Globalisation is a contested notion, which relates to the debates on changes and continuities in international relations. The objectives of this course are to provide you with different theoretical perspectives to critically analyse (a) the continuing relevance of the state and (b) positive and negative consequences of globalisation processes for various dimensions of security, such as military, political, economic, cultural and psychological.

In the first part of the course you will be introduced to world system theory and how it may explain the present fragmentation of the world. Globalisation may also be analysed as an increasing interdependence on various geographical levels. The interplay between the global and the local is discussed with an emphasis on negotiations between transnational companies and states. The consequences of globalisation on the human rights system are also explored.

The second part addresses the transformation and reconfiguration of the state. Various notions, such as failed states, virtual states, trading states and regulatory states are explored and linked to issues of sovereignty, gender, identity-based conflicts, violence, transnationalism, citizenship and migration. The overarching question is in what ways and to what extent can contemporary globalisation enhance and/or undermine security?

Further information: master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se