Skip to main content
INR392Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

International Politics in the Post Cold War Era

This course introduces students to the events leading to the end of the Cold War and its effects on the new world order. It explores issues like wars, climate change, and nuclear proliferation, providing theoretical frameworks for understanding them. The course aims to equip students with analytical skills to critically examine international system challenges and their resolutions, emphasizing the system's continuous evolution and the role of leaders in addressing post-Cold War issues.

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

60h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Cold WarInternational PoliticsNew World OrderGlobalizationInternational Relations

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

End of the Cold War

2

Clash of Civilizations

3

Ideologies of the Post-Cold War Era

4

Changing Character of War

5

Arms Race and Buildup

6

Nuclear Proliferation

7

Terrorism

8

Human Rights Violations

9

Climate Change

10

Globalization

11

Global Health

12

Media and Communication

13

International Law

14

International Organizations

Total Topics14 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of international relations concepts

Understanding of world history

Familiarity with political ideologies

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Intelligence Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsMediaAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The New World Order

3h

Unit 1: The End of the Cold War

3 study hours
  • Read the introduction to understand the context of the Cold War's end.
  • Identify the superpowers involved and their ideologies.
  • Explain the major events that characterized the Cold War.
Week
2

Module 1: The New World Order

3h

Unit 2 - Clash of the Civilization

3 study hours
  • Define civilization as Huntington intended.
  • Explain the cultural and national movements that arose after WWII.
  • Discuss the six reasons why civilizations will clash.
Week
3

Module 1: The New World Order

3h

Unit 3 - Ideologies of the Post-Cold War Era

3 study hours
  • Explain the basic tenets of communism, liberalism, nationalism, and populism.
  • Understand the notable contributions of these ideologies to the post-Cold War era.
  • Examine the challenges posed by these ideologies in the contemporary international system.
Week
4

Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 1: The Changing Character of War

3 study hours
  • Define war and its characteristics.
  • Explain how wars have changed over time with theoretical understanding.
  • Debate on the differences between old and new wars.
Week
5

Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 2: Arms Race and Arms Buildup (private military companies)

3 study hours
  • Discuss the meaning of arms race and arms build-up.
  • Understand why states choose to build arms.
  • Analyze the dangers of arms build-up and the challenges faced by the international system to regulate arms.
Week
6

Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 3: Small Arms and Light Weapons

3 study hours
  • Discuss the meaning of small arms and light weapons.
  • Understand the measures taken by the UN to counter SALW.
  • Examine the role SALWs play in Africa.
Week
7

Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 4: The link between Arms Race and Wars

3 study hours
  • Understand the implications of the Dwindling Arms Control.
  • Understand the debate that exists on the linkages of arms build-up and war.
  • Analyze the arguments on the link between Arms Race and Wars
Week
8

MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 1: Nuclear Proliferation

3 study hours
  • Understand what nuclear proliferation is.
  • Provide theoretical reasons why states choose to own nuclear weapons.
  • State the measure employed by states to deal with the spread of nuclear weapons.
Week
9

MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 2: Terrorism

3 study hours
  • Understand the meaning of terrorism.
  • Know the causal factors associated with terrorism.
  • Examine the extent to which terrorism can affect the international system.
Week
10

MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 3: Human Rights Violations

3 study hours
  • Define Human Rights.
  • Know notable organisations that promote human rights.
  • Analyse the challenges faced by states in dealing with Human Rights.
Week
11

MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 4: Climate Change

3 study hours
  • Discuss the meaning of climate change and the dangers it poses to the international system.
  • Relate climate change and international relations.
  • Understand the agreements on climate change and the challenges of these agreements.
Week
12

MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 5: Globalisation and Global Health

3 study hours
  • Discuss the meaning of globalisation.
  • Argue on the benefits and dangers of globalisation.
  • Understand the issues global health can pose to the international system.
Week
13

MODULE 4 - CHANGES AND COOPERATION IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

3h

UNIT 1: The Media and Communication

3 study hours
  • Discuss the role of the media in international politics.
  • Examine the challenges the media faces in the post cold war when trying to pass information.
  • Understand the power of the media in framing ideologies.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review key concepts and theories from each module.

2

Create timelines of major events and developments in the post-Cold War era.

3

Practice analyzing case studies of international conflicts and cooperation.

4

Focus on understanding the roles and functions of international organizations.

5

Prepare arguments for and against different perspectives on globalization and climate change.

6

Study the main treaties and agreements discussed in the course.

7

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions.

8

Practice answering essay questions on major topics.

9

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments and feedback provided.

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning