Study guide
Lecturer: Jakub Fučík, Ph.D. Richard Stojar, PhD.
Introduction:
The term system of international relations can be understood as a certain arrangement between its actors showing certain features on the basis of which it is possible to determine its typology. The current system of international relations is significantly more complicated and confusing than in the past, due to several factors. There is a relative decline in the importance of the nation state in the system of international relations, the weakening of its (territorial) sovereignty, supranational entities (economic entities, international organizations and pressure groups, NGOs, the media) are gaining unprecedented influence on world events. Transnational, supranational and non-state threats are gaining in importance. Globalization leads to extremely rapid and deep economic, political and military integration of regions and continents, etc. Despite the relative and declining importance of the nation state as a unit of the system of international relations, the state still remains its basic building block. The ability of the state to assert its (national) interests, i.e. the degree of influence on the whole international system, is then decisive for determining the system typology. From this point of view, we distinguish unipolar, bipolar and multipolar system.
Objectives:
- Become familiar with the system of international relations
- Introduce the basic characteristics and actors of the IR system
Tasks:
Become familiar with the content of the required sources
Required sources:
STOJAR, Richard. International System and Security Architecture (presentation).
GOLDSTEIN, Joshua S. International Relations, 4. vyd. New York: Pearson, 2001, pp. 24-52. Available here
Additional sources:
BAYLIS, John - SMITH, Steve - OWENS, Patricia. The Globalization of World Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011, pp. 236-342. Available here