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International politics generates the challenges and crises to which humanitarian action responds and shapes the context within which humanitarian action occurs. Wars, conflicts, famine, refugee flows, pandemics and natural disasters are all either themselves political events or are shaped and mediated by political decisions and dynamics at both the national and international levels. This module examines these dynamics from an analytical perspective, drawing on both historical and current examples, case studies and policy debates. The module will show how theoretical frameworks help us make sense of international politics, and how different analytical lenses inform different potential responses to the challenges posed by armed conflict, globalisation and environmental change.

What is the nature of international political order, and how does it break down? What explains the use of violence for the resolution of inter and intra-state disputes? Does globalisation promote peace and stability, or conflict? Does democracy produce peace? How do domestic and international systems of order interact? What are the implications of changes in the distribution of power for international order? Can intervention in civil wars curb violence and bring about peace? What is the role of diplomacy? What are the conditions under which humanitarian action can be effective?ÌýHow does politics impact humanitarian action, and what are the ethical implications of humanitarian action? These are the kinds of questions that we will address through both theoretical and policy debates on this course.

By the end of the module, students will be familiar with major theoretical approaches in the field, be aware of the strengths and limitations of different approaches, understand the political context of humanitarian action, and display background knowledge of substantive questions in world politics.

The module will be taught through lectures and seminars. The lectures will introduce the topic and provide background to situate and contextualise the key themes of the weekly readings. The seminars will provide an opportunity for deeper engagement with the material through group discussions and class exercises of various kinds.