Debating International Relations

Dr Andrew Drever is a Teaching Fellow at the Centre for Open Learning. He has a PhD in Politics (University of Edinburgh, 2016), an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York, 2010), and a BA (Hons) in Politics (University of Strathclyde, 2008). His doctoral research focused on theories of distributive justice.

Dr Drever teaches at the Centre for Open Learning, the School of Social and Political Science, and at the Open University. He has taught courses on international relations, political science, political theory, social theory, social science, and study skills.

This course will examine key issues and debates in the study of world affairs and global politics. It will look at a range of theories, considering how each makes distinctive use of key concepts, including those also employed by other theories, to offer unique understandings of the processes of world affairs.

Theories and concepts will be explored and tested through engagement with historical and contemporary case studies, capturing examples of warfare, economic and social crises, international trade, and the failures and successes of diplomacy.

These case studies will thus be considered not only as isolated series of events but as examples of important and recurring phenomena in world affairs.

• Theories The course will consider different variants of the ‘mainstream’ International Relations approaches of realism and liberalism as well as ‘critical’ alternatives such as constructivism, feminism, post-colonialism, and Marxism.
• Case studies Possible case studies to be discussed include, the Cold War, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, recurring economic crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russian’s on-going invasion of Ukraine.
• Issues Case studies and theories will allow exploration of broader issues such as security and insecurity, economic interdependence, the role of global institutions and international law, human rights and humanitarian intervention

Each session will intersperse lectures with tutorial activities and discussions. These will develop knowledge and understanding of International Relations as well as general academic skills and principles of good scholarship. In order to participate effectively in class discussions and get the most out of each session, students should ensure they have completed the essential reading in preparation for each session. The course material is cumulative with each session building on the content of those that preceded it.

Week 1 and Week 2

• Monday - Friday (10:00-13:00)

The course will be assessed through a 2500-word essay. In preparation of the essay, students will be encouraged to give a short presentation in class and submit an essay plan on which feedback will be provided. 

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

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the diverse definitions of key concepts in the study and practice of International Relations. 
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of important theories in International Relations. 
3. Demonstrate knowledge of key events and processes in world affairs. 
4. Use a range of concepts, theories and empirical evidence to critically assess major current issues and debates in world affairs and International Relations. 
5. Employ skills of interpretation, argument and critical analysis in both writing and discussion. 

The course fee does not include accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information. 

To ensure your experience at the University of Edinburgh's Summer School is memorable, we encourage students to embrace the city and its culture and take part in the variety of social activities available.

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Applications have now closed for 2024.