International Relations (Double Degree)

Overview

The global landscape is continuously shaped by shifting alliances, ideological currents, and pressing transnational issues. International Relations (Double Degree) program, developed and delivered by Geneve Institute of Business Management, aims to equip participants with critical insight into the frameworks, strategies, and dynamics that drive interactions between states and global actors. This program brings forward a rich, structured exploration of how diplomacy, international institutions, and foreign policy operate in today’s multifaceted world.

Target Audience

• Professionals working in foreign affairs, embassies, or diplomatic services.
• Staff in international organizations, multinational corporations, and NGOs.
• Researchers and postgraduate students in politics, law, or global studies.
• Policy analysts, journalists, and advisors engaged in international affairs.

Knowledge and Benefits

• Develop a solid grasp of international relations theories and global political systems.
• Examine the tools and institutions that shape global cooperation and conflict.
• Understand the intricacies of diplomacy and foreign policy formulation.
• Strengthen analytical capabilities to evaluate international events and crises.
• Foster a comprehensive perspective on regional and global power shifts.

Course Outline

• The Evolution of International Relations
• Historical context of inter-state relations.
• The Treaty of Westphalia and state sovereignty.
• Cold War and its impact on global diplomacy.
• Rise of the post-Cold War global order.
• Core Theoretical Frameworks
• Realism and the pursuit of power.
• Liberalism and international cooperation.
• Constructivism and the role of norms.
• Critical theories and alternative perspectives.

• The Global System of States
• Balance of power and polarity.
• State functions and sovereignty.
• Classification of states: powers and roles.
• Influence of geography and resources.
• Non-State and Supranational Actors
• The role of NGOs and multinational corporations.
• Intergovernmental organizations and alliances.
• Religious and cultural transnational movements.
• Influence of global media and technology.

• Diplomacy in Practice
• Types of diplomacy: bilateral, multilateral, and digital.
• Diplomatic immunity and legal frameworks.
• Diplomatic protocols and etiquette.
• Tools and channels of diplomatic communication.

• Negotiation Strategies
• Phases of international negotiation.
• Power asymmetry and leverage tactics.
• Role of mediators and facilitators.
• Preventive diplomacy and confidence-building.

• Determinants of Foreign Policy
• Domestic influences and public opinion.
• Institutional and leadership roles.
• Ideological frameworks and national values.
• Strategic and economic interests.
• Foreign Policy Tools
• Use of diplomacy and alliances.
• Sanctions, aid, and military force.
• Propaganda and information warfare.
• Economic statecraft and trade policy.

• The United Nations System
• Charter and main organs.
• Role in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
• Specialized agencies and missions.
• Limitations and reform debates.
• Global Economic Governance
• Role of the IMF and World Bank.
• World Trade Organization (WTO) functions.
• Global financial regulation mechanisms.
• Economic inequality and institutional response.

• Causes of International Conflict
• Resource competition and territorial disputes.
• Ethnic and ideological conflicts.
• Colonial legacies and state failure.
• Proxy wars and third-party interventions.
• Security and Peace Frameworks
• Concepts of national and collective security.
• Peace operations and disarmament.
• Counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
• Security alliances: NATO and beyond.

• Principles of International Law
• Sources of international law.
• State responsibility and sovereignty.
• Treaty law and diplomatic relations.
• Jurisdiction and legal disputes.
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Geneva Conventions and war crimes.
• Role of the International Criminal Court.
• Humanitarian intervention and legality.

• Dimensions of Globalization
• Economic integration and trade flows.
• Labor migration and demographic shifts.
• Cultural exchange and identity politics.
• Role of technology and communication.
• Transnational Challenges
• Climate change and environmental treaties.
• Global pandemics and health governance.
• Organized crime and illicit networks.
• Water scarcity and food insecurity.

• Middle East and Asia-Pacific
• Political rivalries and alliances.
• Maritime disputes and freedom of navigation.
• Energy politics and regional security.
• The role of emerging powers.
• Africa, Europe, and Latin America
• Regional integration: AU, EU, MERCOSUR.
• Post-colonial transitions and development.
• Democratic shifts and populism.
• Regional peacekeeping initiatives.

• Geopolitical Risk Assessment
• Identifying zones of instability.
• Evaluating military and economic threats.
• Energy and resource security.
• Predictive modeling in foreign policy.
• Future Trends in International Relations
• Rise of multipolarity and regionalism.
• Impact of artificial intelligence in diplomacy.
• Redefinition of sovereignty in cyberspace.
• Strategic foresight and global leadership.