Institutionalisation of the International System
Code: 102258Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Law | OP | 4 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Claudia Cristina Jimenez Cortes
- Email :
- claudia.jimenez@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course, but prior exposure to Public International Law is highly recommended.
Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is essential. This course is taught entirely in English, so a minimum B2 level is required for effective participation and comprehension.
The course will be taught from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Objectives
This course aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the origin, development, functioning, and current relevance of international organizations and their role in shaping the international system. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- Critically analyze the functioning of organizations operating in the international sphere, including their historical evolution and fundamental theoretical frameworks.
- Acquire in-depth knowledge of the United Nations system, evaluating its structure, principal organs, and its impact on current international affairs.
- Identify and comprehend the various substantive areas (economic, environmental, social) in which international organizations carry out their activities, and their contribution to global governance.
- Assess the role and influence of international organizations in addressing global challenges and promoting international cooperation.
- Develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to navigate the complexities of the institutionalized international system.
Learning outcomes
- Managing bibliographic and documentary resources: databases, browsing, etc.
- Demonstrating a sensible and critical reasoning: analysis, synthesis, conclusions.
- Identifying and solving problems.
- Students must be capable of learning autonomously and having an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Working in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary fields.
- Memorising and using the specific terminology of Public International Law, Private International Law and European Union Law.
- Identifying and knowing the basic contents of every stipulated speciality.
- Assessing legislative changes and reforms in a context of plurality of systems.
- Identifying and assessing the changes and evolution of jurisprudence in a context of plurality of systems.
- Building a legal reasoning or discourse in the field of Public International Law, Private International Law and European Union Law.
- Assessing the underlying conflicts of interest in the legal problems proposed in an international environment.
- Applying an interdisciplinary and integrated vision of the legal problems in an international environment.
- Present information in a way that is appropriate to the type of audience.
- Seek out, interpret and apply legal provisions related to Public Internacional law, Private International Law and European Union Law.
Contents
THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM. GENERAL CHARACTERISTCS
Part I: The institutionalization of the international system: General characteristics and main Actors
Lesson 1. Origin, General Theory and Functions of International Organizations
Introduction.
Historical evolution.
Concept and types of international organizations.
Theories of international organizations.
Distinction from other international actors.
Role and functions of international organizations in international society today.
Lesson 2. Structure, Financing and Decision-Making of International Organizations
The constitutive treaty: powers and competences.
Structure.
Main manifestations of subjectivity.
International agents and their status.
Financing systems.
Decision-making process.
The legal acts of international organizations.
Lesson 3. The United Nations
Genesis and Functions of the United Nations.
Structure, members and finance.
The principal organs of the United Nations.
Its role in current international society.
Proposals for reforming the United Nations.
Part II: Global Governance Challenges and the 2030 Agenda
Lesson 4. The Postwar International Economic and Social Architecture
Origins and context: the Bretton Woods moment and its political logic.
Purposes and principles of international economic cooperation.
The monetary and financial pillar: the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.
The trade pillar: from GATT to the World Trade Organization.
The social pillar: the International Labour Organization and the UN Economic and Social Council.
Gaps, tensions and the North-South divide in the postwar architecture.
Lesson 5. The Environmental Challenge: From Stockholm to the Planetary Boundaries
The emergence of the environment as a subject of international law and governance.
Key milestones: Stockholm (1972), Rio (1992), Johannesburg (2002), Rio+20 (2012).
The institutional landscape: UNEP, the Commission on Sustainable Development, and the High-Level Political Forum.
The climate regime: the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
The biodiversity regime: the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Other environmental regimes.
The concept of planetary boundaries and its institutional implications.
Lesson 6. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Framework, Actors and Challenges
From the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals: continuities and ruptures.
The negotiation and political architecture of the 2030 Agenda.
The Sustainable Development Goals: structure, scope and the principle of universality.
The High-Level Political Forum as the central review mechanism.
Means of implementation.
The three pillars in practice: economic inclusion, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
The 2030 Agenda in crisis: progress, setbacks, and the post-2030 reform debate.
Part III: Sectoral Cooperation: Specific Institutional Regimes
Lesson 7. Global Health Governance
The origins of global health cooperation.
The World Health Organization: origins, structure, and functions.
The international health regulations.
The COVID-19 pandemic as a stress test for multilateral health governance.
The proposed Pandemic Treaty and institutional reform debates.
Other actors: GAVI, CEPI, and the role of private philanthropy.
Equity, access to medicines and the North-South divide.
The triple planetary crisis and health: converging paradigms.
Lesson 8. The Fight Against Hunger and Food Security
The institutional architecture: FAO, WFP, and IFAD.
The Committee on World Food Security and its reform.
Food sovereignty versus food security: normative tensions.
The right to food in international law.
Climate change, conflict and hunger: structural drivers.
The role of the private sector and agribusiness in food governance.
Lesson 9. Gender Equality and the Institutionalization of Women's Rights
From the Commission on the Status of Women to UN Women.
CEDAW: structure, monitoring and limitations.
The Beijing Platform for Action and its legacy.
SDG 5 and the mainstreaming of gender in international institutions.
Persistent gaps: gender-based violence, economic inequality, and political representation in international governance.
Part IV: Crisis and Reform of the International Institutional System
Lesson 10. The International Institutional System Facing 21st Century Challenges
The crisis of multilateralism and the rise of unilateralism.
The role of non-state actors and hybrid institutions.
Reform agendas and the future of international institutionalization.
Presentations and discussion.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory | 22 | 0.88 | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 |
| Work in the classroom (discussion and resolution of practices, debates, simulations of trials ...) | 23 | 0.92 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Work and study outside the classroom | 101 | 4.04 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 |
This course employs a continuous assessment method that emphasizes active student engagement. Compulsory attendance is a cornerstone of this approach, as the learning process is highly interactive and built around in-class participation.
The methodology is designed to foster a deep and practical understanding of the course material through a variety of engaging activities:
- Debates: Encouraging critical thinking and the articulation of reasoned arguments.
- Simulations: Providing hands-on experience and a practical understanding of complex scenarios.
- Reading-based questionnaires: To ensure text comprehension and gauging comprehension of key concepts.
- Group and individual presentations: Developing communication skills and the ability to synthesize and convey information effectively.
- Text analysis: Enhancing analytical reading skills and the interpretation of relevant literature.
- Case studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and problem-solving.
These activities will be conducted in both group and individual formats.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Group Oral exposition (Compulsory) | 30% | 1 | 0.04 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13 |
| Active participation in class | 10% | 1 | 0.04 | 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 |
| Written assignments (Compulsory) | 60% | 2 | 0.08 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 |
Continuous assessment
A. Compulsory written assignments (60% of final grade)
This component comprises three written mandatory assignments, each weighted at 20% of the final grade. Each assignment is based on questions that the student must respond based on the compulsory readings and materials that will be provided for each of the three thematic blocks of the course. Assignments are due at the end of the corresponding block — at sessions 3, 6 and 9 respectively — and must be written and submitted in class.
Attendance at activities designated as compulsory is mandatory. The possibility of retaking or completing assignments on alternative dates will only be accepted in cases of unforeseen absence during the course, duly justified by supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificates, administrative or judicial summons, etc.).
B. Final group presentation (30% of final grade)
Students will deliver a group presentation during the final session of the course (Session 10), dedicated to the theme of Crisis and Reform of the International Institutional System. Each group will address a specific topic within this theme, which must be proposed by the students and approved by the professor in advance. Topics should engage critically with the challenges, failures and reform proposals affecting the international institutional system, drawing on the theoretical and substantive knowledge developed throughout the course.
Presentations will be assessed on the quality of the argument, the rigour of the sources used, the clarity of the oral exposition, and the ability to respond to questions from both the professor and peers. Further details regarding group size, presentation length, and submission of supporting materials will be provided at the beginning of the course.
C. Class participation (10% of final grade)
Active participation in class will be taken into account. Simply being present is not considered participation.
General continuous assessment policies
Eligibility for assessment: The course is based on a system of continuous assessment, which means that active and regular attendance at face-to-face sessions is essential. Students who do not attend at least 80% of the classes will not be able to pass the course. Mere physical presence without active participation will not be considered as fulfilment of this requirement.
Re-assessment (resit exam): Students who do not achieve a minimum grade of 5.0 in the continuous assessment system may take a resit exam covering all course content. The maximum grade obtainable in this resit exam is 5.0. Access to this exam requires prior submission of all compulsory practical assignments. No additional re-assessments will be offered if this exam is not passed.
Single assessment
The option of a single, comprehensive assessment is offered, subject to Faculty approval. This assessment will take place on the date set by the Faculty for the final exam and will consist of the following elements:
a) Written exam (40%): A test designed to evaluate the theoretical concepts developed during the course.
b) Case study resolution (40%): Assessment based on the resolution of a practical case study that will be provided at the beginning of the course, with questions posed on the day of the exam.
c) Preparation and oral defense of a poster (20%): Creation, presentation, and oral defense of a poster analyzing a current news story or event by applying concepts discussed in the course.
Note: The eligibility criteria for "Not Assessable" and "Re-assessment" grades are the same as those applied to the continuous assessment pathway.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In the context of this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is not permitted.. The unauthorized use of AI tools may result in a partial or total penalty to the activity's grade, or more severe sanctions in serious cases, in accordance with current university regulations.
Academic integrity
Any act of copying on an exam or exercise will result in a grade of 0 for the entire course. Any work containing plagiarism will receive a 0 for the specific assignment and an official warning. Repeated instances of such conduct will lead to suspension from the course.
Bibliography
Bibliography
Basic Bibliography (Recommended)
To follow the course, it is recommended to have at least one of the following manuals, which will serve as a fundamental basis for understanding the theoretical content. The most recent available editions have been prioritized:
- Klabbers, J. (2022). An Introduction to International Institutional Law (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Complementary Reference Texts
These key texts expand the understanding of the topics:
- Abbott, K. W., & Snidal, D. (2000). Hard and Soft Law in International Governance. International Organization, 54(3), 421–456.
- Barnett, M., & Finnemore, M. (2004). Rules for the World: International Organizations in Global Politics. Cornell University Press.
- Bjola, C., & Kornprobst, M. (2020). Understanding International Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (4th ed.). Routledge.
- Charlesworth, H., & Chinkin, C. (2000). The Boundaries of International Law: A Feminist Analysis. Manchester University Press.
- Crawford, J. (2014). Chance, Order, Change: The Course of International Law. Hague Academy of International Law.
- Díez de Velasco Vallejo, M. (2023). Las Organizaciones Internacionales. Tecnos.
- Fassbender, B., & Peters, A. (Eds.). (2022). The Oxford Handbook of the History of International Law. Oxford University Press.
- Held, D., & McGrew, A. (2007). Globalization/Anti-Globalization: Beyond the Great Divide. Polity Press.
- Krisch, N. (2014). The Decay of Consent: International Law in an Age of Global Public Goods. American Journal of International Law, 108(1), 1–45.
- Pastor Ridruejo, J. A. (2023). Curso de Derecho Internacional Público y Organizaciones internacionales. Tecnos.
- Peters, A. (2021). International Law: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Slaughter, A.-M. (2004). A New World Order. Princeton University Press.
- Wallensteen, P. (2015). Peace Research: 50 Years of Conflicts and Peace. Routledge.
- Zwingel, S. (2016). Gender and International Organizations: A Critical Study. Routledge.
Key Digital Resources
The following links provide access to primary sources, databases, and analyses relevant to the study of international organizations:
- UN Audiovisual Library of International Law: https://legal.un.org/avl/
- Collection of publications from the ILC: https://legal.un.org/ilc/
- United Nations: https://www.un.org/es/
- United Nations Treaty Collection: https://treaties.un.org/
- International Court of Justice (ICJ): https://www.icj-cij.org/en
- UN Digital Library: https://digitallibrary.un.org/
- UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR): https://www.ohchr.org/
- International Labour Organization (ILO): https://www.ilo.org/
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/
- UNHCR: https://www.acnur.org/
- UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/
- EUR-Lex: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/
Websites of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Amnesty International: https://www.amnesty.org/en/
- Freedom House: https://freedomhouse.org/
- Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): https://www.icrc.org/
- Save the Children: https://www.savethechildren.org/
- World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT): https://www.omct.org/en/
- Planetary Health Check: https://www.planetaryhealthcheck.org/
Periodicals and Think Tanks (Recommended for staying current)
- ASIL Insights: https://www.asil.org/insights
- Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI): https://www.cigionline.org/
- Chatham House: https://www.chathamhouse.org/
- Council on Foreign Relations (CFR): https://www.cfr.org/
- EJIL: Talk!: https://www.ejiltalk.org/
- Foreign Affairs: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/
- International Crisis Group: https://www.crisisgroup.org/
- Opinio Juris: http://opiniojuris.org/
Software
The course does not require any 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 | English | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | English | second semester | morning-mixed |