International Relations


PS5314    Seminar in International Relations 
Modular Credits: 4 
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5 
Prerequisite(s): Nil 
Preclusion(s): IZ5102, PS5208, PS6208, PS6301A, PS6401
Cross-listing(s): Nil 

This core module challenges students to investigate theoretical questions of international relations. It is required for Masters and Ph.D. students specialising in international relations within the Department of Political Science but is also open to other students interested in international relations theory. It is taught seminar style and covers a wide range of theoretical approaches based on study of historical as well as contemporary sources. 

PS5401    Trends in Economic Regionalism (Discontinued)

PS5402    Contemporary Asian Diplomacy (Discontinued)


PS5404    International Institutions
Modular Credits: 4 
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5 
Prerequisite(s): Nil 
Preclusion(s): IZ5208, PS5212, PS6212
Cross-listing(s): Nil 

There are various types of international institutions with implications for international politics, security, and economic affairs. In this regard, the module examines issues such as transnationalism, complex interdependence, regime theory, neo-functionalism, and neo-liberalism. Apart from examining global institutions like the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organisation, special emphasis is placed on institutions that have direct impacts on international relations in Asia, including ASEAN, APEC, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEM, and SAARC. Students interested in International Relations are encouraged to read this module.


PS5405    International Political Economy 
Modular Credits: 4 
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5 
Prerequisite(s): The student must have Political Science as his/her undergraduate major or must have read at least two courses in International Relations, or must have received permission from the module chair to read the module.  
Preclusion(s): IZ5204, PS5209, PS6209 
Cross-listing(s): Nil 
International Political Economy (IPE) combines political and economic analysis to explain conflict and cooperation among international actors as each pursues power and wealth through economic exchange. The aim of this module is to help the student better understand how political power shapes economic outcomes and how economic forces constrain political action in international relations. This module examines major classic and contemporary IPE theories. It, too, applies these theories to the study of international division of labour, economic cooperation and interdependence, and international institutions. 


PS6402    International Conflict and Security
Modular Credits: 4 
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5 
Prerequisite(s): Nil 
Preclusion(s): IZ5205, PS5203, PS5210, PS6203, PS6210
Cross-listing(s): Nil 

The main emphasis of the module will be to explore major theoretical concerns in international conflict. The connection between basic theories about the nature, determinants and dynamics of international conflict will be analysed. Protracted conflicts like the ones in the Middle East, South Asia and Northeast Asia will be studied in depth. Conflict termination strategies and the role of track two diplomacy and third party mediation will also be explained. The seminar will also discuss other non-traditional security issues, including environmental protection, terrorism, and migration, in light of theories on conflict resolution and cross-country cooperation. Students interested in International Relations are encouraged to read this module.


PS6403    Comparative Foreign Policy
Modular Credits: 4 
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5 
Prerequisite(s): Nil 
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil 

This module focuses on the foreign policy behaviour of states. It examines a range of theories and empirical studies of foreign policy process and outcomes, and distinguishes the study of foreign policy from that of international relations. The influence of history, culture, psychology, domestic political institutions, and national interests on foreign policy will be explored. Attention will also be paid to the comparative method of analysis. Students will be expected to undertake a comparative study of foreign policies of at least two countries.

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