Global Security

 

Course code:                            IRS 300/1

Semester and year:                      Fall 2025

Day and time:                          Tuesday 11:15 – 14:00

Instructor:                               PhDr. Ing. Radka Havlová, Ph.D.

Instructor contact:                   radka.havlova@aauni.edu

Consultation hours:                      Thursday 1400-1500

 

 

Credits US/ECTS	3/6	Level	Advanced
Length	15 weeks	Pre-requisite	TOEFL iBT 71
Contact hours	42 hours	Course type	Bachelor Required/Elective

1.    Course Description

Global security offers a coherent and interdisciplinary grounding in the core aspects of global security in the post-Cold War period. The students will learn about various understanding of global security in the post-bipolar world and about the main security challenges faced by actors in the contemporary world. The course discusses the main issues related to development and the main political, miliary, social, economic and environmental problems related to development. We will also examine in depth the challenge faced by developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, Latin America and Asia and the role of great powers and international organizations in development.

 

2.    Student Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of this course, the students will be able to:

·           Understand key theories of global security and main security challenges in the post-bipolar globalized world.

·           Be able to work with theoretical knowledge and apply theory to practical issues

·           Acquire conceptual understanding of the global security challenges faced by Europe, Asia, Africa, MENA and Latin America at the age of globalization.

·           Assess the roles of international organizations and great powers in global security.

·           Identify and analyze main security challenges in the globalized world.

·           Exercise writing skills and methodology while working on the research paper on a topic of his/her particular interest and deepen its knowledge. 

 

 

3.    Reading Material

Required Materials

·           Buzan, Waever, de Wilde. Security:  A New Framework for Analysis, Lynne Rienner Publishers 1998

·           Krahmann, E. (2003). Conceptualizing Security Governance, Cooperation and Conflicts. Journal of the Nordic International Studies Association, Vol. 38 (1), pp. 5-26

·           Krause, K. and M. Williams (1996). Broadening the Agenda of Security Studies: Politics and Methods. Mershon International Studies Review, Vol. 40. No. 2, pp. 229-254

·           Paris, R (2001). Human Security. Paradigm Shift or Hot Air?, International Security, Vol. 26, No. 2, Fall 2001, 87-102

 

Recommended Materials

·           Abrahams, D. (2020). Conflict in abundance and peacebuilding in scarcity: Challenges and opportunities in addressing climate change and conflict. World Development, pp. 1-52

·           Adamsky, D. (2024). Quo Vadis, Russian Deterrence? International Security, Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 50-83

·           Adhikari, M. (2024). The BRI as an iterative project: influencing politics in conflict-affected states and being shaped by risks of fragile settings. Journal of Contemporary China, 33:150, pp. 971-986

·           Adhikari, M. (2025). Statebuilding Beyond Western Interventions: Rising Powers, Emerging Models of Institution-Building, and the Implications for Peace Studies. Journal of Global Security Studies, 10:2, pp. 1-19

·           Akbarzadeh, S. and A. Naeni (2025). Iranian Drones at the Service of Authoritarian Geopolitics. Geopolitics, pp. 1-25

·           Albarracín, J. (2020). Criminal Violence in Latin America. Latin American Research Review 55(3), pp. 397-406

·           Ali, W (2025). How security shaped Libya’s transition Democratization, 32:4, pp. 993-1015

·           Alpermann, B. (2023). China’s peripheries: the cases of Tibet and Xinjiang. Open Research Europe, 3:86, pp. 1-14

·           Andersson, J. (2023). European Defence Partnership. European Union Institute for Security Studies, pp 1-9

·           Anh, C. (2023). The South China Sea for China, the United States and what choice for Vietnam. Cogent Social Sciences, 9:1, pp 1-16

·           Auger, V. (2020). Right-Wing Terror. Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 87-97

·           Axon, C. and R Darton (2021). Sustainability and risk – a review of energy security. Sustainable Production and Consumption 27, pp.1195-1206.

·           Bachman. S. (2015). Hybrid Wards: the 21st Century´s New Threats to Global Peace and Security. Scientia Militaria. South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 77-98

·           Badillo-Sarmiento, R. (2023). Governing the underworld: How organized crime governs other criminals in Colombian cities. Trends in Organized Crime, pp. 1-27

·           Bakke, K. and J. O´Loughlin (2023). Perceptions of the past in the post-Soviet space. Post-Soviet Affairs, 39:4, pp. 223-256

·           Balcells, L. and A. Kuo (2021). Preferences in Between: Moderates in the Catalan Secessionist Conflict. Politics and Governance, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 386-398

·           Bantekas, I. and S. Jaber (2025).  The human rights obligations of belligerent occupiers: Israel and the Gazan population. Journal of Conflict & Security Law, 30, pp. 103-120

·           Bargues, P., Dandashly, A., Dijkstra, H., & Noutcheva, G. (2024). Engagement against All Odds? Navigating Member States’ Contestation of EU Policy on Kosovo. International Spectator, 59(1), pp. 19-38

·           Bashir, S. (2022). The China–India–Pakistan Nuclear Triangle: Consequential Choices for Asian Security. Journal for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, 5:2, pp. 336-349

·           Beasley, R. K. and A. Mehvar (2024). Timing bombs: the temporal dynamics of Iranian nuclear security. European Journal of International Security, pp. 171-189

·           Beaujouan, J. (2025). Power Peace: The Resolution of the Syrian Conflict in a Post-Liberal Era of Peacemaking. Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding, 19:3, pp. 309-328

·           Becker, M. (2023).An Ethnic Security Dilemma in Bosnia-Herzegovina: Civic Pride and Civics Education. Nationalities Papers. 51:6, pp. 1235-1249

·           Becker, M. (2024). ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, International Legal Materials, pp. 1-181

·           Bencherif, A. (2023). Political nomadism and the jihadist “safe haven” in northern Mal: an entry point through Tuareg relational political dynamics. Journal of Modern African Studies 61(4), pp. 473-494

·           Berman, Z. E. (2023). Ubunyarwanda and the evolution of transitional justice in post-genocide Rwanda: “TO generalize is not fresh”. African Studies Review, 66(3), pp. 777-800

·           Blair, R., J. di Salvatore and H. Smidt (2022). When Do UN Peacekeeping Operations Implement Their Mandates? American Journal of Political Science, Vol. 66, No. 3, pp. 664-680

·           Bojnec, Š., & Kancs, d’A. (2005). Macroeconomic effects of EU enlargement for non-member regions (Policy Research Working Paper No. 3751). Washington, DC: World Bank, pp. 1-17

·           Brenner, D. (2024). Misunderstanding Myanmar through the lens of democracy. International Affairs, pp. 1-19

·           Brien, K. and J. Barnett (2013). Global Environmental Change and Human Security . Annual Review of Environment and Resources, pp. 373–391

·           Brosig, M. and J. Karlsrud (2024). How ad hoc coalitions deinstitutionalize international institutions. International Affairs, 100:2, pp 771-790

·           Buzan, Waever, de Wilde. Security:  A New Framework for Analysis, Lynne Rienner Publishers 1998

·           Calculli, M. (2025). Mimetic hedging: Hezbollah’s resistance against all odds. Security Dialogue, pp. 1-21

·           Can, C. (2022). Temporal Theory and US-China Relations. Journal of Strategic Security, Vol. 15, No.2, pp. 1-16

·           Cancian, M. (2017). National Security Strategic Processes: Past, Present, and Future. Center for Strategic and International Studies, pp. 1-16

·           Carreras, M. and G: Visconti (2022). Who pays for crime? Criminal violence, right-wing incumbents, and electoral accountability in Latin America. Electoral Studies 79, pp.1-11

·           Chachko, E. and B. Heath (2022). Symposium on Ukraine and the International Order. A Watershed Moment for Sanctions? Russia, Ukraine and the Economic Batterfield, pp. 1-5

·           Chambers, J. (2024). Introduction: Revolution and Solidarity in Myanmar. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 54:5, pp. 741-758

·           Charlotte, D., F. Colli and Y. Reykers (2024). From policy to practice: How NATO joined forces with NGOs for the protection of civilians. Cooperation and Conflict, pp.1-28

·           Daehnhardt, P. (2022). NATO´s new Strategic Concept and the EU´s  Strategic Compass face reality. Atlantisch Perspectief, Vol. 46, No. 4, pp. 6-11

·           Dannenbaum, T. and J. Dill  (2024). International Law in Gaza: Belligerent Intent and Provisional Measures. American Journal of International Law, pp. 1-25

·           de Estrada, K. (2023). India and order transition in the Indo-Pacific: resisting the Quad as a „security community“. Pacific Review, 36:2, pp. 378-405

·           Donais, T. and E. Tanguay (2020). Doing less with less? Peacekeeping retrenchment and the UN´s protection of civilians agenda. International Journal, Vol. 75, No. 1, pp. 65-82

·           Dorn, W. and R. Collins (2020). Peacekeeping works. International Journal, Vol. 75, No 1., pp. 95-103

·           Drinhausen, K. and H. Legarda (2022). „Comprehensive National Security Unleashed“. How Xi´s  approach shapes China´s policies at home and abroad, pp. 1-23

·           Enns, C., N. Andrews and J. Grant (2020) Security for whom? Analysing hybrid security governance in Africa’s extractive sectors. International Affairs, 96:4, pp. 995-1013

·           Eroukhmanoff, C. (2018). Securitization Theory: An Introduction. E-International Relations, pp. 1-4

·           Evangelista, M. (2024). A „Nuclear Umbrella“ for Ukraine?. International Security, Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 7-50

·           Farah, D. and C. Yates (2020). Great Power Competition in Latin America. The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs, No. 44, Vol. 2, pp. 45-64

·           Ferreira, J.J. etc. (2023). Ticking time bombs: The MENA and SSA regions´ geopolitical risks. Resources Policy, pp. 1-11

·           Flores-Macías, G. A., and J. Zarkin (2021). The Militarization of Law Enforcement: Evidence from Latin America. Perspectives on Politics, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 519-538

·           Floyd, R. and M. Weber (2024). Making amends. Emotions and the Western response to Russia´s invasion of Ukraine. International Affairs, Vol. 100, No. 3, pp. 1149-1169

·           Fravel, M. T. and Glaser, C. L. (2022). How Much Risk Should the United States Run in the South China Sea?. International Security, 47:2, pp. 88-134

·           Fukuyama, F. (1989). The End of History?, The National Interest, No. 19, pp. 3-18

·           GAO Report (2024). Conflict Minerals: Peace and Security in DRC Have Not Improved with SEC Disclosure Rule, pp. 1-137

·           Genini, D. (2025). How the war in Ukraine has transformed the EU´s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Yearbook of European Law, pp. 1-43

·           Gheciu, A. (2011). Divided Partners: The Challenges of NATO-NGO Cooperation in Peace Building Operations. Global Governance, Vol. 17. No- 1, pp. 95-113

·           Gil, R. (2023). Conceptualising criminal wars in Latin America. Third World Quarterly 44(8), pp. 776-794

·           Glod, K. (2025). Assessing the OSCE Toolbox: Opportunities for a safer Europe. European Leadership Network, pp. 1-66

·           Graham, T. (2024). From Ukraine Conflict to a Secure Europe. Council on Foreign Relations, pp. 1-15

·           Gutiérrez‑Romero, R. and N. Iturbe (2024). Causes and Electoral Consequences of Political Assassinations: The Role of Organized Crime in Mexico, pp. 1-43

·           Gvosdev, N. and D. Miskovic (2020). Great Power Populism. The National Interest, No. 167, pp. 39-48

·           Hennessy, A. (2023) The impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on Sino-European relations. Journal of European Integration, 45:3, pp. 559-575

·           Herrera, J. S. and C. Martinez.Alvarez (2022). Diversifying violence: Mining, export-agriculture, and criminal governance in Mexico. World Development 157, pp. 1-14

·           Hofmann, C. (2024). Organizing European security in yet another geopolitical era: consensus escapism or compartmentalized multilateralism? International Politics, pp. 1-12

·           Huntington, S. (1993). The Clash of Civilizations. Foreign Affairs 72 (3): 22-49.

·           IEA /2024). World energy outlook 2024, pp. 1-398

·           Institute for Economics and Peace (2024). Global terrorism index 2024, pp. 1-84

·           Jnawali, H. H. (2023). Tibet’s response to state nationalism: utilising China’s fear of secession.” Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, pp. 158-177

·           Jones, N. and J. Sullivan (2020). Climate Change and Global Security. Journal of Strategic Security, Vol. 13, No.4., pp. i-iv

·           Kamais, C., O. Okoth, S. Kimokoti (2024). The African Union Mission in Somalia Consideration for Transition and Kenya’s National Security, African Journal of Empirical Research, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 267-280

·           Kapidzic, D. etc. (2024). Stuck in the Past. Bosnia and Herzegovina´s Enduring Struggle with a Fractured Legacy. Southeastern Europe 48, pp. 173-190

·           Kasapović, M. & F. Kočan (2023). ‘A Blitzkrieg Against the Republika Srpska’: Securitizing Constitutional Reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethnopolitics, 22:5, pp. 568-588

·           Khoury, R. B. and E. Scott (2024). Going local without localization: Power and humanitarian response in the Syrian war. World Development, 174, pp. 1-13

·           Kluczewska, K. (2023). Post-Soviet power hierarchies in the making: Postcolonialism in Tajikistan´s relations with Russia. Review of International Studies, 50:4, pp. 777-797

·           Kluczewska, K. and K. Silvan (2025). Post-Soviet Dependence with Benefits? Critical Geopolitics of Belarus’s and Tajikistan’s Strategic Alignment with Russia, Geopolitics, 30:2, pp. 641-678

·           Koonings, K. and D. Kruijt, (2023). Hybrid violence and criminal governance in Latin America. Social Sciences & Humanities Open 8(1), pp. 1-7

·           Krahmann, E. (2005). American Hegemony or Global Governance? Competing VIsions of International Security. International Studies Review, No. 7, Vol. 4, pp. 531-545

·           Krampe, F., et al. (2024). Climate change and peacebuilding: sub-themes of an emergent research agenda. International Affairs 100(3), pp. 1111-1130

·           Lammich, G. (2025). China’s Evolving Security Engagement in Africa: Policies, Strategies, and Implications. European Journal of International Security, pp. 1-18

·           Latif, M. and R. Khan (2011). Tackling Terrorism: Traditional Security Approaches. Pakistan Horizon, Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 21-31

·           Lee, S. (2022). Prospects for DPRK´s Nuclear Use Scenarios and Deterrence Measures of the US and ROK Alliance Journal for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, pp. 69-84

·           Léonard, S. and C. Kaunert (2022). The securitization of migration in the Europen Union: Frontex and its evolving security practices.  Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Vol. 48, No. 6, pp. 1417-1429

·           Li, Y. and Q. Liu (2021). A comprehensive review study of cyber-attacks and cyber security: Emerging trends and recent developments. Energy Reports 7, pp. 8176-8186

·           Lind, J. (2024). Back to Bipolarity. How China´s Rise Transfored the Balance of Power.  International Security, Vol. 49, No.2, pp. 7-55

·           Liping, X. (2009). How China thinks about national security. In: Huisken. Rising China, ANU Press, pp.103-118

·           Liu, M. and E. Chang (2025). Imagined Weakness: The peaceful riser identity and Beijing’s policy overcorrection in the South China Sea. International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, 25:3, pp. 1-35

·           Lukin, S., Taran, Y., & Tykhonenko, O. (2025). Cooperation between the EU, NATO, and the UN in addressing global security challenges: a critical analysis. Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico, Vol. 5, No. 10, pp. 2163-2191

·           Lundgren, M. et al. (2023). Local Ceasefires and De-escalation: Evidence From the Syrian Civil War. Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 67, No. 7, pp. 1350-1375

·           Lundgren, M. etc. (2023). When are International Organizations Responsive to Policy Problems. International Studies Quarterly, pp. 1-14

·           Mahilaj, S. (2023). The Role of OSCE and EU Cooperation in Resolving the Russia-Ukraine Conflict. ESJ Humanities, pp. 1-18

·           Mangas, A. (2024). The European Union´s Response to the Catalan Secessionist Process. Hague Journal on the Rule of Law, Vol. 16, pp. 63-88

·           McClearn, J., R. Jensen and R. Talhouk (2023). Security Patchworking in Lebanon: Infrastructuring Across Failing Infrastructures, pp. 1-21

·           McClearn, J., R. Talhouk and R. Jensen (2025). The Everyday Security of Living with Conflict, pp. 1-5

·           Mengelberg, S. (2022). A new world order? European security after the was in Ukraine. Atlantisch Perspectief, Vol. 46, No. 4, pp. 18-24

·           Mexhuani, B. (2023). The Role of the EU in Shaping Kosovo’s Political Future: A Critical Analysis, Cogent Social Sciences, 9:1, pp. 1-15

·           Miall, Hugh – Ramsbotham, Oliver – Woodhouse, Tom (2011). Contemporary Conflict Resolution: The Prevention, Management and Transformation of Deadly Conflicts. 3rd ed. Cambridge: Polity Press, pp. 13-26

·           Moe, L. W. (2025). Imbuing Climate Security with Positive Peace: A Peace Continuum Approach to Sustaining Peace During Climate Crisis. International Affairs, 101:2, pp. 691-705

·           Mojtahedi, M. H., M. Bolhuis and J. van Wijk (2025).  Potential tensions and synergies between DDR and transitional justice in relation to pro-government militias: the case of the PMF in post-IS Iraq. Conflict, Security & Development, 25:1, pp. 1-36

·           Moravcsik, A. (2017).  The future of Europe: coping with crisis. Foreign Policy Association, pp. 15-28

·           Nation, C. and D. Trenin (2007). Russian Security Strategy Under Putin: US and Russian Perspectives. Strategic Studies Institute, pp. 1-56

·           Noor, S. (2023). Strategic Stability in South Asia. Strategic Studies, Vol. 43. No. 1, pp. 64-94

·           Nydal, O. S. (2024). Moving through conflict: Transit migration and rebel capacity in Mali. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 68:4, pp. 673-702

·           O’Driscoll, D., O. Ali and R. Armia (2024). Checkpoints, competing ‘sovereignties’, and everyday life in Iraq. Political Geography, 115, pp. 1-11

·           Oriola, T. B. (2023). The exploitation of Nigeria’s Chibok girls and the creation of a global cause célèbre. African Affairs 122(486), pp. 1-32

·           Petersson, E. (2023).  Airpower and territorial control: Unpacking the NATO intervention in Libya. Conflict Management and Peace Science, Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 289-312.

·           Pogodda, S. (2025). Nothing civil about this war: UN mediation in revolutionary wars. Contemporary Security Policy, 46:2, pp. 343-371

·           Preble, K. and C. Willis (2024). Trading with Pariahs: North Korean Sanctions and the Challenge of Weaponized Interdependence. Global Studies Quarterly, pp. 1-16

·           Priebe M., J. Schuessler, B. Rooney and J. Castillo (2024). Competing Visions of Restraint. International Security, Vol. 49, No. 2, pp.135-169

·           Prieto‑Curiel, R., Campedelli, G. M., and A. Hope. (2023) Reducing cartel recruitment is the only way to lower violence in Mexico, pp. 1-19

·           Ramakrishna, K. (2024). Global Threat Assessment. Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses. Vol 16. No.1, pp- 1-10

·           RezaeeDaryakenari, B. et al. (2025). Who Rallies Round the Flag? The Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Iranian´s Attitude towards the Government. Foreign Policy Analysis, pp. 1-23

·           Ripamonti, D. (2024). Non-state armed groups as food system actors in Somalia and Haiti. Conflict, Security & Development, 24:4, pp. 339-367

·           Rodríguez-Díaz, E., J. Alcaide and R. Garcia-Llava (2024). Challenges and Security Risks in the Red Sea: Impact of Houthi Attacks on Maritime Traffic. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, pp. 1-18

·           Saha, A.  (2025). Stigmatization or Victimization? The Iran–US Nuclear Relationship from 2015 to 2021. Journal of Global Security Studies, pp. 1-20

·           Sandor, A. (2025). Productive Failure, African Agency, and Security Cooperation in West Africa: The Case of the G5 Sahel. European Journal of International Security, pp. 1-19

·           Saouli, A. (2024). Identity, Anxiety, and War: Hezbollah and the Gaza Tragedy. Al-Muntage: New Perspectives on Arab Studies, Vol. 7. No. 1, pp. 99-114

·           Schmidt, A., J. Forest and T. Lowe (2021). Counter-Terrorism Studies: A Glimpse at the Current State of Research (2020/2021). Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 15. No. 4, pp. 155-183

·           Shalev, A. R. (2024). Hamas’ October 7th Genocide: Legal Analysis and the Weaponisation of Reverse Accusations – A Study in Modern Genocide Recognition and Denial. Israel Law Review, pp. 1-40

·           Shelley, L. (2020). Illicit Trade and Terrorism. Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 7-20

·           Shiga, pp. 67-81

·           Simon, L. (2019). EU-NATO Cooperation in the Era of Great-Power Competition, German Marshall Fund of the United States, pp. 1-6

·           Şimşek, H. F. (2025). Iran’s proxy war paradox: strategic gains, control issue, and operational constrains. Small Wars & Insurgencies, pp.1-29

·           Skare, E. (2023). Staying safe by being good? The EU’s normative decline as a security actor in the Middle East. European Journal of International Security 8(3), pp. 337–353

·           Smetana, M. and M. Onderco (2025). „Hope the Russians Love Their Children Too“: Russian Public Support for the Use of Nuclear Weapons after the Invasion of Ukraine. Journal of Global Security Studies, 10:3, pp. 1-20

·           Souleimanov, E. (2024). Chechen diaspora members as foreign fighters in Syria and Ukraine: a diachronic study. Southeast European and Black Sea Studies, pp. 1-22

·           Souleimanov, E. and M. Larys (2024). Driven by Revenge: Why Chechen Foreign Fighters Have Joined Ukraine Against Russia. Nationalities Papers, pp. 1-17

·           Stares, P. and J. Vessey (2024). Preventive Priorities Survey 2024- Council of Foreign Relations, pp. 1-13

·           Stockwell, L. (2025). Contesting regional sovereignty from below: the unsettling effects of unilateral independence and autonomy referendums. Territory, Politics, Governance, pp. 1-24

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·           Strachan, H. (2024). Prologue. The Return of Great Power Competition: From Strategy to Geopolitics. In: Baranets and Novo. Turbulence Across the Sea, University of Michigan Press, pp. 1-21

·           Trigui, H. etc. (2024). Exploring AI governance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: gaps, efforts, and initiatives. Data and Policy, No. 6, pp. 1-13

·           UN (2016). Conflict Analysis. Practice Note, pp. 1-12

·           UN (2024). World economic situation and prospects 2024, pp. 1-196

·           UNCTAD (2024a). 2024 Trade and development report. Rethinking development in the age of discontent, pp. 1-204

·           UNCTAD (2024b). Inequality: Major trends, policy challenges and the need for global economic compact, pp. 1-51

·           UNDG (2016). Conducting a Conflict and Development Analysis, pp. 1-203

·           UNODC (2012). Transnational trafficking and murder rates in Central America and the Caribbean, pp. 1-82

·           Uribe, A., Lessing, B., Schouela, N., and E. Stecher (2025). Criminal Governance in Latin America: Prevalence and Correlates. Perspectives on Politics, pp. 1-19

·           US Department of Defense (2022).  National Defense Strategy of the USA 2022, pp. 1-80

·           USIP (2004). Cyberterrorism: How Real Is the Threat?. United States Institute of Peace. Special Report, pp. 1-12

·           Vadlamannati, K., S. Brazys and A. Dukalskis (2023). Building Bridges or Breaking Bonds? Belt and Road Initiative and Foreign Aid Competition. Foreign Policy Analysis, pp. 1-26

·           Van Steenberghe, R. (2024). The armed conflict in Gaza and its complexity under international law: jus ad bellum, jus in bello and international justice.” Leiden Journal of International Law, 37, pp. 983-1017

·           Vanderhill, R., S. Joireman and R. Tulepbayeva (2025). In the shadow of the dragon: Chinese soft power (and BRI limits) in Central Asia. International Affairs, pp. 1441-1461

·           Veriter, S. (2025). The collective securitization of „disinformation“ and the EU´s ban on Russia Today and Sputnik. International Affairs, pp. 1-24

·           Verstraete, W. (2025). Cooperation in the Era of Confrontation: The Case of the Benelux Arms Control Agency. Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, pp. 1-11

·           Walt, S. (1991). The Renaissance of Security Studies. International Studies Quarterly, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 211-239

·           Walton, O. and A. Johnstone (2024). The fragmentation of the security-development nexus: the UK government’s approach to security and development 2015-2022. Peacebuilding, 12:3, pp. 429-444

·           Weitzman, A., Caudillo, M., and E. Levy (2024). Hybrid Interpersonal Violence in Latin America: Patterns and Causes. Annual Review of Criminology, pp. 163-186

·           Wohlfeld, M (2012). An Overview of the Conflict Cycle. In: IFSH (ed.), The OSCE and the Conflict Cycle: Lessons-Learned for V2. Hamburg: IFSH

·           Wojciechowski, S. (2016). Reasons of Contemporary Terrorism. An Analysis of Main Determinants. In. Sroka (A). etc. Radicalism and Terrorism in the 21^st Century, Peter Lang, pp. 1-23

·           Wojtowicz, A. (2024). EU Energy Security After Russia´s Invasion of Ukraine – Substance, Strategy and Lobbying. Studia europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, No. 2, pp. 157-171

·           World Bank (2005). Conflict analysis, In: Conflict Analysis Framework (CAF): Identifying Conflict-Related Obstacles to Development. Washington, D.C.: World Bank, pp. 1-40

·           WTO (2024). World trade report 2023, pp. 1-134

·           Xu etc. (2021). Risk assessment and categorization of terrorist attacks based on the Global Terrorism Database from 1970 to 2020. Human and Social Sciences Communications, pp. 1-14

·           Yeung, M. F. (2023). The Role of Economic Sanctions in Promoting North Korea´s  Denuclearization Revisited. North Korean Review, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 57-79

·           Zandee, D., K. van Loon and R. de Baedts (2025). European defence: the urgency of shifting to fifth gear. An outlook on the Von der Leyen Commission II. Clingendael Institute, pp. 1-11

 

 

4.    Teaching methodology

Each class will begin with a class discussion related to the session’s topic. Students will be asked to discuss questions related to the topic in smaller groups and later a class discussion on those questions will be held. Short explanation by the instructor will follow but most of the classes will be taught in form of a seminar in which students will present their research outcomes. The presentation of will be interactive, and the students will be asked to give their opinion on the topic of the presentation. The students are required to read the assigned weekly material prior to each class in order to participate actively in discussions. They also need to follow websites of key international organizations covered in the course and the latest international news concerning them.

 

The classes will be interactive and all concepts and terms will be explained via concrete examples. Each class will be supplemented by case studies of recent international events giving the students an opportunity to critically analyze the concrete actions of international actors and to understand their role in global security.

 

5.    Course Schedule

Date		Class Agenda
Session 1 4.9.2025		Topic: Introduction to global security Description: An outline and logic of the course, formal requirements and the assignment of topics for students’ group projects. Reading: course syllabus Assignments/deadlines: Assignment of presentation topics
Session 2 11.9.2025		Topic: Conflicts and global security. Conflict resolution, conflict prevention. Post-conflict reconstruction as a part of global security Description: We will analyze some basic concepts related to global security such as conflict, conflict analysis, conflict resolution, conflict prevention, post-conflict resolution Reading: Krahmann 2003, p. 5-26 Assignments/deadlines: Structure your topics and find literature for your presentations, possibility to consult presentation proposals
Session 3 18.9.2025		Topic: Globalization and conflicts. Conflicts after the end of the Cold War. Main global security threats after the end of the Cold War. Global security theories Description: We will analyze how understanding of security and conflicts changed since the end of the Cold War. We will discuss the new framework of security and the main security challenges in the post-Cold War world.  Main global security theories will be also discussed. Reading: Buzan-Waever-de Wilde, pp. 1-49; Krause, pp. 229-254 Assignments/deadlines: Presentation proposals due via NEO (research topic analysis in 200 words, at least 5 research sources)
Session 4 25.9.2025		Topic: Energy security, cybersecurity, economic security, social security and environmental security as new aspects of global security. Human security. Description: We will focus on some of the main security challenges in the contemporary world and some conflicts related to energy security, cybersecurity, economic, social and environmental security. Reading: Buzan-Waever-de Wilde, pp. 71-141; Paris, pp. 87-102 Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 1  (20 minutes, interactive, submitted three days in advance for inspection, more information on presentations in NEO)
2.10.2025	No class
Session 5 9.10.2025		Topic: Terrorism and asymmetric conflicts as threats for global security Description: We will analyze some of the asymmetric conflicts at the age of globalization. Special focus will be paid to various terrorist organizations and their impact on global security in the post-Cold War world Reading: Buzan-Waever-de Wilde, pp. 49-71 Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 2

 

 

Session 6 10.10.2025 14:15-17:00	Replacement session Topic: Great powers and global security Description: We will focus on some of the great powers active in the contemporary world. Which countries could be considered great powers in the post-bipolar world and what is their approach to global security and conflict resolution? We will discuss about the role of the United States, China, Russia, Europe, India and other regional great powers. Reading: US security strategy, Russia security strategy, China security strategy Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 3, Critical essay due  (800 words, submitted via NEO)
Session 7 16.10.2025	Topic: International organizations and global security Description: How are international organizations active in global security in the post-bipolar world? We will discuss about the UN and its role in conflict resolution and we will also try to analyze the role of regional security organizations in various regions around the world. We will also briefly discuss the different approaches of regional organizations (EU, NATO, OSCE, AU, ASEAN etc.) to global security. Reading: www.un.org; https://european-union.europa.eu/index_en; www.nato.int; www.osce.org; www.au.int Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 4
Session 8 23.10.2024	Mid-term exam. Exam via NEO Description: Mid-term revision, students must demonstrate their understanding of topics covered in the first half of the semester (Sessions 1 through 7). Mid-term will be in a freeform essay of 800 words, taken in class from 1130 till 1400, submitted via NEO. Reading: all readings up to now Assignments/deadlines: all readings up to now
30.10.2025	Mid-term break. No classes
Session 9 6.11.2025	Topic: Conflicts in Europe since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security Description: What are some of the major security challenges in Europe since the end of the Cold War? How have they changed in the recent decades? We will discuss about the main conflicts in Western, Central and Southeastern Europe since the end of the Cold War. Reading: www.hiik.de; https://ucdp.uu.se/; www.sipri.org Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 5
Session 10 13.11.2025	Topic: Conflicts in post-Soviet region since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security Description: What are some of the major security challenges in the region of former Soviet Union since the end of the Cold War? How have they changed in the recent decades? We will discuss about the main conflicts in Russia and the region of former Soviet Union since the end of the Cold War. Reading: www.hiik.de; https://ucdp.uu.se/; www.sipri.org Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 6

 

 

Session 11 20.11.2025	Topic: Conflicts in MENA since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security Description: What are some of the major security challenges in the Middle East and North Africa since the end of the Cold War? How have they changed in the recent decades? We will discuss about the main conflicts in the MENA region since the end of the Cold War. Reading: www.hiik.de; https://ucdp.uu.se/; www.sipri.org Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 7, Policy paper due
Session 12 27.11.2025	Topic: Conflicts in Asia since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security Description: What are some of the major security challenges in Central, Southeast, South and Northeast Asia  since the end of the Cold War? How have they changed in the recent decades? We will discuss about the main conflicts in Asia since the end of the Cold War. Reading: www.hiik.de; https://ucdp.uu.se/; www.sipri.org Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 8
Session 13 4.12.2025	Topic: Conflicts in Africa since the end of the Cold War as threat to global security Description: What are some of the major security challenges in Africa  since the end of the Cold War? How have they changed in the recent decades? We will discuss about the main conflicts in Africa since the end of the Cold War. Reading: www.hiik.de; https://ucdp.uu.se/; www.sipri.org Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 9, Seminar papers are due
Session 14 11.12.2025	Topic: Conflicts in Latin America since the end of the Cold War as threat to global security Description: What are some of the major security challenges in Latin America  since the end of the Cold War? How have they changed in the recent decades? We will discuss about the main conflicts in Latin America since the end of the Cold War. Reading: www.hiik.de; https://ucdp.uu.se/; www.sipri.org Assignments/deadlines: Presentation 10, Reading reflections due

 

 

6.    Course Requirements and Assessment (with estimated workloads)

Assignment	Workload (hours)	Weight in Final Grade	Evaluated Course Specific Learning Outcomes	Evaluated Institutional Learning Outcomes*
Active class participation	42	10%	·      Regular and active participation ·      Ability to analyze and to effectively discuss the possibilities of further issues related to global security	1, 2
Research proposal	10	5%	·      Ability to analyze topics related to global security	1
Critical essay	15	10%	·      Subject knowledge on the topics related to global security	1
Mid-term exam	15	15%	·      Subject knowledge on history, theory and issues related to global security	1
Policy paper	15	10%	·      Subject knowledge on the topics related to global security	1
Presentation of research project	20	15%	·       Ability to analyze a topic related to global security ·       Think critically and to provide possible solutions for presented problems; ·       Present the results of analysis in class	1, 2
Seminar paper	28	25%	·       Subject knowledge of a subject related to global security	1
Reflection- reading	5	10%	·      Critical reflection of two different texts or podcasts related to lecture topics	1
TOTAL	150	100%

*1 = Critical Thinking; 2 = Effective Communication; 3 = Effective and Responsible Action

7.    Detailed description of the assignments

 

Class participation

 

Active participation and contribution to class discussion. Students should actively participate in class discussion. Discussions are an important mechanism for developing critical thinking and presentation skills.

 

Assessed area	Percentage
Knowledge and comprehension of the weekly reading assignments	50%
Critical thinking about the issues explored in the readings	50%

 

 

Research proposal

Students must submit a research proposal of presentation and seminar paper by Week 3, i.e. by 18 September 2025 via NEO. The proposal must include the topic, research question, structure and at least 5 reliable resources which the students plan to use in their presentation and seminar paper.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Timely submission of presentation through NEO	50%
Contents of presentation and seminar paper proposal: research question, structure, at least 5 reliable resources	50%

 

 

 

 

Critical essay

Short analytical essay on selected global security topic. Students will critically respond to a conceptual or real-world challenge introduced in the first three weeks. The goal is to assess students´ ability to apply theory, construct arguments and use relevant examples or cases. Emphasis on argumentation, use of course concepts, clear structure and use of reliable sources. Students choose one of four critical questions based on the materials covered in weeks 1 to 5. Length 800 words, submitted through NEO by Week 6, i.e. by 10 October 2025.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Clear thesis and coherent structure	20%
Depth of critical argumentation, critical thinking	30%
Use of course concepts and terminology	20%
Quality and relevance of examples	20%
Language, grammar, referencing	10%

 

 

Mid-term exam

The exam will cover the topics from the first half of the semester. Students will have to demonstrate that they have a good understanding of the most relevant issues and concepts and that they are able to provide swift and correct answers. The mid-term will be a free-form essay of about 800 words and will take place online via NEO. Students will choose one of three comprehensive questions covering the topics discussed in the first half of the semester. The mid-term will take place during Week 8, i.e. on 23 October 2025 from 1130 till 1400 at AAU, however, students will take the mid-term exam in NEO (online) while sitting in the classroom.  

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Ability to correctly evaluate the main purpose of each question	50%
Ability to reflect broader context of each question	25%
Ability to provide correct answers under the time limit	25%

 

 

Presentation of research project

Students need to select and to sign up for one research project and present the selected topic in class according to the presentation schedule. Presentations will be prepared individually by each student and must be submitted at least three days prior to the presentation day through the NEO for comments before presenting. Presentations can be submitted in PPT or any other suitable presentation program. The presentation shall be 20 to 25 minutes long including the class discussion for which students must always prepare questions related to their research. List of presentations will be published in NEO in week 1 after students sign in for their presentations. Students will be evaluated based on the contents of their presentation (correct, recent information, to analyze main problems and suggest creative solutions; ability to apply and to demonstrate acquired knowledge from the course; ability to link the topic of the presentation to the overall topic of the class; ability to apply a concrete theory to a presented problem; ability to formulate credible claims and evidence) and interaction with other students in class (engagement of students in discussions: continuous contact with students while presenting, clear speech, good intonation and eye contact, positive body language, ability to stress most significant aspects of analyzed topic while presenting, ability to answer questions from audience, ability to engage fellow students in discussions).

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Timely submission of presentation through NEO	5%
Critical thinking	20%
Visual format of presentation	20%
Contents of presentation	30%
Contact with students	20%
Compliance with time limit	5%

 

Policy paper

Short policy paper on selected topic related to global security. Students will focus on practical policy oriented paper which will cover topics up to Week 10. Students choose one of three questions. Length 800 words, submitted through NEO by Week 11, i.e. by 20 November 2025.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Clear thesis and coherent structure	20%
Depth of critical argumentation and critical thinking	30%
Use of course concepts and terminology	20%
Quality and relevance of examples	20%
Language, grammar, referencing	10%

 

 

Seminar Paper

Students prepare a seminar paper on the topic of their presentation to understand the analyzed topic in more depth. Seminar papers should be 2000 words long (length without sources, title page, TOC and references to sources; 2000 words should be just the analysis itself) and should fulfill all criteria imposed on an academic paper (formal arrangement of the paper, reference to resources, research question and analysis of the research question etc.). Chicago citation style must be used. At least 10 reliable sources must be used for the seminar paper. Seminar papers will be checked for plagiarism and use of AI, students should present their own critical reflection of the selected research topic. Seminar paper must be submitted via NEO by Week 13, i.e. by 4 December 2025 23:59. Later submissions will be taken into consideration but one point will be taken off from the assessment for each day of delayed submission.

 

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Formal arrangement of seminar paper	10%
Reference to resources	20%
Language, stylistics	10%
Research question, critical analysis of research topic	60%

 

 

Reflection: reading

Students choose any reading or podcast related to the topic of the lecture. Student may submit maximum 2 reflections, each for maximum 5 points. Detailed list of reading is available in NEO. Students may also review other book, article or podcast related to politics upon previous agreement with the instructor. Each reflection should be up to 200 words and should provide a critical assessment of the reading or podcast. Reflections should include a brief summary of the reading/podcast (2–3 sentences), one or two key insights you found meaningful or surprising, a short connection to the week’s lecture topic  and optionally also a critique, disagreement, or unanswered question. Reflections may be submitted any time between Week 2 and Week 14, however, reflections must be submitted by Week 14, i.e. by 11 December 2025.

 

Assessment breakdown

Assessed area	Percentage
Personal insight and critical reflection	40%
Connection to course topic	30%
Coherence and clarity	20%
Style and language	10%

 

 

8.    General Requirements and School Policies

 

General requirements

All coursework is governed by AAU’s academic rules. Students are expected to be familiar with the academic rules in the Academic Codex and Student Handbook and to maintain the highest standards of honesty and academic integrity in their work. Please see the AAU intranet for a summary of key policies regarding coursework.

Course specific requirements

There are no special requirements or deviations from AAU policies for this course.

 

Use of Artificial Intelligence and Academic Tutoring Center

The use of artificial intelligence tools to search sources, to process, analyze and summarize data, and to provide suggestions or feedback in order to improve content, structure, or style, defined here as AI-assisted writing, is not in itself plagiarism. However, it is plagiarism if, as a result, it obscures the authorship of the work produced or the degree of its originality (see the examples above). 

 

AAU acknowledges prudent and honest use of AI-assisted writing, that is, the use of AI for orientation, consultation, and practice is allowed. For some courses and assignments, however, the use of AI is counterproductive to learning outcomes; therefore, the course syllabus may prohibit AI assistance.

 

A work (text, image, video, sound, code, etc.) generated by artificial intelligence based on a mass of existing data, defined here as AI-generated work, is not considered a work of authorship. Therefore, if an AI-generated work (e.g. text) is part of the author’s work, it must be marked as AI-generated. Otherwise, it obscures the authorship and/or the degree of originality, and thus constitutes plagiarism. Unless explicitly permitted by the instructor, submission of AI-generated work is prohibited.

 

If unsure about technical aspects of writing, and to improve their academic writing, students are encouraged to consult with the tutors of the AAU Academic Tutoring Center. For more information and/or to book a tutor, please contact the ATC at: http://atc.simplybook.me/sheduler/manage/event/1/.

 

 

9. Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage*	Description
A	95–100	Excellent performance. The student has shown originality and displayed an exceptional grasp of the material and a deep analytical understanding of the subject.
A–	90–94
B+	87–89	Good performance. The student has mastered the material, understands the subject well and has shown some originality of thought and/or considerable effort.
B	83–86
B–	80–82
C+	77–79	Fair performance. The student has acquired an acceptable understanding of the material and essential subject matter of the course, but has not succeeded in translating this understanding into consistently creative or original work.
C	73–76
C–	70–72
D+	65–69	Poor. The student has shown some understanding of the material and subject matter covered during the course. The student’s work, however, has not shown enough effort or understanding to allow for a passing grade in School Required Courses. It does qualify as a passing mark for the General College Courses and Electives.
D	60–64
F	0–59	Fail. The student has not succeeded in mastering the subject matter covered in the course.

* Decimals should be rounded to the nearest whole number.

 

 

 

Prepared by: Radka Havlová

Date:12.8.2025

 

Approved by: Dr William Eddleston, Chair of IR.

Date: 22/8/25