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Current Issues in International Relations

Code: 101092
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Political Science and Public Management OP 3
Political Science and Public Management OP 4
International Relations OP 4

Contact lecturer

Name :
Gebrael Abou-Askar Molina
Email :
gabriel.abouaskar@uab.cat

Teaching staff (external to UAB)

Gebrael Abou-Askar Molina

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

It has no academic prerequisites.

The student must have the habit of reading and consulting different means of communication of general information, especially following international news, as well as opinion articles on global political issues.

Objectives

The course focuses on the study and analysis of the current international political landscape, particularly regarding international security issues and armed conflicts.

To analyze this political context and security threats, the course introduces various analytical tools and methods for cross-referencing sources (such as OSINT). The aim is to ensure rigorous analysis both of documentary sources and of security-related international issues covering topics such as armed conflicts, insurgencies, organized crime, terrorism, hybrid warfare, and violent extremism.

While the primary focus lies on security and military affairs, the course seeks to broaden the scope of study regarding international issues as much as possible. This includes macroeconomics, civil and military technology, geoeconomics, and societal aspects, as well as other topics of interest at the European, national, and local levels.

Given the highly fluid nature of the current international political landscape, the course maintains a general framework based on international security analysis and strategic studies. Specific aspects will be updated annually, adapting the content to current international dynamics to provide the most up-to-date and contemporary perspective possible.


Learning outcomes

  1. Working in teams and networking, particularly in interdisciplinary conditions.
  2. Identifying sources of data and conducting bibliographic and documentary searches.
  3. Synthesizing and critically analysing information.
  4. Interpreting and applying English texts in an academic way.
  5. Arguing from different theoretical perspectives.
  6. Working by using quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques in order to apply them to research processes.
  7. Using the main information and documentation techniques (ICT) as an essential tool for the analysis.
  8. Demonstrating good writing skills in different contexts.
  9. Realising effective oral presentations that are suited to the audience.
  10. Managing the available time in order to accomplish the established objectives and fulfil the intended task.
  11. Working autonomously.
  12. Producing and planning researches or analytical reports.
  13. Designing data collection techniques, coordinating the information processing and meticulously applying hypothesis verification methods.
  14. Properly using the theory and concepts of international relations (traditions of Hobbesian, Grotian or Kantian thought).
  15. Explaining the major approximations to the international relations (realism, transnationalism and structuralism).
  16. Describing the international order: anarchy versus order, society of states and transnational society.
  17. Describing the main characteristic elements of the international society as a whole (1945-2000).
  18. Critically assessing the impacts of globalization in several areas: safety, environment, human rights, migrations and peace.
  19. Demonstrating they know theoretical tendencies and classical and recent analytical approximations of International Relations.
  20. Assessing specific distinctive aspects and conceptual and methodological instruments of the different tendencies and analytical approximations of International Relations.
  21. Applying theoretical and analytical knowledge of International Relations to practical and professional cases, in particular to the areas of conflict and cooperation between actors.
  22. Students must be capable of collecting and interpreting relevant data (usually within their area of study) in order to make statements that reflect social, scientific or ethical relevant issues.
  23. Students must be capable of communicating information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  24. Students must develop the necessary learning skills to undertake further training with a high degree of autonomy.
  25. Identify data sources and carry out rigorous bibliographical and documentary searches.
  26. Use metatheoretical data to argue and establish plausible relation of causality and establish ways of validating or rejecting them.
  27. Apply quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques in research processes.
  28. Produce and prepare the presentation of intervention reports and/or proposals.
  29. Make adequate use of the theory and concepts of international relations (Hobbesian, Grotian and Kantian thought).
  30. Describe the main approaches to international relations (realism, transnationalism, structuralism).
  31. Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical trends and classical and recent analytical approaches to international relations.
  32. Describe the international order: anarchy versus order, national society and transnational society.
  33. Describe the main elements that characterise international global society (1945-2000).
  34. Evaluate the distinctive and instrumental aspects of the different trends and analytical approaches to international relations from a conceptual and methodological focus.
  35. Apply theoretical and analytical knowledge of international relations in practical and professional case studies, in particular in the area of conflict and cooperation between actors.

Contents

The course aims to provide an up to date perspective on the realities of the international political landscape; specific course content will be presented at the start of the semester.


Broadly speaking, the course is divided into three general thematic areas:


1. War as a phenomenon


2. Technology and the RMA (Revolution in Military Affairs)


3. Threats to international security




Block I


Hybrid warfare.


1. Introduction and presentation of objectives


2. War as a phenomenon


3. Theoretical framework and schools of thought


4. Types of threats to international security




Block II


Technological paradigm.


1. Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA)


2. Systems development


3. Strategy and the nuclear debate


4. European security




Block III


Intelligence studies.


1. Threat detection


2. Information analysis techniques and tools; cross-referencing sources (OSINT)

Miscellaneous topics: macroeconomics, society, criminality, violent extremism.


3. Case study: current issues


Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Practices and oral presentations in class, case studies 6 0.24 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 20
Writing the course work 9 0.36 8, 14, 17
Tutorials and exam comments 3 0.12
Lectures with use of ICT and large group discussion 43 1.72 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 20, 27
Reading and preparation of the texts that will be the subject of a class control 7 0.28 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 32, 33
Study of the subject syllabus and supplementary readings 72 2.88 10, 11
Debates on required readings 3 0.12 3, 5, 6, 10, 19, 35

The dedication to this subject is specified in several types of activities, each with a certain teaching load. Its value, 6 ECTS credits, implies a total dedication of 150 hours, which will be distributed in several types of activities:

- Directed activities are activities in the classroom, with the presence of the teacher and will consist of lectures (with the possibility of developing large group debates); in seminars for discussion of required readings or thematic materials in smaller groups; in sessions more oriented to practical issues, in which cases, problems and examples relating to the course syllabus will be analysed. These activities represent around 35% of the total work required.

- Supervised activities are activities carried out by the student outside the classroom in accordance with a work plan designed and subsequently tutored and evaluated by the teacher. These activities represent,

approximately 10% of the required work.

- Independent activities are all those activities that the student does on his own and in accordance with the requirements of the course in order to successfully pass the subject, such as basic and complementary readings, study of class notes or all those other activities that complement the training achieved in this course.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Group work and oral presentation 50% exams/ 50% Group work and presentation 7 0.28 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35

Assessment comprises:

- Regular class attendance and participation in activities, debates, reading commentaries, contributions to oral presentations, etc.

- Continuous assessment: written commentaries on readings or videos, preparation for debates.

- A group project on one of the topics/cases covered in class, to be presented publicly during the final sessions of the course. The project length must be between 3,000 and 5,000 words, excluding the bibliography and appendices. Formatting requirements: 1.5 line spacing; Arial font, size 12 for the main text and size 10 for footnotes. The submission deadline will be confirmed once the course begins.

Continuous assessment:

Midterm exam: 25%

Final exam: 25%

Practical in class exercises at the end of each course module: 50%

Following the regular exam period, a make up assessment will be held for students who attended the course regularly but did not pass the subject. This make up assessment will take place on dates established by the Faculty.

Participation in any two of the aforementioned assessment activities precludes a grade of "did not sit for the exam" (No Presentado).

Single assessment:

Students who have formally requested it within the established timeframe may opt for a single assessment. This will consist of an exercise comprising an exam (50%) and questions regarding a research project agreed upon at the start of the course (50%).

This exercise will take place at the end of the semester on the date set by the Faculty for the regular exam; the date will be announced well in advance. If a student fails to achieve a score of at least 5 out of 10 points, they may retake the exercise on the date set by the Faculty for the make-up assessment.


Bibliography

Basic bibliography:

 

-Alger, J. (2009). From Nuclear Energy to the Bomb: The Proliferation Potential of New Nuclear Energy Programs. Centre for International Governance Innovation. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep16141

-Arnson, C. J., & Zartman, I. W. (2005). Rethinking the economics of war: the intersection of need, creed, and greed. Woodrow Wilson Center Press.

Azar, E. E. (1990). The management of protracted social conflict: theory and cases. Dartmouth ; Gower Pub. Co.

-Azar, E. E., & Burton, J. W. (Eds.). (1986). International Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice. Lynne Rienner Pub.

-Blalock, H. M. (1989). Power and Conflict: Toward a General Theory. Sage.

-Burton, J. (1990a). Conflict: resolution and prevention. Macmillan.

-Burton, J. (Ed.). (1990b). Conflict: Human Needs Theory. The Macmillan Press.

-Ejuchegahi, Angwaomaodoko, A.(2024)Trade Wars and Tariff Policies: Long-Term effects on Global Trade and Economic Relationship .Business and Economic Research 14(4):62 DOI:10.5296/ber.v14i4.22185

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385296439_Trade_Wars_and_Tariff_Policies_Long-Term_effects_on_Global_Trade_and_Economic_Relationship

-ERÄSTÖ, T., & TOPYCHKANOV, P. (2020). Towars Greater Nuclear Restant: Raising The Thereshold For Nuclear Weapon Use. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep24479

 

- Fang, T., & Hwang, T. (2023). What Is Techno-Nationalism? In The Rise of Techno-Nationalism (pp. 4–6). New America.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep54891.4

 

-Haynes, S. T. (2016). China’s Nuclear Threat Perceptions. Strategic Studies Quarterly, 10(2), 25–62.

 http://www.jstor.org/stable/26271504

 

-Jordán Javier. (2001) Introducción a los estudios de seguridad y defensa. Comares.

 

-Jordán Javier. (2011) La seguridad más allá del estado: Actores no estatales y seguridad internacional. Plaza y Valdés.

 

-Jordán,J .(2013) Manual de Estudios Estratégicos y Seguridad Internacional. Plaza y Valdés.

-Jordan, J. (2020). International Competition Below the Threshold of War: Toward a Theory of Gray Zone Conflict. Journal of Strategic Security, 14(1), 1–24.

 

-Martin, B. E. (2016). Weapons of Mass Destruction: Nuclear Terrorism and Nuclear Proliferation. Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses, 8(2), 17–23. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26369587

 

-Mearsheimer, J.J.(2014) The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. Norton.

-Ozawa, M. (Ed.). (2023). Total, global, hybrid war. In War changes everything: Russia after Ukraine (pp. 5–16). NATO Defense College.

 http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep47336.7

-Raska, M. (2019). Strategic Competition for Emerging Military Technologies: Comparative Paths and Patterns. PRISM, 8(3), 64–81.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/26864277

 

-Ramsbotham, O., Woodhouse, T., & Miall, H. (2011). Contemporary conflict resolution: the prevention, management and transformation of deadly conflicts. Polity Press.

 

-Scott,S & Waltz, K .( 2013) The Spread of Nuclear Weapons. An Enduring Debate. Norton.

-Toffler, A.(1995). La Tercera ola .Orbis, 1985.

 

-Toffler, A & Toffler H .(1995) Las guerras del futuro. La supervivencia en el alba del siglo XXI. Círculo de lectores.

 

-Von Clausewitz,C. (2014) De la guerra. La esfera de los libros.

-Wallensteen, P. (2007). Understanding conflict resolution: war, peace and the global system. SAGE.

 

 

 

 

Software

It does not require specific software.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 1 Spanish second semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 1 Spanish second semester morning-mixed