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Global Security - IRS300 Fall 2026
Course
Radka Havlova
Global Security
Course code: IRS 300/1
Semester and year:
Day and time: Thursday 800-1045
Instructor: PhDr. Ing. Radka Havlová, Ph.D.
Instructor contact: radka.havlova@aauni.edu
Consultation hours: Thursday 1400-1500
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Credits US/ECTS |
3/6 |
Level |
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Length |
15 weeks |
Pre-requisite |
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Contact hours |
42 hours |
Course type |
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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
· Krampe, F., et al. (2024). Climate change and peacebuilding: sub-themes of an emergent research agenda. International Affairs 100(3), pp. 1111–1130.
· Lind, J. (2024). Back to Bipolarity. How China´s Rise Transfored the Balance of Power. International Security, Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 7–55.
· 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.
· 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.
· Walt, S. (1991). The Renaissance of Security Studies. International Studies Quarterly, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 211–239.
For more recommended reading see the list in MyLearning.
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. A 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
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Date |
Class Agenda |
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Session 1 3.9.2026 |
Topic: Introduction to global security Description: An outline and logic of the course, formal requirements and the assignment of topics for students’ research projects. Reading: course syllabus Assignments/deadlines: Select one research topic from the list in MyLearning and sign up for the corresponding presentation slot. The same topic will form the basis of the presentation and seminar paper. Preparation for all sessions: Complete the assigned reading before class and come prepared to discuss its main arguments and questions. |
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Session 2 10.9.2026 |
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: none |
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Session 3 17.9.2026 |
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: Research proposals due via MyLearning (research topic analysis in 200 words, at least 5 research sources). See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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24.9.2026 |
No session Professional training outside AAU, class will be replaced online later in the semester based on agreement with students |
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Session 4 1.10.2026 |
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 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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Session 5 8.10.2026 |
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 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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Session 6 15.10.2026 |
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 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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Session 7 22.10.2026 |
Mid-term exam. Exam via MyLearning 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 830 till 1030, submitted via MyLearning. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. Reading: all readings up to now Assignments/deadlines: all readings up to now |
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29.10.2026 |
Mid-term break. No classes |
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Session 8 5.11.2026 |
Topic: International organizations and global security – field trip to the UNIC Prague 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: none – field trip to the UNIC Prague. No additional preparation beyond the assigned reading is required. |
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Session 9 12.11.2026 |
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 4 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. Critical essay due via MyLearning by 11 November 2026, 23:59. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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Session 10 Replacement session |
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: none |
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Session 11 19.11.2026 |
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 5 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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Session 12 26.11.2026 |
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 6 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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Session 13 3.12.2026 |
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 7 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. Seminar paper due via MyLearning by 3 December 2026, 23:59. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
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Session 14 10.12.2026 |
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 8 – student(s) signed up for this presentation slot in MyLearning present an individual research project (20–25 minutes including discussion). Presentation materials must be submitted via MyLearning at least three days before the presentation. See Section 7 for full requirements and assessment criteria. |
6. Course Requirements and Assessment (with estimated workloads)
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Assignment |
Workload (hours) |
Weight in Final Grade |
Evaluated Course Specific Learning Outcomes |
Evaluated Institutional Learning Outcomes* |
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Active class participation |
42 |
15% |
· Regular and active participation · Ability to analyze and to effectively discuss the possibilities of further issues related to global security |
1, 2 |
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Research proposal |
10 |
5% |
· Ability to analyze topics related to global security |
1 |
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Mid-term exam |
15 |
15% |
· Subject knowledge on history, theory and issues related to global security |
1 |
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Critical essay |
24 |
20% |
· Subject knowledge on the topics related to global security |
1 |
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Presentation of research project |
24 |
20% |
· 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 |
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Seminar paper |
35 |
25% |
· Subject knowledge of a subject related to global security |
1 |
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TOTAL |
150 |
100% |
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*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.
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Assessed area |
Percentage |
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Knowledge and comprehension of the weekly reading assignments |
50% |
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Critical thinking about the issues explored in the readings |
50% |
Research proposal
Students must submit a research proposal of presentation and seminar paper by 17 September 2026 23:59 via MyLearning. 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. Late submissions will not be accepted; students who do not submit by the deadline will receive 0 points for the research proposal. The only exception is for students who officially join the class after the beginning of the semester, who should contact the instructor promptly to arrange an individual deadline.
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Assessment breakdown
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Assessed area |
Percentage |
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Timely submission of presentation via MyLerning |
50% |
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Contents of presentation and seminar paper proposal: research question, structure, at least 5 reliable resources |
50% |
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 MyLeaening. 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 on 22 October 2026 from 830 till 1030 at AAU, however, students will take the mid-term exam in MyLearning (online) while sitting in the classroom.
Assessment breakdown
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Assessed area |
Percentage |
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Ability to correctly evaluate the main purpose of each question |
50% |
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Ability to reflect broader context of each question |
20% |
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Critical thinking |
20% |
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Ability to provide correct answers under the time limit |
10% |
Critical essay
Short analytical essay on selected topic relating to international development. 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 will have a choice of three topic for their critical essay. Length 800 words, submitted by 12 November 2026 23:59 via MyLearning. Late submissions will NOT be accepted.
Assessment breakdown
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Assessed area |
Percentage |
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Clear thesis and coherent structure |
20% |
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Depth of critical argumentation, critical thinking |
30% |
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Use of course concepts and terminology |
20% |
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Quality and relevance of examples |
20% |
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Language, grammar, referencing |
10% |
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 MyLearning 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 MyLearning 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). The detailed requirements and assessment criteria in this Section 7 apply to every presentation slot listed in the course schedule.
Assessment breakdown
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Assessed area |
Percentage |
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Timely submission of presentation through MyLearning |
5% |
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Critical thinking |
20% |
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Visual format of presentation |
20% |
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Contents of presentation |
30% |
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Contact with students |
20% |
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Compliance with time limit |
5% |
Seminar Paper
Students should prepare a seminar paper on the topic of their presentation to understand the analyzed topic in more depth. Seminar papers should be 2000 words, not including footnotes, bibliography and the title page 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 MyLearning by 3 December 2026 23:59 via MyLearning. Late submissions will be accepted but one point will be taken off from the assessment for each day of delayed submission. Seminar papers cannot be accepted after 10 December 2026 23:59.
Assessment breakdown
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Assessed area |
Percentage |
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Formal academic presentation and correct Chicago citation style |
10% |
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Reference to resources |
20% |
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Language, stylistics |
10% |
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Research question, critical analysis of research topic |
60% |
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.
Here is the course outline:
1. Introduction to global security
Sep 3 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
An outline and logic of the course, formal requirements and the assignment of topics for students’ research projects |
2. Conflicts and global security
Sep 10 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
We will analyze some basic concepts related to global security such as conflict, conflict analysis, conflict resolution, conflict prevention, post-conflict resolution. |
3. Globalization and conflicts. Conflicts after the end of the Cold War. Main global security threat...
Sep 17 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |
4. Energy security, cybersecurity, economic security, social security and environmental security as ...
Oct 1 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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 |
5. Terrorism and asymmetric conflicts as threats for global security
Oct 8 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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 |
6. Great powers and global security
Oct 15 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |
7. Mid-term exam
Oct 22 8:30am .. 10:30am, 2.03
Good luck with your exam. Taken in class via NEO, covers sessions 1 to 7, freeform essay |
8. Midterm break - no class
Oct 29
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9. International organizations and global security
Nov 5 9:30am .. 10:45am, field trip outside AAU
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. |
10. Conflicts in Europe since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security
Nov 12 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |
11. Conflicts in post-Soviet region since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security - make...
Nov 13 8am .. 10:45am, online
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 |
12. Conflicts in MENA since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security
Nov 19 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |
13. Conflicts in Asia since the end of the Cold War as threat to Global security
Nov 26 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |
14. Conflicts in Africa since the end of the Cold War as threat to global security
Dec 3 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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 |
15. Conflicts in Latin America since the end of the Cold War as threat to global security
Dec 10 8am .. 10:45am, 2.03
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. |