International Politics in the Post Cold War Era

1. Explain the key events and ideologies shaping the post-Cold War international system.
2. Analyze the changing nature of warfare and the role of arms in contemporary conflicts.
3. Evaluate the challenges posed by nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and human rights violations.
4. Assess the impact of globalization and climate change on international relations.
5. Understand the role of international organizations and laws in promoting cooperation and managing global issues.
6. Critically examine the influence of media and communication on international politics and diplomacy.

13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: The New World Order

   • Unit 1: The End of the Cold War · 3 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: The New World Order

   • Unit 2 - Clash of the Civilization · 3 hours

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

3. Week 3Module 1: The New World Order

   • Unit 3 - Ideologies of the Post-Cold War Era · 3 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..

4. Week 4Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

   • UNIT 1: The Changing Character of War · 3 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..

5. Week 5Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

   • UNIT 2: Arms Race and Arms Buildup (private military companies) · 3 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..

6. Week 6Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

   • UNIT 3: Small Arms and Light Weapons · 3 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..

7. Week 7Module 2 - WARS AND WEAPONS IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

   • UNIT 4: The link between Arms Race and Wars · 3 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.

8. Week 8MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

   • UNIT 1: Nuclear Proliferation · 3 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..

9. Week 9MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

   • UNIT 2: Terrorism · 3 hours

     Understand the meaning of terrorism.. Know the causal factors associated with terrorism.. Examine the extent to which terrorism can affect the international system..

10. Week 10MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

    • UNIT 3: Human Rights Violations · 3 hours

      Define Human Rights.. Know notable organisations that promote human rights.. Analyse the challenges faced by states in dealing with Human Rights..

11. Week 11MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

    • UNIT 4: Climate Change · 3 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..

12. Week 12MODULE 3 - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

    • UNIT 5: Globalisation and Global Health · 3 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..

13. Week 13MODULE 4 - CHANGES AND COOPERATION IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

    • UNIT 1: The Media and Communication · 3 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..