A90082 Introduction to International Relations

To be a good economist is especially  important also  the real understanding  of most international political, social, military events.

During the course you will learn the historical phases  that have led to the present world and the methodology for a correct evaluation of an event.

An important added value with respect to your competitors is a good knowledge of the international reality,  the reason for which a country today  is as we see it,  the knowledge of psychological factors and  their influence on political and economic  choices and on the quality of life of a country. Understanding the real causes of political and economic decisions will be useful when you have  a career development and more responsibility.

A deeper knowledge of the  international scenario  and main historical events that have led  to the current international system.

1-CURRENT WORLD  

1) Economic and political doctrine of the President Trump.

2 )Analysis of  Brexit: the British psychology and its influence in political decisions

3) Case study of psychological influence on the decisions of CEO 

4) Emotional and rational analysis: the case of North Korea

5) From the Soviet Union to the current Russia. The  division of Berlin and Germany into two areas. The mistakes of  former  President Gorbacev.

6) The international political, economic and military consequences of the end of the Cold War.

7)  The current crisis between Russia and Ukraine:  the deep cause. The mentality of the  President Putin and his Foreign policy.

8)The case study:  the last American presidential elections. Analysis of political and social aspects of the United States.  

9)Why will climate change  not be faced for many years to come?

10) The geopolitical role of China.

2- HISTORICAL  SECTION

- 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' of a event 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: psychological, politics, economics aspects.

- American isolationist tradition. The deep causes of  American involvement in the First World  War.  The  different truths and their application to current events. 

-The importance of President Wilson in American foreign policy.  

-The foundations of the American foreign policy.

-The Peace Treaties and their economic and political consequences for Europe. 

- The awareness of the United States of being a superpower.

-The myth of permanent prosperity in U.S. and the economic  crisis of 1929. 

-The severe political, military and economic  consequences of the crisis of 1929 : the first step towards the 2nd World War.

-The Decisions of Japan, Italy and Germany to resolve the economic crisis of 1929.

-Misunderstandings,  fears,  hypocrisy between European ruling class which favored the 2nd World War. Psychological analysis.

-Towards the Second World War. 

-The origins of the Cold War and the division of the world into two separate areas of influence. 

- Relations between the Soviet Union and the United States in the 60s and 70s.

- American policy towards China in the 70s,

- Soviet president Brezhnev.

- The popular uprisings of 1989, the beginning of the end of the Soviet Union and Communism.

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

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.