Theories of International Relations (ASK102F)

This course provides students with an introduction to the major approaches and theories of International Relations.  Students are introduced to the aims of theory, theoretical frameworks - rationalist vs reflectivist - as well as the main theories themselves.  How the theories can be applied in practice is also examined.

Theory aims to identify broad patterns and draw wider conclusions from a series of discrete moments in international affairs, in order to generate greater insight into, and meaning from, our world. With this in mind, this course explores the various ‘great debates’ that have emerged over time between and among theories of international relations, as well as more recent contributions. How theories can be used to interpret and understand world affairs will be demonstrated throughout the course, drawing on real-life case studies.

Iceland‘s Foreign Relations (ASK103F)

The course deals with Iceland's foreign affairs and foreign policy from 1940 to 2018. The aim of the course is to cover all major events in the history of Iceland's foreign affairs during this period such as membership of NATO, the defence and economic relationship with the USA, the cod wars and Nordic and European cooperation. The course also covers the most recent changes which are taking place in Iceland's foreign policy, i.e. more focus on developing aid and human rights. Theories in international studies and small-states studies will be used to analyse the case of Iceland.

Iceland in the International System (ASK105F)

The aim of this course is to develop skills in analyzing and discussing international cooperation and in particular, Iceland´s role in global affairs. Globalization from an historical and theoretical perspective is presented and the influence of globalization on politics, economics, states and individuals discussed. The foreign policy of Iceland is analyzed with an emphasis on the current priorities. Iceland´s role in the international system in relation to the current challenges is presented with an emphasis on security and defence matters, Arctic issues and Nordic cooperation. European integration will be explored relating to Iceland´s choices in European affairs, with a particular focus on the effects of the EEA agreement in Iceland. Moreover, Iceland´s UN participation and campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council will be covered.

Hybrid Threats: Impact on states, societies and democracy (ASK033M)

The course is intended to introduce students to hybrid threats and hybrid warfare, that are increasingly prominent in security debates. Hybrid warfare has been utilized in war and conflict throughout history – to undermine adversaries, through disinformation and subversion. Modern technology and complex society have radically altered the scope and ease by which hybrid warfare can be employed. Different perpetrators can now pose such threats and engage in such warfare in more varied ways at less cost and risk.

Historical development will be introduced and current divergence, regarding hybrid warfare in the world, put into context of relevant theories of international relations. The main actors, their methods, and possible consequences will be studied, e.g., a serious threat to democracy. Also, the responses and resources brought to bear will be addressed, the problems that states and societies may find in planning their response and defence. Responses and remedies to hybrid threats will be addressed, the potential problems that may exist, as attacks and actions tend to undermine cohesion and promote fragmentation – which can further impede response.

Introduction to Arctic Studies (ASK117F)

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in Arctic studies. The essentials are covered, such as defining the field; identifying key actors; providing a brief regional history; and exploring current drivers and trends (especially the role of climate change). Class visits to Arctic-relevant entities in Reykjavik will also be undertaken.

The aim of this course is to provide students with a thorough grounding in the overall field of Arctic studies, in order that they may progress to more focused coursework within that field. By bringing together academic knowledge of the field with practical experience at some of the main locations for Arctic-related activities in Iceland, the course demonstrates the important contribution Arctic studies make in the lived reality of Arctic affairs. The visit schedule is subject to change each year, but is likely to be drawn from the following list: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Althingi; the Icelandic Coastguard; the Hofdi Peace Centre; the Arctic Circle Secretariat; relevant foreign diplomatic representation. 

Peacebuilding in the 20th and 21st century (ASK501M)

The main objective of the course is to provide students with theoretic and practical tools to analyze the challenges, threats, and opportunities of constructing peace in the aftermath of war. What happens after the last shot is fired until sustainable peace is achieved? Through case-study analysis students will be able to identify and understand different stakeholders and spoilers of peacebuilding efforts as well as the lessons learned in the last 30 years of conflict intervention. Students will analyze why constructing a sustainable peace after armed conflict has proven to be so complex, despite the robust budgets and deployments, or the inclusion of components such as transitional justice, security sector reform, and development. Among the peace process that will be analyzed in class: South Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Timor Leste, Philippines, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Mozambique, DR Congo, and Colombia

Contemporary Issues in International Affairs: Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution (ASK305M)

This course will provide an insight into recent and ongoing conflict in the world through the lens of peace and conflict studies. It starts with an introduction to the field of peace and conflict studies, setting the stage for an analysis of recent and ongoing conflicts with the help of guest lecturers with expertise in the relevant regions. The course concludes with an introduction to the field of conflict resolution and mediation. Likely topics will include Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Sudan, to name a few.

Foreign Policy Analysis (ASK306F)

The course trains students in foreign policy analysis. Students are introduced to academic approaches to foreign policy analysis and trained in conducting such analysis, for example through the use of case studies. Both great powers and small states are covered and students should realize what elements states share and which they don’t. A special emphasis is placed on analyzing the factors shaping small states’ foreign policy. The objectives and implementation of foreign policy are taken into consideration, as are the interactions of states, institutions and NGOs in the international system. The course sheds a light on factors influencing states’ presentation of their interests and their foreign policy, and attempts to explain why states behave the way they do, and how internal and external actors shape their actions.

Arctic Politics in International Context (ASK113F)

This course examines the aims, interests, opportunities, and challenges of states, non-state actors, regional fora, and international organizations in a changing Arctic region. With a focus on policy, politics, and current issues, it analyses the contemporary dilemmas posed by Arctic governance, cooperation, and imaginaries of the region.

Building on the fundamentals taught in ‘Introduction to Arctic Studies’, this course investigates the Arctic policies of the ‘Arctic Eight’ states, as well as states located outside the region. Five of the ‘Arctic Eight’ are Nordic small states, and so this angle is also considered. The role and achievements of other relevant entities such as the Arctic Council, the Arctic Coast Guard Forum, NATO, the EU, and the UN is also analyzed. The course has an international focus and provides an in-depth examination of the major political contours in today’s Arctic

Issues and Debates in European Integration (ASK110F)

Issues and Debates in European Integration is a graduate course that addresses institutional, historical and theoretical aspects as well as contemporary issues and debates in the field of European integration. As part of the MA program in International Affairs, it is designed primarily for students who already have a basic command of the workings of the EU’s institutions and decision-making processes. While such basic knowledge of the EU political system is not strictly speaking a prerequisite for taking this course, students who lack such knowledge are strongly encouraged to read up on the basics prior to or at the very beginning of the semester. The course is divided into three parts and will cover (a) historical and institutional aspects of European integration, (b) the most important theoretical traditions in the field of European integration, and (c) contemporary issues and debates in European integration.

Small States Theory: Opportunities and Constraints of Small States in the International System (STJ301M)

The aim of this course is to study the behavior and role of small states in the international system. The course deals with questions such as: What is a small state? What are the main constrains and opportunities of small states? Do small states behave differently in the international community from larger ones? The course offers an introduction to the literature on the state, the international system and small-state studies. The main emphasis, however, is on internal and external opportunities and constraints facing small states, for example how they are affected by and have responded to globalization, new security threats and the process of European integration. Special attention is devoted to Iceland and its reactions to economic crises and security threats. The course will also examine Iceland´s relations with the United States, China, Russia and the Nordic states, and its engagement with the European Union.

Leadership in Small States (previously The Power Potential of Small States) (STJ303M)

The aim of this course is to study strategies of small states to protect their interests and have a say in the international system. The course builds on the small state literature and examines whether small states tend to seek shelter, hedge, or hide in the international system. The focus is on the ability of small states to establish constructive relations with larger states and their power potential in international organizations. Special attention will be paid to current affairs and how a variety of small European states have been affected by and responded to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The course will analyse crisis management in small states and how small states have responded to external crises, such as international economic crises and pandemics. The course examines small states’ methods to influence the day-to-day decision-making in the European Union. It studies the utilization of soft power by the smaller states, such as how small states use participation in the Eurovision Song Contest to enhance their international image. The course focus specially on small European states, in particular the five Nordic states. The course brings together some of the leading scholars in the field of small state studies and leadership studies by providing students with access to an online edX course on leadership in small states. The online edX course will supplement discussion in the classroom and cover in greater depth Small State Leadership in Public Administration and Governance; Small State Leadership in Foreign and Security Policy; Small State Leadership in Gender Policy; and Small State Leadership in International Diplomacy.

Negotiations (ASK206F)

International negotiations are vital for states to ensure their citizens increased quality of life and secure their position as acceptable in the international system. The objective of this course is to observe how states manage their negotiations with other states and international lobbyist groups. Another aim is to observe how states defend their interests and push their objectives within international organisations. Theories of negotiation tools, management and organisations of negotiations will be dealt with.

The Role and Policymaking of International Institutions (ASK201F)

International organizations (IOs) are ubiqitous on the global stage and collectively engage with virtually every aspect of international relations. This course will provide an introduction to the empirical study of international organizations and the politics and processes that govern their operations.

Rather than organizing around specific organizational histories or issue areas, the course will focus on investigating the political structures that underpin the system and how they fit together. To what extent can we think of IOs as independent actors? Who are the actors that influence them and how do they do it? How are IOs financed and what implications does that have for their operations? Who are the staff that work in IOs and how do they matter? These are the types of questions that will guide our analysis over the course of the semester.

In answering these questions, students will be exposed to a range of approaches for the study of international organizations. Readings will comprise historical narratives, case studies, and both qualitative and quantitative journal articles and book chapters. However, we will pay particular attention to recent scholarship on IOs so that students get a sense of the current state of affairs in IO research. The goal of the course is thus twofold: first, to help students understand and analyze the political and administrative dynamics that guide the operations of IOs, and second, to enable students to engage with a variety of scholarly work on IOs in pursuit of their own research topics and ideas.

The course builds on major theories of international relations but no substantive expertise is expected on individual IOs beyond what an informed news consumer might have. Where appropriate, background reading will be provided for students who need a refresher on particular topics/IOs. Our organizational focus will largely be on global organizations, such as the United Nations agencies, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, but we will also spend some time exploring regional organizations, such as the Council of Europe, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and private actors.

Introduction to Security Studies (ASK220F)

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in security studies. It examines concepts and theories relevant in the field, then considers approaches to, and practices of, security across different levels of analysis: individual, national, international, transnational, global and human.
The focus of security studies centres around questions of what, for whom, and how, is security. Answers to these questions vary according to what level of analysis is adopted, and which security domain is being discussed (eg political, military, economics, social, environmental, etc). The course explores these dimensions thoroughly, and then considers what they contribute to our practical knowledge and experiences of security.

Contemporary Armed Conflicts (ASK032M)

The main objective of the course is to provide students with theoretic and practical tools to analyze the causes and outcomes of the main conflicts around the world in the last 30 years. Through case-study analysis, students will be able to identify and analyze different types of armed conflicts, the role of state and non-state actors involved, as well as conflict-resolution/peacebuilding initiatives.

Additionally the course assessess the effectiveness of UN interventions to counter the so called New Wars and changes in warfare (mercenaries, cyberwarfare).

Conflicts that may be analyzed in class include the Balkans, Russia‘s intervention in Ukraine, the war against terrorism in the Sahel, Somalia, China‘s expansion in the South China Sea, Philippines, Myanmar, Iraq, Libya, the rise of ISIS, and  Colombia

Small States Summer School 2024 - Small States and the Current Security Challenges in the North Atlantic (STJ026F)

The security environment in the North Atlantic has taken a dramatic shift in recent years, affecting the scope of small state policy and security matters in the region. With Russia‘s full scale invasion into Ukraine, support for NATO has increased and now with Finland‘s accession to the Alliance and Sweden‘s application, the Nordic-Baltic region, stands to become more integrated in the realms of security than ever before. In these troubled times, there is a greater need for training young academics and future leaders in analyzing defense and security issues. The aim of this course is to prepare our future experts and academics for the security challenges ahead. The objective is to provide students with advanced specific knowledge on current security challenges as well as general research skills. Research is the basis for informed decision-making and an important tool to deepen our understanding of the state of affairs and thus better deal with changes on the international scene.

 The 2024 Small States Summer School will be organised from 12-17 August 2024.