International Relations and International Law

This course provides a fundamental understanding of key theories in the field of international relations, with a particular focus on realism, liberalism, and constructivism. It examines how these theoretical perspectives help explain global political dynamics and the behaviour of states and international actors in the context of genocide and other forms of political mass violence. The course also explores the historical development of international humanitarian law from the mid-19th century onward, including the institutions responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing legal norms. Special attention is given to the Genocide Convention and its relationship to the categories of crimes against humanity and war crimes. By integrating theoretical and legal perspectives, the course lays an essential foundation for understanding how international law evolved after the Second World War and for analysing major empirical cases of mass violence.