A90082 Introduction to International Relations

Today is particularly important  the comprehension  of most significant  political, social, military and  economic international facts,  above all for  international business students.

During the course you  will learn the historical phases whom led to current world and, by means of some study cases, the methodology for a correct valuation of a event.

To be a good economist  (especially if your future work  will be in International Organizations, Human Resources, Diplomacy),  an important added value with respect to your competitors is a good knowledge of international reality,  the reason for which a country today  is as we see it,  a good knowledge of psychological factors  (the real engine of every human decision) and  traditions of each population which deeply influence their choices and quality of their life. Understanding the real causes of political ed economic decisions will be useful when you have  a career development and more responsibility.

A deeper knowledge of current international scenario  and main historical events who produced the current international system.

Skill in searching the deep causes of political, economic, military current events. At the end of the course the student will be able to understand  and evaluate the different domestic policies  existing among countries,    as well as the economic, social and military situations of the present word.  To perform in a group by demonstrating leadership.

- Analysis of political and economic decisional mechanisms, particularly the relevance  of psychological aspects, role of parties and ruling class, social and psychological conditions of populations, public opinion, pressure groups; military capabilities. Understanding the differences between symptoms and causes and their relevance in international analysis.  

- The European political, historical and economic situation at the beginning of the 20^th century. The deep causes of the First World War: politics, economics, psychological and military aspects. American isolationist tradition. The deep causes of  American involvement in the First World  War.  The importance of President Wilson in American foreign policy.   The peace treaties and their economic and political consequences for Europe.  The myth of permanent prosperity and the economic  crisis of 1929.  Political, military and economic  consequences of the crisis of 1929. Decisions of Japan, Italy and Germany to solve their economic crisis. Towards the Second World War.  The origins of the Cold War. 

Current World:1) The current  Russia – 2) The deep causes of the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine. 3) Comparison between the current international system with the previous.

The course will require active students’  involvement. It is necessary to keep up to date on the most important international matters through internet, newspapers, tv,  and so on

In your own interest and that of your colleagues, please strictly observe the following courtesy rules:

1. Arrive to class on time; do not leave early without prior explicit instructor’s approval ;
2.  Keep your mobiles and laptops off; do not chat with your classmates;
3. Laptops are allowed only for taking notes;
4. Do not wander in and out of the classroom;
5. Hand in assignments (if any) on time. No late submissions are allowed.
6. You are expected to be honest in your academic work. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be rigorously prosecuted.

The course requires your attendance.

During the course,  tests in classroom  to evaluate the learning.   If they are overall adequate,  no final examination. Otherwise will be necessary a final written examination on a subject of the syllabus.