This course examines the evolution of the contemporary international system through exploring how relationships of power have evolved and changed as the modern international system emerged from a series of regional systems. It uses the concept of empire to explore the changing nature of order, power and power relationships. This allows us to view international relations as a thick set of social, political, cultural and military relations, offering a range of perspectives that are often obscured by focusing just on the international system as simply one of sovereign states. The course explores the relationship between empire and the evolution of concepts such as region, sovereignty and hegemony. It further examines the relationship between empire and conflict, focusing in particular on the twentieth century. The course also considers the putative disappearance and resurgence of empire in this period, allowing us to reflect in conclusion on the utility of the concept in contemporary world politics.

Students will have developed a historical perspective on the processes surrounding the evolution of the contemporary international political system. They will be able to develop diverse and informed opinions on the role of military and "soft" power in how the world has reached its current state, focusing on the role of inclusion and exclusion as motors for that change. They will also have been made aware of the richness of the political system and how actors other than states participate both in the day to day politics of the world and also more fundamentally in its creation and maintenance Finally, students should by the end of the course have new awareness of the role of hegemons and power more generally in forming the structures and processes of international politics.

12 hours per week: two for seminar attendance, and ten for reading and writing. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.

Delivery Mode:

Semester 2 2010, on campus, seminar-style.