This MSc degree explores the theory and practice of how individuals, states, and political institutions manage conflict, and develop cooperation in international relations. The programme considers how political communities with different values, cultures, histories, and security conceptions can build trust in a global system. You will gain a multidisciplinary understanding of key global security challenges (e.g. climate change, nuclear proliferation, transnational terrorism, and intractable conflicts inside and across state borders) and cover debates in International Relations, Political Psychology and Security Studies.
Topics and issues examined include: The Security Dilemma. Face-to-face diplomacy. Peace building, alliances and institutions, Emotions in crises and conflicts, The psychology of radicalization, terrorism, and political violence, Identities of religion, gender, and nationalism, Game theory: the Prisoner's Dilemma, The risks of nuclear war during the Cold War, US-Iran nuclear relations, The possibilities for avoiding a new Cold War with China. This MSc degree is designed for students interested in international relations, political psychology and security studies. Our students share a common goal: to advance their academic training, establish a policy-related career, work in government, international organizations and NGOs, or serve as mediators, negotiators and diplomats to address intractable conflicts at all levels of world politics.