Course 2025-2026 a.y.

This course is divided into two modules. 

Module taught by Professor Kavakli:

• Introduction to International Relations: History, Actors, and Levels of Analysis
• Core Theories of International Relations
• War, Peace, and Emerging Threats
• Great Power Competition
• Economic Coercion and Statecraft: Concepts and Evolution
• Trade and Financial Sanctions
• The Future of Interstate Coercion: Cyber and Digital Dimensions
• Climate Change and Environmental Security

Module taught by Professor Vignoli:

• Interstate Rivalries
• Civil and Ethnic Wars
• Terrorism and Violence Against Civilians
• Military Spending
• Military Coups
• Intergovernmental Organizations
• International Treaties

• Define core theories of International Relations.
• Describe the evolving landscape of global politics, including traditional power dynamics, conflict, economic statecraft, and cyber challenges.
• Identify key actors and levels of analysis in International Relations.
• List various forms of interstate coercion, including economic coercion and sanctions.
• Explain the causes and consequences of interstate and civil wars.
• Illustrate the dynamics of interstate rivalries.
• Summarize the role of international organizations and treaties in interstate relations.

• Develop analytical written communication skills in the field of security studies;
• Analyse and interpret data in the field of IR

• Lectures
• Individual works / Assignments
• Interaction/Gamification

Individual assignments will enable students to improve research and written skills.

Case studies and interactive class debates will enable students to develop critical analysis and interaction.

Module Prof. Pagani (50% of the final grade)

• With the purpose of measuring the acquisition of the above-mentioned learning outcomes, the students’ assessment is based on: 

  • A written exam (100%) aimed to test the students’ ability to critically discuss the topics of the course, on the basis of lectures and reading materials.

Module Prof. Vignoli (50% of the final grade)

• Active participation to class debates (10%)

• A group essay (30%) aimed to asses the students’ skills to present and discuss a case study or an article related to the topic of IR
• A written exam (60%) aimed to test the students’ ability to critically analyse a topic of the course, on the basis of all sessions and reading materials.

The assessment will be based on an a written exam that covers the entire content of the lectures for 100% of the grade.

The course materials will consist of journal articles, media articles, and book chapters, all of which will be provided online.