IRS 102: Evolution of the Contemporary International System

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. explain how the fragmentation of powerful ancient empires, notably the roman empire and the byzantine empires paved way for the evolution of contemporary international system;
2. analyse how the treaty of Westphalia in 1948 and the defeat of napoleon in 1815 facilitated the evolution of the contemporary international system;
3. state how the industrial revolution changed the structure of the world economy and created capitalism and later imperialism;
4. explain the diffusion of power among different states and non-state actors as a consequence of the evolution of contemporary international system;
5. discuss the shift in the balance of regional and global powers;
6. explain the emergence of new centres of power; and
7. state the increasing importance of regional integration and the rise of interdependence and globalization.

Course Contents

The evolution of the contemporary international system from 1648 up to the end of the Second World War. The European International System and factors which led to the globalization of that system by the end of 1945. The fragmentation of powerful ancient empires, notably the Roman empire and the Byzantine empire followed by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 and the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. The evolution of the contemporary international system. The industrial revolution that changed the structure of the world economy and created capitalism and later imperialism; diffusion of power among different state and non-state actors; a shift in the balance of regional and global powers; emergence of new centres of power; increasing importance of regional integration.