Description
International politics is increasingly influenced by international organisations. What are international organisations and how do they function? What is their role in international politics? Do they merely serve the interest of powerful states, or do international organisations have their own autonomous political role to play? Can they substantially influence the behavior of states? How are global power relationships reflected in international organisations? In this course the role and functioning of international organisations is analyzed. Emphasis is put to large, well known organisations that every IRO student should have basic knowledge of. These include the United Nations, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. But less known international organisations, such as non-European regional international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and international financial and economic institutions are covered as well.
Course objectives
The course provides basic insights in the functioning of international organizations in world politics
The course provides basic insights in how the role and functioning of international organizations is related to concepts and theories in international relations.
The course provides basic knowledge about the structure and policies of specific international organizations in world politics
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Course Load
Approximately 500 pages of literature
7 weeks lectures
1 week exam
5 EC = 140 hrs
Assessment
First opportunity for written exam: Wednesday 25 October 2017, 13:30-16:30
Second opportunity for written exam:Friday 19 January 2018, 13:30-16:30
Blackboard
Blackboard is used as communication tool. Students need to enroll for each course themselves.
Reading list
Hurd, Ian. (2014) International Organizations. Politics, Law, Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2nd edition)
Selection of articles: available via Blackboard
Registration
See Introduction page.
Contact
Dr. Niels van Willigen
Associate Professor of International Relations
Institute of Political Science
Leiden University
Wassenaarseweg 52
Postbus 9555
2300 RB Leiden
The Netherlands
Tel. 0031 (0)71 5273632
willigen@fsw.leidenuniv.nl