COURSE UNIT TITLE

Offered By

International Relations (English)

Level of Course Unit

Third Cycle Programmes (Doctorate Degree)

Course Coordinator

PROFESSOR DOCTOR NAZIF MANDACI

Offered to

International Relations (English)

Course Objective

SCOPE

This course critically examines key political, economic, and social challenges shaping the contemporary developing world. It focuses on pressing global issues such as land grabbing, food security and sovereignty, and the evolving landscape of South-South cooperation. Special attention will be given to the role of BRICS nations and other emerging powers including Turkey, Gulf countries, and rising African and Latin American states in global governance, economic diplomacy, and geopolitical strategy. The course also explores the rise of niche diplomacy strategies among these actors and their implications for international development and global power shifts.

In addition, the course will explore the current trend toward multipolarity in the global system, which has allowed previously underdeveloped countries to play a more discernible role in international affairs. We will analyze how this shift impacts multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, where emerging powers seek to reshape global governance structures and challenge traditional Western dominance.

The course will also analyze the recent wave of authoritarianism and radical right-nationalism across various countries of the Global South, with case studies from India, Brazil, Argentina, and key African nations. The interplay between domestic political transformations, multipolar realignments, and global governance reforms will be a central theme throughout the discussions.

LIMITS

While the course offers a broad comparative framework, it does not aim to provide an exhaustive historical account of each country's political and economic trajectory. Instead, the emphasis will be on contemporary issues and trends, analyzed through theoretical frameworks and empirical case studies. Additionally, while the course considers the roles of external actors such as traditional Western powers and international institutions its primary focus remains on intra-developing world dynamics and interactions.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Recomended or Required Reading

TBA.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1. Seminars in class
2. Proposal for the term paper
3. Mid-term exam
4. Term paper presentation
5. Book overview presentation
6. Term paper (final version) (2, 4, 5, 6 in stead of final exam)

Assessment Methods

Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

This course is structured around active student engagement with assigned readings, class discussions, and individual analytical work. To ensure a productive learning environment, students are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

- Readings and Participation: The course is reading-intensive, and students must complete all assigned texts before class. Readings will be uploaded and shared by the instructor in advance. Active participation in discussions is essential, as the course relies on critical engagement with the material rather than passive lecture-style teaching.

Term Paper Proposal and Presentation: Instead of a final exam, students will develop a term paper on a relevant topic of their choice aligned with the course themes. To ensure clarity and direction, each student must submit a proposal outlining the scope and aims of their term paper. This proposal will return from the instructor with feedback. The feedback will help refine the paper's focus and highlight key issues that require further attention.

Midterm Exam: A midterm exam will assess students' grasp of core concepts and their ability to engage critically with the readings and discussions.

Manuscript Overview and Summary: Each student will be assigned a manuscript for tthe overview.

Language of Instruction

English

Course Policies and Rules

To be announced.

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

To be announced.

Office Hours

TBA

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes