Political Sciences and International Security

ALESSANDRO VAGNINI

The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge for the analysis and understanding of the evolution of the international political system since the 1840s, focusing on colonialism, decolonization, and globalization. Through the study of these topics students will be able to acquire the knowledge and the interpretative skills necessary to understand the main dynamics of history of international relations and the globalization process. The inclusion of on-going audits in the form of short presentations and discussions by the students will also provide the necessary critical elements and a concrete capacity for analysis.

Through the study of these topics students will be able to acquire the knowledge and the interpretative skills necessary to understand the dynamics of globalization, in relation to the evolution of the international system

None. Basic knowledge of Modern history

The main task of the course is to establish an overall description of contemporary history and globalization with the necessary analytical skills for the main themes of the twentieth century. The course will examine in particular the development of the current international context through insights focused on the phases of colonization, decolonization and globalization. Special attention will be paid to the international system and international organizations.

J. Osterhammel and N.P. Petersson, Globalization: a Short History, Princeton University Press, Princeton 2005
R. Betts, Decolonization, Routledge 2004
Slides (https://elearning2.uniroma1.it/)


Testo aggiuntivo per i non frequentanti:
R. Betts, The false dawn: European imperialism in the nineteenth century, University of Minnesota press 1975

The course will examine in particular the development of the current international context through insights focused on the phases of colonization, decolonization and globalization processes. Part of the lectures will also be devoted to the study of European institutions. The course aims to provide an overview of contemporary history in a global perspective with particular attention to colonialism, decolonization and globalization, identifying the central elements of some of the most significant political and social dynamics of the present day world. Specific seminars will be included. Traditional lectures and the possibility to make short presentations and discussions on topics indicated by the teacher.

Attendance is not mandatory

Oral examination (on average 3 questions for a total duration of 20 minutes). During the lessons students will be invited to prepare short presentations on topics indicated by the teacher. This activity will be divided into two parts: the first with voluntary presentations; while in the second half of the course students will be invited to a first reading of the book on Decolonization and to a debate on the topics covered.
Attendance, active participation, reasoning skills and independent study, necessary during these activities contribute to the formation of the final evaluation.

Definition and interpretations of globalization; the League of Nations; decolonization

• The course aims to provide the
  knowledge necessary to analyze and understand the evolution of the
  international system from the mid-19th century onwards, focusing on
  colonialism, decolonization, and globalization. The course is divided into
  three parts.
  • Books: Slides


• The first part of the course begins with a brief introduction, followed by a series of lectures on the dynamics of globalization and colonialism between the mid-19th century and World War I. Students will also have the opportunity to give short presentations on specific topics.
  • Books: Slides, Non-attending students should also
    
    study: R. Betts, The False Dawn: European
    
    Imperialism in the Nineteenth Century, University of Minnesota press 1975 


• The second part of the course
  focuses on the interwar period, World War II, the United Nations,
  decolonization, and the Cold War. Students will also have the opportunity to
  engage in brief discussions regarding the topics covered in the textbook, Decolonization.
  • Books: Slides, R. Betts, Decolonization, Routledge 2004


• The third part of the course focuses
  on globalization from the 1980s onwards and on selected examples of
  international organizations. Students will also have the opportunity to give
  short presentations on specific topics.
  • Books: Slides, J. Osterhammel and N.P. Petersson, Globalization:
    
    a Short History, Princeton University Press, Princeton 2005