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Course Description
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Course Name
The International System in International Relations: Origins, Evolution, and Contemporary Challenges
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Host University
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
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Location
Milan, Italy
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Area of Study
International Relations, International Studies
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Prerequisites
This course introduces international politics while including some advanced insights into International Relations Theory. It is suitable for students of all backgrounds who want to understand how the international system works and the key issues shaping it now and in the
future. While a background in international politics may be helpful, it is neither required nor necessary.
The course shares about 5% of its content with “International Relations and the Middle East: a Comparative European Perspective” also taught by Prof. Quarenghi. Students may take either course or both.
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ECTS Credits
6 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4
Hours & Credits
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Overview
Description
In the context of international relations, the term "international system" refers to the structured interactions and relationships among the world’s states and other global actors, shaped by power distribution and dynamics, values, institutions, and norms. This system provides the framework within which international politics, cooperation, and conflict take place.
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the origins and development of the international system, its key models and mechanisms, and the current challenges to its stability. Through lectures, readings, and discussions, students will explore the processes that led to the creation of a system of states, the distinction between empires and states as political organizations, and the features of the main historical polar configurations. The course also delves into the concept of international order, examining the various models proposed in International Relations Theory. Furthermore, students will engage with pressing issues that challenge the contemporary international order, fostering critical analysis of global dynamics.
By the end of the course, students will have enhanced their research skills and developed their ability to collaborate effectively with peers, present their ideas clearly, and engage in constructive discussions.
Course contents
The course is divided into three parts:
● Part 1: Covers how the international system emerged and developed through its main phases: multipolarity, bipolarity, and unipolarity. It highlights each era's main features.
● Part 2: Introduces concepts of order (social, political, international, and world) and explains how international order is formed and maintained. It also describes models of international order—balance of power, hegemony, and constitutional orders— and discusses the hybrid nature of today’s international order.
● Part 3: Explores major challenges to the current international order, such as transition of power/hegemonic change, global environmental issues, global migration, anti-Western movements, populism, and technological change. It examines how these issues are disordering the system and influencing its evolution.
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.
Some courses may require additional fees.
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.
Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.