The Concept of Power in International Relations

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

In the theoretical part of this course, the various dimensions of power are identified, discussed, and compared. This includes realist, institutionalist, social-constructivist and poststructuralist approaches. In the application part, the various forms and faces of the exercise of power will be examined using selected empirical case studies and problem areas. The case-related application examples range from the current Russia-Ukraine conflict to power constellations in East Asia and the Near and Middle East to the power (or lack thereof) of international organizations. The changed perception and acceptance of power in German foreign policy as well as the power politics of emerging states, such as the People's Republic of China, will also be analyzed.