International Relations (International Peace Keeping) University of Birmingham

The politics of contemporary peace operations and humanitarian intervention are complex and challenging. Peacekeeping plays a key role in the prevention of war, in bringing and end to conflict and in the post-conflict reconstruction process. This Masters degree explores International Peacekeeping in the broader context of International Relations.

You can expect to gain an understanding of the wide-ranging nature of security studies, an appreciation of the historical importance of security issues, and an insight into future problems and debates that will affect the stability of the 21st-century world order. You will develop an understanding of the core concepts that inform the study and practice of security, including: The changing meaning of security and what issues are considered to be security issues. The different concepts that inform the study and practice of security, such as explanations of war, deterrence, balance of power theories, alliance formation and management, and collective security. The concepts that inform the use and control of military force, such as arms races and arms control, coercion, military intervention, and peacekeeping. Classical strategic thought. The range of the security issues of the post-Cold War and post-9/11 periods, including terrorism and local and global insurgency and the challenges these pose The programme has at its core international peacekeeping, which aims to help you develop an advanced knowledge of the politics of contemporary peace operations and humanitarian intervention.

Entry requirements for this course

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