Global Dynamics in Historical Perspective

This module discusses the importance of the historical forces underlying contemporary politics, economies and societies and lays the foundation for thinking about future developments and challenges. The course “Social and Economic History in the Age of Globalization” provides students with a historical perspective on global interconnectedness and teaches them how economic developments interact with political, social and cultural factors. The course “Empires and Nation States” examines the past trajectories of great powers, the emergence of new types of states, and other key forces in world politics. The rise of Asia and the importance of regional differences in a globalizing world are accentuated in the course “Modern Asian History”. Throughout the module, students are invited to pose challenging questions: for instance, how can we balance the need for global thought and action with the appreciation of societal diversity? What might the rise and fall of past empires tell us about future dynamics?

 

Arenas of Political Life

This module presents an interdisciplinary combination of courses covering the ways in which ideas, structures, and actors shape political life on the domestic, regional, and international levels and how these levels interact. The course “International Political Economy” focuses on the relationship between economics and international relations by examining how domestic policies and politics interact with and are influenced by international economic issues and governance, and vice versa. “Regional Integration” investigates the efforts of different political actors to overcome the boundaries of the nation state and forge new relations, be it for political, cultural, or economic reasons. Finally, “International Law” focuses on the principles governing the international conduct of states and nonstate actors and on the prospects and limits of international law for addressing current and future issues in world politics.