Global Business and International Relations(RI322)
| Course Code | Course Name | Semester | Theory | Practice | Lab | Credit | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RI322 | Global Business and International Relations | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Prerequisites | |
| Admission Requirements |
| Language of Instruction | French |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Course Level | Bachelor Degree |
| Course Instructor(s) | Emirhan ALTUNKAYA emirhanaltunkaya@gmail.com (Email) |
| Assistant | |
| Objective | This course explores the growing interconnection between global business dynamics and international relations. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how multinational corporations (MNCs), global industries, and market-driven actors influence foreign policy, international diplomacy, global governance, and geopolitical strategy. By examining the political and strategic roles of key sectors such as energy, technology, defense, and finance, students will develop a multidimensional perspective on global power beyond the traditional state-centric model. The course bridges international political economy with real-world business strategies through sector-based case studies. |
| Content |
Week 1 – Introduction: Business as an Actor in International Relations Week 2 – Multinational Corporations: Evolution, Structure, and Global Power Week 3 – Theoretical Frameworks: Realism, Liberalism, and Political Economy of Firms Week 4 – Energy Giants and Resource Geopolitics Week 5 – Global Tech Companies and Data Sovereignty Week 6 – Defense Industry, Arms Trade and Aerospace Week 7 – Financial Institutions and the Global Economy Week 8 – Midterm Exam Week 9 – Automotive Industry and the Politics of Mobility Week 10 – Pharmaceuticals & Global Health Markets Week 11 – Consumer Industries, Global Brands & Market Power Week 12 – Media, Entertainment & Cultural Influence Week 13 – Corporate Diplomacy, Business Lobbying and Global Regulations Week 14 – Corporate Diplomacy, Business Lobbying and Global Regulations |
| Course Learning Outcomes |
- Identify and explain the political role of multinational corporations in international affairs. - Analyze the strategic influence of global industries on state behavior, diplomacy, and international institutions. - Evaluate the interaction between corporate lobbying, regulation, and foreign policy-making processes. - Assess how business actors shape geopolitical developments and global norms (e.g. sustainability, data governance, ESG). - Apply theoretical and conceptual tools from international relations to real-world business case studies. |
| Teaching and Learning Methods | |
| References |
Theory Topics
| Week | Weekly Contents |
|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 – Introduction: Business as an Actor in International Relations |
| 2 | Week 2 – Multinational Corporations: Evolution, Structure, and Global Power |
| 3 | Week 3 – Theoretical Frameworks: Realism, Liberalism, and Political Economy of Firms |
| 4 | Week 4 – Energy Giants and Resource Geopolitics |
| 5 | Week 5 – Global Tech Companies and Data Sovereignty |
| 6 | Week 6 – Defense Industry, Arms Trade and Aerospace |
| 7 | Week 7 – Financial Institutions and the Global Economy |
| 8 | Week 8 – Midterm Exam |
| 9 | Week 9 – Automotive Industry and the Politics of Mobility |
| 10 | Week 10 – Pharmaceuticals & Global Health Markets |
| 11 | Week 11 – Consumer Industries, Global Brands & Market Power |
| 12 | Week 12 – Media, Entertainment & Cultural Influence |
| 13 | Week 13 – Corporate Diplomacy, Business Lobbying and Global Regulations |
| 14 | Week 14 – Corporate Diplomacy, Business Lobbying and Global Regulations |
Practice Topics
| Week | Weekly Contents |
|---|
Contribution to Overall Grade
| Number | Contribution | |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade | 2 | 50 |
| Contribution of final exam to overall grade | 1 | 50 |
| Toplam | 3 | 100 |
In-Term Studies
| Number | Contribution | |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 1 | 25 |
| Presentation | 1 | 25 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 0 | 0 |
| Project | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory | 0 | 0 |
| Other Applications | 0 | 0 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 |
| Term Paper/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Portfolio Study | 0 | 0 |
| Reports | 0 | 0 |
| Learning Diary | 0 | 0 |
| Thesis/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
| Make-up | 0 | 0 |
| Toplam | 2 | 50 |
| No | Program Learning Outcomes | Contribution | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 1 | To have a detailed knowledge on the principal concepts, actors and components of the international system | X | ||||
| 2 | To master the fundamentals such as history, law, economics, sociology and political science required by the multidisciplinary nature of International Relations | X | ||||
| 3 | Pouvoir analyser la pratique à partir d’une infrastructure théorique assimilée | X | ||||
| 4 | To have acquired the capability of specializing on a particular theme and/or region | X | ||||
| 5 | In the light of Galatasaray University’s traditional and institutional links with Europe, to have developed the ability to contribute to Turkey’s accession process to the EU in a concrete manner | |||||
| 6 | To interpret and explain Turkish foreign policy through its domestic components as well as from the perspective of the international system | |||||
| 7 | To have reached the necessary level of competence to be able to undertake a career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as other state institutions and/or the private sector | X | ||||
| 8 | Possess the required skills to work at various international organizations and NGOs | X | ||||
| 9 | To be in perfect command of French, teaching language of Galatasaray University, and of English, its mandatory language, at the academic -with a view to write a thesis/project/book in the field of International Relations- as well as the professional level | X | ||||
| 10 | To have the capacity to utilize the methodological instruments acquired throughout the studies at any conceptual and/or academic work | X | ||||
| Activities | Number | Period | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Workload | 0 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 | 0.00 | ||
| Credits ECTS | 0 | ||