Course code

RIR6022.YK

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Rahvusvaheline julgeolek

Course title in English

International Security

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2024/2025 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2025/2026 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of international security studies, offering an insight into its theoretical developments, contemporary issues and political implications. The objective of the course is both to familiarise students with the relevant issues and approaches in the field of security studies and to develop their analytical skills by critically exploring the concept of security.

Brief description of the course

The course covers a wide range of theories and concepts in the field of security studies (from deterrence and alliances to human security and diverse critical approaches), addresses a range of security risks and threats (from war, conflicts and genocides to international arms trade and terrorism) and referent objects of security (from state, human to environmental security). Contemporary security issues will be discussed such as cybersecurity, energy and environmental security, and new policy frameworks such as Women, Peace and Security. In addition to giving an overview of the theories and approaches of the security studies field, it will critically explore security and ask what security is, who merits being secured, how securing is performed, and how we know that security has been achieved.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- is able discuss and appraise the various meanings ascribed to international security in the policy and academic world;
- has an efficient grasp on various approaches to security in International Relations;
- will address the “pros” and “cons” of various approaches to achieve international security;
- is able to clearly present ideas/arguments and work together with peers;
- is able to apply theories and concepts to the analysis of security problems & puzzles in the contemporary security context.

Teacher

Birgit Poopuu

Study programmes containing that course

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (HFPMB/26.HT)
Politics and Governance (RIPGB/25.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/25-t.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/25-o.YK)
Liberal Arts in Social Sciences (KKLSB/25.YK)
Liberal Arts in Social Sciences (KKLSB/24.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/24-t.YK)
Politics and Government (RIRIB/24-o.YK)
Politics and Governance (RIPGB/24.YK)