Political Sciences and International Security

The course is ideally structured into four deeply interconnected parts: - The first part introduces the key concepts of the discipline - such as the international system, international order, anarchy, hegemony, balance of power, institutions, units/actors, competition, and cooperation - and outlines the evolution of International Relations, comparing the main theoretical traditions; - The second part addresses the most significant security issues that emerge in the international arena, with particular attention to the characteristics of the international order and the dynamics between “status quo” and “revisionist” powers; - The third part explores the resources, objectives, and ideas that define great power competition in the contemporary era. It analyzes strategic documents and policies of the United States, its key allies, and NATO, as well as those of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation; - The fourth part focuses on the two issues most closely tied to Italy’s security: transatlantic relations and instability in the broader Mediterranean region. It examines the dilemmas and choices faced by states involved in these areas in light of the crisis of the liberal international order.

Knowledge of the main security dynamics of the modern age is specifically required and that of International history (1815-2023 is strongly recommended. Reading Italian and international press is warmly recommended.

1) Andreatta F., Clementi M., Colombo A., Koenig-Archibugi M., & Parsi V.E. (2012). Relazioni Internazionali. Bologna: il Mulino (esclusi capitoli IV e IX). ----- 2) Natalizia, G. (2021), Renderli simili o inoffensivi, Roma, Carocci. ----- 3) Un volume a scelta tra (One of the following volumes, to be chosen by the student): - Colombo, A. (2025). Il suicidio della pace. Perché l'ordine internazionale liberale ha fallito (1989-2024). Milano: Raffaello Cortina Editore. - Cesa, M. (2007). Alleati ma rivali: Teoria delle alleanze e politica estera settecentesca. Bologna: il Mulino.

Voluntary attendance

The exam is a written test. The duration of the examination is 60 minutes. Students must answer four open-ended questions rabout the topics discussed in class and covered in the selected volumes.

Frontal lessons, seminars with external guests (academics, diplomats, journalists, politicians), and paper presentations with discussions are integral components of the curriculum.