Global order, Power and Justice

How has the global political arena changed in recent decades? Focusing on normative questions of power and justice in international politics, this course offers insights into the various ways in which the post-Cold war liberal world order has been challenged by new actors, governance problems and power dynamics, hence waning in both effectiveness and legitimacy. The course literature draws from critical social theory, global studies, critical security studies, International Political Sociology and International Relations literature. Empirically, we discuss how contemporary phenomena such as geopolitical shifts and the growing influence of emerging powers, complex transnational governance problems, overlapping multiple crises, insecurities and conflicts, as well as processes of (de)globalization and activism by illiberal social movements challenge and transform the current international system. Drawing on normative theorizing and ethical considerations, we also discuss how global political life ought to be governed by exploring different renderings of normative ideals such as security and justice, equality and sustainability, and pondering what they might imply for organizing political life across local and global institutions and processes. This is an online course with compulsory online seminars, self-study and written assignments. The course is offered in English.