This module introduces students to debates about the changing structure of global order and equips them to critically engage in these debates. Debates related to the ‘decline of the West’ and the ‘rise of the rest’ are introduced, and issues of power and ‘the return of geopolitics’ in the contemporary global context are discussed and assessed. Key theoretical perspectives on these issues are also addressed. Following on from a summary of the key features of the post-War global order, the module addresses key challenges to this order from a number of ‘rising powers’ and associated global political dynamics, before the final part of the module assesses key dynamics of cooperation and contestation between extant and rising powers in particular domains and in particular institutions and fora.

The participation grade encourages engaged and consistent learning. This builds up subject-knowledge as well as enhancing communication and analysis skills. You are expected to post a 500 word answer to the week’s set question. The participation grade is worked out on the number of these you do each week and how well you engage with the posts of others. The word-length for this assessment therefore depends on how much you engage. Five posts are required for a pass. Full marks can be achieved from a good 500 word post each week in addition to regular informed engagement with the posts of others. [Learning Outcomes Learning; Knowledge and Understanding; Communication; Analysis]

1 X 1500 word critical review (30%). The Critical Review requires students to read, review and analyze an academic journal article or chapter. It is is designed to develop analysis, enquiry and communication skills (Learning Outcomes 1-4).

The essay (3500 words) will require you to demonstrate your overall knowledge and understanding of debates on changing global order by applying theoretical knowledge to real-world ‘global order’ dynamics (Learning Outcomes 1-4).

The main focus will be on self-instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week you will work through self-instructional course material, (delivered on Blackboard) which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking specific set tasks. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor via a discussion board.

1. On completion of this module, you will be able to locate developments in the emergence of the global order.

Knowledge and learning; analysis

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to engage critically with different perspectives on the dynamics of a changing global order.

Knowledge and learning; enquiry analysis.

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to apply key theoretical approaches to real-world issues in a changing global order.

Knowledge and learning; enquiry; application; problem-solving.

4. On completion of this module, you will be able to generate critical, well-researched and developed pieces of work in appropriate academic style.

Communication; application; analysis; reflection; problem-solving.

A computer for accessing Blackboard, websites and electronic journals.
Course texts and module pack which will be delivered via the KeyLinks electronic reading list for the course.

Thomas G. Weiss and Rorden Wilkinson (2018) International Organization and Global Governance (London: Routledge).

Hosli, Madelieine O. and Selleslaghs, Joren, eds. (2020) The Changing Global Order: Challenges and Prospects (Cham, Switzerland: Springer).

Mearsheimer, John J. (2018) The great delusion: liberal dreams and international realities, New Haven and London: Yale University Press.

Ikenberry, G. John (2020) A world safe for democracy: liberal internationalism and the crises of global order, New Haven and London: Yale University Press.

Chu, Yun-Han and Zheng, Yongnian (2021) The decline of the Western-centric world and the emerging global order: contending views, Oxon, UK and New York: Routledge.

Smith, Martin (2012) Power in the Changing Global Order (Cambridge: Polity Press).