IPSAMOOC project. It explores the evolution of World Politics from the post-World War II era to contemporary times.

As the world grapples with the collapse of the established order following WWII, the course delves into international turmoil and transformations.

It begins by examining the influential forces shaping international politics, moving through the disintegration of the Cold War order, and analyzing the rise and challenges post-Cold War, including the expansion of NATO and the European Union into Central and Eastern Europe.

Students will explore significant global challenges, from the Balkan disorders post-Yugoslavia to the growing influence of China and the resurgence of Russia on the world stage. The course also covers humanitarian interventions in Bosnia, Kosovo, and regions such as Rwanda and Kenya where interventions lagged.

A critical analysis of the Arab Spring highlights the failure of democratic hopes and the resulting spread of radical Islam and global terrorism.

Frozen conflicts like the Arab-Israeli and Myanmar (Rohingya) disputes are examined, alongside pressing global issues such as climate change, pollution, pandemics, and the refugee crisis.

This course aims to equip students with comprehensive factual and historical knowledge of World Politics, enabling them to identify and critically reflect on current global issues. Dynamic updates on world politics are provided using artificial intelligence.

Provided by the Higher School of Economics on Coursera, this course is ideal for anyone interested in International Relations and the complex dynamics influencing world affairs today.

Subjects