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.

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.

Term Paper in Small States Studies (STJ312M)

Students in this course are required to write a paper on a topic – chosen in agreement with the teacher – related to one of the four themes below. 

The course builds on an edX course that students must watch "Small States and Leadership" and write a paper of 5000-6000 words, using 15-20 sources. 

Students must register for the edX course but do not need to pay for the access. 

UIcelandX: Small States and Leadership | edX

Theme 1: Leadership in Public Administration and Governance

Theme 2: Small States Leadership in Foreign and Security Policy

Theme 3: Small State Leadership in Gender Policy

Theme 4: Small State Foreign Policy - Taking Leadership in International Diplomacy

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