The course "Transatlantic Relations after the Cold War" offers a comprehensive exploration ofthe political, economic, and strategic dynamics shaping the relationship between Europe and North America in the post-Cold War era. Designed for M.A. students, this course delves into the complexities, challenges, and opportunities that have emerged in the Transatlantic relations since the fall of the Soviet Union. The course begins with an analysis of the historical context, examining the impact of the Cold War on Transatlantic relations and the subsequent transformations in the global landscape. It explores the shifting power dynamics, changing security concerns, and evolving economic interdependencies that have influenced the relationship between the European states, the United States and Canada. It also discusses the enlargement process of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the Cold War and its impact on the Transatlantic relationship.
Throughout the course, students will engage in critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, participate in discussions and debates to deepen their understanding of specific topics within the realm of Transatlantic relations and gain understanding into the complexities of contemporary Transatlantic issues.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:
1.Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical context, key events, and transformations that have shaped Transatlantic relations in the post-Cold War era.
2. Analyze and evaluate the political, economic, and strategic factors influencing Transatlantic relations, including power dynamics, security challenges, and economic interdependencies.
3.Critically assess the roles and functions of key institutions, such as NATO and the European Union, in promoting cooperation, managing conflicts, and shaping Transatlantic relations.
4.Evaluate and discuss the complexities of security cooperation between the United States, Canada, and European nations, including the evolution of NATO's role, defense cooperation mechanisms, and the challenges associated with burden-sharing.
5. Analyze the impact of economic integration and trade relations on Transatlantic cooperation, including the effects of globalization, trade agreements, and conflicts on the economic ties between Europe and North America.
Evaluation Methods
- Mid semester evaluation (50%)
- Term Paper – 30%
- Examination – 20%
- End-semester evaluation (50%)
SIS Research Manual should be used as a guide for written assignments. Available at https://www.jnu.ac.in/sites/default/files/SIS_Research_Manual_0.pdf
Students must maintain high degree of academic integrity, which includes abstaining from copying and plagiarism. For details on plagiarism and research ethics refer to SIS Research Manual.
- Teacher: Dr. J JEGANAATHAN
Course Statement
Existing study on International Relations perpetuate European perspectives on the international system and the structure. The theories of International Relations are predominantly Eurocentric as they apply European values and the way of thinking of the international system. Moreover, colonialism and imperialism have profoundly shaped the international system and continue to influence non-European perspectives on international relations.
Non-European perspective is a non-western International Relations (IR) approach to understanding and interpreting the world that is not rooted in European cultural, historical, or intellectual traditions. Inspired by Jacques Derrida, a French philosopher, known for his deconstructionist approach to philosophy and his critique of Western metaphysics, a non- European perspective can be seen in his critique of the Western tradition of binary oppositions, which he argues is based on a hierarchical and exclusionary logic that privileges one term over the other. Non-European perspectives are important for promoting diversity, inclusivity, and global understanding, and challenge the dominant Eurocentric perspectives that have traditionally shaped the way we think about political history, security, grand strategy and geopolitics. Derrida suggests that this way of thinking has been used to justify imperialism, colonialism, Revisionism, and expansionism.
This course aims to develop an understanding of non-European perspectives on International Relations, especially from Asia. It will explore how non-European states and regions conceptualize and engage with the international system, including topics such as decolonization, post colonialism, and resistance to Western dominance. The course will examine how non-European states and regions approach international cooperation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. This course will delve into the legacies of colonialism and imperialism and their impact on statehood, identity, nationalism, and the global distribution of power.
The course will encourage students to consider ethical dimensions of international relations from non-European perspectives, including issues of social justice, equity, and human rights.
Course Objectives
1. Explore key theoretical frameworks and concepts in non-European perspectives on international relations.
2. Analyze the historical experiences of non-European countries and regions in their interactions with the global system.
3. Examine the role of culture, identity, and power dynamics in shaping non-European foreign policies.
4. Understand the impact of non-European perspectives on global governance, security, and development.
5. Foster critical thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of primary and secondary sources.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course and by studying non-European perspectives, the student will:
1. Students will gain a critical understanding of global power dynamics beyond the traditional Eurocentric framework.
2. Analyze different strategies, institutions, and practices employed by non-European actors to navigate the complexities of international relations, including regional organizations and multilateral frameworks.
3. Engage with a range of contemporary issues and challenges faced by non-European countries, including economic development, globalization, human rights, environmental sustainability, migration, and regional conflicts.
4. Critically analyze the perspectives and strategies employed by non-European nations in addressing these challenges. Students will engage with interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on insights from history, politics, and security.
5. Examine the role of power, privilege, and inequality in shaping global interactions and explore alternative visions for a more just and inclusive international order.
Evaluation Methods
- Mid semester evaluation (50%)
- TermPaper–30%
- Examination–20% End-semester evaluation (50%)
- End Semester Examination – 50 %
SIS Research Manual should be used as a guide for written assignments. Available at
https://www.jnu.ac.in/sites/default/files/SIS_Research_Manual_0.pdf
Students must maintain high degree of academic integrity, which includes abstaining from copying and plagiarism. For details on plagiarism and research ethics refer to SIS Research Manual.
- Teacher: Dr. J JEGANAATHAN