Objectives: This course will analyse key theories and ideas that have shaped and are shaping the contemporary geopolitical debate; explain the role and the actions of key na‧tional, international and transnational state and non-state actors; and dis‧cuss and critically evaluate the on-going debate surrounding the strengths and weaknesses of the geopolitical approach; introduce students to different perspectives or intellectual frameworks to make sense of what is conventionally as geopolitics and to apply these perspectives to help understand contemporary events related to peace, war and security. It will further assess the role and ac‧tions of the main state and non-state actors in the global politics. Different aspects of the geopolitical approach will be analysed considering geograph‧ical, cultural, and temporal differences. Students will become cognizant of the current trends regarding the direction of the geopolitical debate as it is influenced by the changing linkages among power, identity, space and tech‧nology in an increasingly globalized world.

Learning outcomes At the end of this course, students should be able to think and write critically about the main debates in contemporary Geopolitics; explain different frameworks for thinking about war, peace and international security; discuss a range of ideas, concepts and texts in the subfield of geopolitics and the historical contexts in which they arose; assess the strengths and weaknesses of alternative ways of explaining, understanding and judging contemporary debate in peace and security.

Contents: This course aims at providing the students with a greater understanding of the International Politics subfield of “Geopolitics”. The course offers an in-depth understanding of the theories and ideas that have shaped the contemporary debate on geopolitics. It is a critical analysis of the current discourse on geopolitics, how it works, how it can be used to assess the capabilities of a state, a region, or a union of states in terms of their domestic and foreign policy orientations.

Metodology: In congruence with the learning and teaching strategy of the faculty, classes will consist of lectures, video presentations, discus‧sions revolving around the content of the assigned readings, problem solv‧ing exercises. Attendance is a must for the quality of the class will depend on student contribution and in-class discussions as much as the required readings.

Means of evaluation: The course evaluation will consist of class atten‧dance, an 8–10-page essay, a class presentation and a final exam.