History of International Relations Since 1990s (RI223)

Content

Objective

This course aims to provide students with a framework for understanding the evolution of international relations from the 1990s to the present. It examines the major events, actors and changing dynamics of the post-Cold War period. Students will analyse shifts in the global balance of power, international crises, regional conflicts and the responses of the international community.

Course Content

Understanding the transformations of the international system since 1990
The end of bipolarity and the “unipolar moment” (1989–2001)
The consolidation of the liberal international order (1991–2001)
The transformation of sovereignty and the rise of international intervention (1991–2011)
The transformation of security and the “War on Terror” (2001–2014)
The limits of American hegemony and the erosion of Western predominance (2003–2016)
Midterm examination
The redistribution of power in the international system (2008–2016)
The return of geopolitics and strategic competition (2008–2022)
The diversification of international actors and strategies (2010s–2022)
Challenges to the liberal international order (2014–2021)
The return of interstate war and military power (since 2022)
The fragmentation of the international order and its crisis of legitimacy (2023–2026)
1990–2026: Towards what kind of international system?

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify the main transformations of the international system since 1990.
Explain the consequences of the end of bipolarity for international relations.
Analyse changes in the distribution of power among the principal international actors.
Relate international crises and conflicts to transformations in security and sovereignty.
Assess the role of states, international organisations and non-state actors in the evolution of the international order.
Apply historical knowledge and fundamental concepts to the analysis of contemporary international relations.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures & question-and-answer sessions & classroom discussions & analysis of texts and documents & historical case studies & historical contextualisation of current international developments.

References

FERNANDEZ, Julian, Relations internationales, Paris, Dalloz, 2023.

BAYLIS, John, SMITH, Steve and OWENS, Patricia, The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, Oxford University Press, 2023.

Weekly Contents

Theory Topics
Week	Weekly Contents
1	Understanding the transformations of the international system since 1990
2	The end of bipolarity and the “unipolar moment” (1989–2001)
3	The consolidation of the liberal international order (1991–2001)
4	The transformation of sovereignty and the rise of international intervention (1991–2011)
5	The transformation of security and the “War on Terror” (2001–2014)
6	The limits of American hegemony and the erosion of Western predominance (2003–2016)
7	Midterm examination
8	The redistribution of power in the international system (2008–2016)
9	The return of geopolitics and strategic competition (2008–2022)
10	The diversification of international actors and strategies (2010s–2022)
11	Challenges to the liberal international order (2014–2021)
12	The return of interstate war and military power (since 2022)
13	The fragmentation of the international order and its crisis of legitimacy (2023–2026)
14	1990–2026: Towards what kind of international system?

Assessment System

Contribution to Overall Grade
Activities	Number	Contribution
Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade	11	50
Contribution of final exam to overall grade	1	50
Total	12	100

In-Term Studies
Activities	Number	Contribution
Assignments	0	0
Presentation	0	0
Midterm Examinations (including preparation)	1	30
Project	0	0
Laboratory	0	0
Other Applications	0	0
Quiz	10	20
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
Total	11	50

Relation of Proficiency

No	Program Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Program Learning Outcomes	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	X
6	To interpret and explain Turkish foreign policy through its domestic components as well as from the perspective of the international system		X
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

ECTS

Activities	Number	Period	Total Workload
Class Hours	13	3	39
Working Hours out of Class	14	1	14
Assignments	0	0	0
Presentation	0	0	0
Midterm Examinations (including preparation)	1	5	5
Project	0	0	0
Laboratory	0	0	0
Other Applications	0	0	0
Final Examinations (including preparation)	1	7	7
Quiz	10	6	60
Term Paper/ Project	0	0	0
Portfolio Study	0	0	0
Reports	0	0	0
Learning Diary	0	0	0
Thesis/ Project	0	0	0
Seminar	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
Make-up	0	0	0
Yıl Sonu	0	0	0
Hazırlık Yıl Sonu	0	0	0
Hazırlık Bütünleme	0	0	0
Total Workload			125
Total Workload / 25			5.00
Credits ECTS			5