This module introduces students to a range of critical theoretical approaches to IR and international security, each of which is critical of ‘orthodox’ or ‘mainstream’ approaches, as usually associated with realism and liberalism. These approaches are discussed in relation to key international security issues, with indicative topics such as the Ukraine crisis, the Coronavirus pandemic, and the ‘war on terror’. Each of the approaches considered – feminist, discursive, postcolonial, and biopolitical – interrogates key security issues through a lens that captures security dynamics beyond traditional state-centric understandings. Taken together, these topics equip students with the knowledge to critically interrogate international relations and international security issues from more heterodox positions.

The essay is designed to enhance practical research skills. It will also require an in-depth study of a critical international relations theory [Learning Outcomes 1-4]

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 1, 2, and 3].

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 students will work through self-instructional course material (delivered via blackboard), which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking the specific tasks set. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but students will be expected to interact and share material and ideas with other students in their learning group and their tutor.

1. Demonstrate scholarly appreciation of theoretical critiques of mainstream international relations and security theories.
Enquiry; Knowledge and Understanding; Learning.

2. Compare and contrast the ideas of key theoretical thinkers working at the more critical end of the international relations and international security spectrum.
Knowledge and Understanding; Learning; Enquiry; Reflection.

3. Identify key concepts, ideas and tenets of some critical approaches to the study of IR and security, and in addition be able to apply these ideas to real-world international security events and processes. Analysis; Enquiry; Learning; Problem-solving; Reflection.

4. Apply academic skills and intellectual ability in the analysis of some key critical international relations and security approaches.
Analysis; Application; Enquiry; Learning.

Students will need a computer and regular internet in order to access Blackboard, the electronic reading list and the e-resources of the University Library.

Dunne, T. Kurki, M and Smith, S. (2020) International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, 4th ed (Oxford University Press)

Tickner, A. B. and Smith, K. (2018) International relations from the global south: worlds of difference, London and New York: Routledge

Hough, P., Malik, S., Moran, A., and Pilbeam, B. (2015) International Security Studies: Theory and Practice, Routledge.

Williams, Paul., ed. (2018) Security Studies: An Introduction, Routledge.
Dillon, M. (2015) Biopolitics of security: a political analytic of finitude, London and New York: Routledge.

In this module you will be introduced to a range of critical approaches to the study of international relations that are critical of ‘mainstream’ international relations theories, as usually associated with realism and liberalism. You will use these approaches to examine key international security issues, such as the ‘war on terror’, the Coronavirus pandemic, and the Ukraine crisis. Upon completing the module you will be able to interrogate international security issues from more heterodox perspectives.