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 essay (2,500 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]

You are required to participate in and contribute substantially to at least one of the twelve weekly discussions. To achieve maximum marks on participation then you need to contribute to 6 out of the 12 discussion board forums and leave substantive comments on the work of others six times during the course of the module. [Learning outcomes 1, 2, but all outcomes are addressed, in general terms].

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. Locate developments in the emergence of the global order.
Knowledge and learning; analysis.

2. Engage critically with different perspectives on the dynamics of a changing global order.
Knowledge and learning; enquiry analysis.

3. Apply key theoretical approaches to real-world issues in a changing global order.
Knowledge and learning; enquiry; application; problem-solving.

4. 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.

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

Stuenkel, Oliver (2016) Post-Western World (Cambridge: Polity 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.

This module focuses on debates around the changing structure of global order. The rise of China and groups such as the BRICS (comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), have encouraged debates about the ‘decline of the West’ and the ‘rise of the rest’ of the world. Tensions between the Western powers and Russia add to the sense of global instability and international change. After studying this module you will be able to understand these debates and knowledgably assess the related real-world political dynamics.