master thesis in international relations

• International Relations & Diplomacy Students
• International Relations & Diplomacy Alumni
• Business & Economics Alumni
• Overview of AGS
• Accreditation
• Partnerships
• Job Opportunities
• School News
• Faculty Notes
• Student and Alumni Stories
• Conference 2024
• Conference 2023
• Conference 2022
• Conference 2021
• Conference 2020
• Conference 2019
• Conference 2018
• Conference 2017
• Conference 2016
• Conference 2015
• Conference 2014
• Conferences 2006-2013
• Conference Theme
• Conference Program
• Conference Speakers
• Conference Sponsors
• Featured Book
• Dr Ruchi Anand
• Dr Patrick Bratton
• Patrick Clairzier
• Ambassador Dominique Dreyer
• Ambassador Michael Einik
• Dr Manlio Graziano
• Dr Mariam Habibi
• Larry Kilman
• Dr Anton Koslov
• Bertrand de Largentaye
• Dr Steve McGiffen
• Dr Elizabeth Miloidov
• Dr Douglas A. Yates
• M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Additional Degree Option with American University
• Additional Degree Option with Université Paris-Saclay
• Additional Degree Option with Cergy-Paris Université
• Additional Degree Option with Arcadia University
• Ph.D. in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Graduate Course Catalog
• Current Course Offering
• Internships for Credit
• Optional French Language Courses
• Class Schedule
• Academic Calendar
• Certificates and Single Courses
• For Businesses and International Organizations
• Study Abroad Services
• Career Support
• Supplements and Fees
• Online Resources and Downloads
• Student Notice Board
• Academic Information
• Graduate Student Association
• AGS/Arcadia Academic Journal
• Financial aid overview
• Federal Direct loans
• U.S. Veterans Aid
• Private loans (US and Canada)
• John A. Lee Memorial Scholarship
• Black Lives Matter Scholarship
• Enrollment status
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Leaves of Absence and Withdrawals
• Immigration formalities
• Housing Options
• Housing Subsidy
• Working in France
• Student Health Insurance
• Useful tips
• AGS Alumni Board
• Class Representatives
• About the School of IR
• Degree Programs
• Study Abroad in Paris
• Professional Development

For any questions, please email us at [email protected] or use the form below.

Your e-mail

St Andrews Research Repository

•   St Andrews Research Repository
• International Relations (School of)
• International Relations

International Relations Theses

• Register / Login

By Issue Date Names Titles Subjects Classification Type Funder

Search within this collection:

Our research is focused around three broad themes: conflict, peace and security; the evolving character of global and supra-national institutions; and the interpenetration of civil societies and international relations. In addition we have major strengths in area studies which help to ground our research into these broad thematic areas. Some of this activity is carried out under the umbrella of our various research centres, some within other collaborative contexts both within and outside the university, and some by individual researchers.

For more information please visit the School of International Relations home page.

This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. In most cases, these works may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

Recent Submissions

The metamorphosis of syria's oppositional civil society , title redacted , a 'new beginning' for what the strained peace of inter-referendum northern ireland (1998-2016) , peace cartels : internationally brokered power-sharing and perpetual oligarchy in bosnia and herzegovina and north macedonia .

• USF Research
• USF Libraries

Digital Commons @ USF > College of Arts and Sciences > School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies > Theses and Dissertations

Government and International Affairs Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Violence, Rents, and Elites: Institutional Determinants of Political Order in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Sudan , Kaleb Demerew

Standing Her Ground: Legal Constraints on Women Who have been Victims of Violence , Janae E. Thomas

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Struggling Against the Odds: Social Movements in Pakistan During Authoritarian Regimes , Sajjad Hussain

The Domestic Reality of Foreign Policy: The 1994 Clinton Administration Response to the Crises in Rwanda and Haiti , Camara Kemanini Silver

American Military Service and Identity: From the Militia to the All-Volunteer Force , Andrew C. Sparks

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Decolonizing Human Trafficking: A Case Study of Human Trafficking in Edo State Nigeria , Oyinkansola Adepitan

Borges, el Escritor Italiano: Precursores Italianos en/desde Borges , Sara Boscagli

A Dangerous New Era: Analyzing the Impact of Cyber Technology on International Conflict , Kenneth Brown

Networks in the Norm Life Cycle and the Diffusion of Environmental Norms , James E. Fry

Power, Property Rights, and Political Development: A property rights theory of political development and its application to the study of development in Honduras and Costa Rica , Ricardo R. Noé

Bodily Harm: An Analysis of the Phenomenological and Linguistic Aspects of Harm and Trauma , Grant Samuel Peeler

Mystic Medicine: Afro-Jamaican Religio-Cultural Epistemology and the Decolonization of Health , Jake Wumkes

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Humanitarian Gaze and the Spectatorial Nature of Sympathy , Michelle Assaad

The Progressive Transformation of Medellín- Colombia: A Successful Case of Women's Political Agency , María Auxiliadora González-Malabet

Restoring International Justice: Exposing the Limitations of Retributive Justice and Proposing a Restorative Dimension , Nazek Jawad

Human Rights, Emotion, and Critical Realism: Proposing an Emotional Ontology of International Human Rights , Ben Luongo

When Faced with a Democracy: political socialization of first-generation ethnic Russian immigrants in Central and South Florida , Marina Seraphine Mendez

Structure of Turkey-USA Bilateral Relations and Analysis of Factors Affecting Bilateral Relations , Hanifi Ozkarakaya

Soviet Nationality Policy: Impact on Ethnic Conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia , Nevzat Torun

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Influence of The Armenian Diaspora on The American Foreign Policy , Fatih Aydogan

Discourse, Affinity and Attraction: A Case Study of Iran's Soft Power Strategy in Afghanistan , Hiva Feizi

Becoming Legitimate: How PMSCs are Seeking Legitimacy in the International System , Sommer Mitchell

De Mestizas a Indígenas: Reindigenization as a Political Strategy in Ecuador , Pamela X. Pareja

Star Power, Pandemics, and Politics: The Role of Cultural Elites in Global Health Security , Holly Lynne Swayne

Strategic Negligence: Why the United States Failed to Provide Military Support to the Syrian Resistance in 2011-2014 , Konrad J. Trautman

The Viability of Democratic Governance in De Facto States: A Comparative Case Study of Iraqi Kurdistan and Syria Rojava , Chelsea Vogel

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Cyber Deterrence against Cyberwar between the United States and China: A Power Transition Theory Perspective , Yavuz Akdag

The Role of Elites in the Formation of National Identities: The Case of Montenegro , Muhammed F. Erdem

Measuring Trust in Post-Communist States: Making the Case for Particularized Trust. , Nicole M. Ford

Hidden: A Case Study on Human Trafficking in Costa Rica , Timothy Adam Golob

Latino Subgroups Political Participation in American Politics: The Other Latinos’ Electoral Behavior , Angelica Maria Leon Velez

Re-ethnicization of Second Generation Non-Muslim Asian Indians in the U.S. , Radha Moorthy

Structural Racism: Racists without Racism in Liberal Institutions within Colorblind States , Alexis Nicole Mootoo

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Venezuela, from Charisma to Mimicry: The Rise and Fall of a Televised Political Drama , Rebecca Blackwell

Containment: A Failed American Foreign Policy and How the Truman Doctrine Led to the Rise in Islamic Extremism in the Muslim World , Christopher Jonathan Gerber

The Role of Religion in Mitigating Cancer Disparities Among Black Americans , Samar Hennawi

Where is the Survivor’s Voice? An Examination of the Individual and Structural Challenges to the Reintegration of Immigrant Human Trafficking Survivors , Michelle Cristina Angelo Dantas Rocha

Changes and Challenges in Diplomacy: An Evaluation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Dominican Republic , Yudelka Santana

How Presidents Can Become "Hip" by Using High Definition Metaphors Strategic Communication of Leadership in a Digital Age , Mirela Camelia Stimus

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

At the Intersection of Human Agency and Technology: Genetically Modified Organisms , James Libengood

The Triumvirate of Intersectionality: a Case Study on the Mobilization of Domésticas in Brazil , Kristen Lei Nash

Strategic Missile Defense: Russian and U.S. Policies and Their Effects on Future Weapons Proliferation , Diana Marie Nesbitt

Staring Down the Mukhabarat: Rhizomatic Social Movements and the Egyptian and Syrian Arab Spring , Stephen Michael Strenges

The Effect of Neoliberalism on Capabilities: Evaluating the Case of Mexico , James Paul Walker

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Human Trafficking from Southern Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala: Why These Victims are Trafficked into Modern Day Florida , Timothy Adam Golob

The Effects of U.S. Middle East Foreign Policy on American Muslims: A Case Study of Muslims in Tampa Bay , Mark G. Grzegorzewski

Does Revolution Breed Radicalism? An Analysis of the Stalled Revolution in Syria and the Radical Forces Since Unleashed , Ryan King Little

The United States Prison System: A Comparative Analysis , Rachel O'connor

Fair Trade in Transition: Evolution, Popular Discourse, and the Case of the CADO Cooperative in Cotopaxi, Ecuador , Robyn Michelle Odegard

Challenging the Democratic Peace Theory - The Role of US-China Relationship , Toni Ann Pazienza

Continuation in US Foreign Policy: An Offensive Realist Perspective , Bledar Prifti

The Syrian Civil War: Four Concentric Forces of Tensions , Majid Rafizadeh

Key Ingredients in the Rule of Law Recipe: The Role of Judicial Independence in the Effective Establishment of the Rule of Law , Lauren A. Shumate

Leges, Plebiscita, et Rogationes: Democratization and Legislative Action, 494 - 88 BC , Eric Wolters

An Analysis of State Building: The Relationship between Pashtun 'Para-State' Institutions and Political Instability in Afghanistan , Rebecca Young Greven

Accessibility's Influence on Population Location near Light Rail in the Denver Region , Christophe Michael Zuppa

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

A Comparative Study: How Educational and Healthcare Preparedness Affected Marketization of the Chinese and Indian Economies , Cindy Arjoon

Accidental Detention: A Threat to the Legitimacy of Venezuelan Democracy , Mabel Gabriela Durán-Sánchez

European Union Institutions, Democratic Discourse, and the Color Revolutions , Lizette G. Howard

The End of Anarchy: Weapons of Mass Destruction and the States System , Gregory Edward Johnson

Trends in the Contracting out of Local Government Services , Cristiane Carvalho Keetch

Framing Colombian Women's Beliefs, Values and Attitude Towards Sex and Sexual High-Risk Behaviors , Rosa Ore

Impacts of U.S. Foreign Policy and Intervention on Guatemala: Mid-20th Century , Patricia M. Plantamura

Maximizing Citizenship with Minimal Representation: An Analysis of Afro-Argentine Civil Society Organizing Strategies , Prisca Suarez

From Zaire to the DRC: A Case Study of State Failure , Adam Zachariah Trautman

Guanxi, Networks and Economic Development: The Impact of Cultural Connections , Patricia Anne Weeks

Comparative Political Corruption in the United States: The Florida Perspective , Andrew Jonathon Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Modernization From Above: Social Mobilization, Political Institutionalization and Instability: A Case Study of Iran (1953-1979) , Jeffrey Robert Cobb

The Relationship between the Social Construction of Race and the Black/White Test Score Gap in , Toriano M. Dempsey

The Causes and Effects of Get Tough: A Look at How Tough-on-Crime Policies Rose to the Agenda and an Examination of Their Effects on Prison Populations and Crime , Cheyenne Morales Harty

Hegemonic Rivalry in the Maghreb: Algeria and Morocco in the Western Sahara Conflict , Michael D. Jacobs

The Politics of Pentecostalism; Does it Help or Hinder Democratic Consolidation in Brazil? , Amber S. Johansen

Women's Political Representation in Europe: An Analysis of Structural and Attitudinal Factors , Jenna Elaine Mcculloch

Examining the Relationship between Participatory Democracy and Nonwhite Domestic Workers in Porto Alegre, Brazil: Issues of Race, Class and Privilege , Alexis Nicole Mootoo

The Indigenous Movement and the Struggle for Political Representation in Bolivia , Angelica T. Nieves

MAS and the Indigenous People of Bolivia , Maral Shoaei

Cyberwar and International Law: An English School Perspective , Anthony F. Sinopoli

The Homegrown Jihad: A Comparative Study of Youth Radicalization in the United States and Europe , William Wolfberg

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

The State and the Legalization of Dual Citizenship/Dual Nationality: A Case Study of Mexico and the Philippines , Pamela Kim Anderson

The Integration of African Muslim Minority: A Critique of French Philosophy and Policy , Amber Nichole Dillender

Elections and Tensions and Constitutions! Oh, My! A Process-Oriented Analysis of Bolivian Democratization from 1993 to 2009 , Laurel Kristin Dwyer

Cuban Medical Internationalism: A Case for International Solidarity in Foreign Policy Decision Making , Eric James Fiske

The Threat to Democracy in Brazil's Public Sphere , Daniel Nettuno

Prospects for Political Reform in China , Jody Lee Tomlin

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Positive- and Negative-Right Conceptions of Freedom of Speech and the Specter of Reimposing the Broadcast Fairness Doctrine ... or Something Like It , Adam Fowler

The Christian Zionist Lobby and U.S.-Israel Policy , Mark G. Grzegorzewski

An Analysis of U.S. Policies Targeting the Iranian Nuclear Program , Bryan T. Hamilton

Religion and Resistance: The Role of Islamic Doctrine in Hamas and Hezbollah , Matthew Lawson

Prospects for Nuclear Non-Proliferation: An Actor-Oriented Case Study of Iran’s Future , James Martin Lockwood

Impact of Globalization on Socio-Economic and Political Development of the Central Asian Countries , Karina Orozalieva

Mubarak’s Machine: The Durability of the Authoritarian Regime in Egypt , Andrea M. Perkins

International Society Cosmopolitan Politics and World Society , Kimberly Weaver

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

From China to Cuba: Guerilla Warfare as a Mechanism for Mobilizing Resources , Jorge Barrera

Neoliberalism and Dependence: A Case Study of The Orphan Care Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa , Christine Concetta Gibson

City Level Development New Key to Successful Development , Gina Herron

The neoconservative war on modernity: The Bush Doctrine and its resistance to legitimation , Ben Luongo

The Security and Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran: An Offensive Realism Perspective , Bledar Prifti

Transdiscursive cosmopolitanism: Foucauldian freedom, subjectivity, and the power of resistance , Joanna Rozpedowski

Making and Keeping the Peace: An Analysis of African Union Efficacy , Nicholas Temple

Social Implications of Fair Trade Coffee in Chiapas, Mexico: Toward Alternative Economic Integration , Joseph J. Torok

Advanced Search

• Email Notifications and RSS
• All Collections
• USF Faculty Publications
• Open Access Journals
• Conferences and Events
• Theses and Dissertations
• Textbooks Collection

Useful Links

• USF School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies
• Rights Information
• SelectedWorks
• Submit Research

Home | About | Help | My Account | Accessibility Statement | Language and Diversity Statements

Privacy Copyright

Home > Colleges and Schools > Arts & Letters > GPIS > ETDs

Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations

Theses and dissertations published by graduate students in the Graduate Program in International Studies, College of Arts & Letters, Old Dominion University, since Fall 2016 are available in this collection. Backfiles of all dissertations (and some theses) have also been added.

In late Fall 2024, all theses will be digitized and available here. In the meantime, consult the Library Catalog to find older items in print.

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Dissertation: The Place of Nuclear Weapons in Russian Identity: An Ontological Security Analysis , Peter Ernest Yeager

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Thesis: Crisis Narratives in Crisis? A Comparative Investigation into National COVID-19 Narratives , Mouse D. Bennett

Thesis: United States Foreign Policy and the Additions of Sweden and Finland to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization , Kara Gwendolyn Broene

Thesis: The Solidarity Manifesto: A New Network for Future Change , Sofia Calicchio

Dissertation: Global Energy Consumption: An Analysis of Variables That Shape Per Capita Usage, or How Pump Price, Urbanization, and Fossil Fuels Imports Impact Fossil Fuels Consumption Per Capita Across OECD Countries , Mila Demchyk Savage

Thesis: U.S.-China Trade War: Phase One Agreement and Self-Enforcing Contracts , Hameedullah Hassani

Dissertation: Complex Dynamics of Contention: Towards a Generative Model of Social Dissent , Travis Holmes

Thesis: The Civil War Conflict Between Anglophones/Francophones in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon , Myriam Jeter

Dissertation: Opportunities and Challenges from Major Disasters Lessons Learned of Long-Term Recovery Group Members , Eduardo E. Landaeta

Dissertation: Can’t Let Go: Anxiety, Ontological Security, and French Foreign Policy Decision-Making During the Hollande Administration , Peter D. Langley

Dissertation: Attitudes of Ethnic Minorities Towards National Defense and Security in the Triadic Nexus: The Case of Russian-Speakers in Estonia , Nikita Lumijoe

Dissertation: Help-Seeking Behavior Among Resettled Refugee , Mahfoudha Sid’Elemine

Thesis: A Leftist Political Surge: How an Authoritarian Past Helped Spawn a Modern Political Movement in Spain and Portugal , Jared Sykes

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Dissertation: Thither the Russian Navy? Putin’s Navalization in a Historical Context , William Emerson Bunn

Dissertation: Securing Russia: Seeking Ontological Security in the Arctic , Brian W. Cole

Dissertation: The Expansion of NOCs: What Strengthening State-Owned Enterprises Means for Global Energy , Alexander L. Fretz

Thesis: The Carrot vs. the Stick: A Comparative Analysis of Secondary Sanctions vs. Positive Inducements in Gaining European Support for a U.S.-Led Sanction Regime , Andy Gomez

Dissertation: Remittance: A New Instrument for Change -- Understanding the Impact of Remittances on Home Countries Development , Alex M. Hamed

Dissertation: Russia, Europe and Central Asia Energy Security and Pipeline Politics , Mehmet Kınacı

Dissertation: The Political Economy of Global Private Currencies , Girish Sreevatsan Nandakumar

Thesis: Nord Stream 2: The Gas Curtain of Europe , Sarah Elizabeth Nelson

Dissertation: Present at the Creation, a Redux: The Need for Strategic Minded Joint Force Officers in a Rapidly Changing and Dynamic International Security Environment , Thomas Joseph Snukis

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Thesis: Mobilizing Discomfort for Water Security as a Human Right: A Newspaper Analysis of Social Conflict in South Africa , Madison Gonzalez

Dissertation: Reinterpreted Europe: An Assessment of EU (In) Ability to Deal with Threats to the Rule of Law , Huso Hasanovic

Dissertation: Connectivism: Adopting Quantum Holism in International Relations , Grant Randal Highland

Dissertation: State Antifragility: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach to Understanding State Behavior , Rebecca Lee Law

Thesis: Institutional Stretching: How Moroccan NGOs Illuminate the Nexus of Climate, Migration, Gender and Development , Shelby Mertens

Dissertation: The Second-Order Impact of Relative Power on Outcomes of Crisis Bargaining: A Theory of Expected Disutility and Resolve , Tatevik Movsisyan

Thesis: Language and Cultural Identity in Post-Soviet Frozen Conflicts , Irina Paquette

Dissertation: Smart Power in the Iraq Surge 2007-2008 , Russell N. Reiling

Dissertation: Re-Spatializing Gangs in the United States: An Analysis of Macro- and Micro-Level Network Structures , Ryan J. Roberts

Dissertation: Norm Contestation and Its Effects on Emergence of a New Norm , Khadijeh Salimi

Dissertation: Cybersecurity Legislation and Ransomware Attacks in the United States, 2015-2019 , Joseph Skertic

Dissertation: Environmentally Related Urbanization and Violence Potential , Christina Bagaglio Slentz

Dissertation: The Politics of Medicine: Power, Actors, and Ideas in the Making of Health , Claire Wulf Winiarek

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Thesis: Shifting Sources of Humanitarian Aid: The Importance of Network Resiliency and Donor Diversification , Mackenzie Marie Clark

Dissertation: Wicked Ideas for Wicked Problems: Marine Debris and the Complexity of Governance , Dawn Helene Driesbach

Thesis: A Comparative Approach to Racial Stereotyping in South Africa and the United States and How It Has Obliterated the Black Image , Maylat Tedla Eyob

Dissertation: Faits Accomplis in the Shadow of Shifting Power , Joshua Adam Hastey

Thesis: Stratified Security Communities: Transatlantic Distrust and Identity Divergence , Afra Maike Herr

Dissertation: The Path to Victory: A Comparative Analysis of Mena Region Countries , Negar Moayed

Dissertation: A Rivalry of Necessity: An Analysis of Mechanisms of Contention Between The Islamic Republic of Iran and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , Aras Syahmanssuri

Thesis: The Study of Motivation for Defection Within the Intelligence Community: Hindering the Government's Ability to Prevent and Detect Defection , William Virgili

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Thesis: Hyperborean Habits and Melting Ice: The Normalization of Arctic Space and Resurgent National Identity , Ian Birdwell

Thesis: From Compassion to Resistance: Lesbos Refugee Crisis , Luz Diaz

Thesis: The G5 Sahel: An Insufficient Organization for a Failed Region? , Beder Dine El Khou

Dissertation: The Messy Nuclear Landscape: Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping to Explore Plausible Nuclear Disarmament Scenarios , Ryan M. Nixon

Dissertation: The Trojan Horse in Your Head: Cognitive Threats and How to Counter Them , Lora Pitman

Dissertation: At the Hands of Fate: The Political Economy of Islamic Insurance in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, C. 1980 to the Present , Muhammad S. Rahman

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Dissertation: Measuring Vulnerability Interdependence: To What Extent Do Chinese Investments in Africa Make China Vulnerable? , Nurullah Ayyilmaz

Dissertation: When the Wind Blows: An Evaluation of Key Factors that Enabled the Proliferation of Wind Energy Generation in the United States Through 2016 , Mary Sodini Bell

Thesis: Fem Media Matters: An Inqueery Into Campus Sexual Assault , Andrew Kennedy Garber

Thesis: Contemporary Russia in America's World: Russian Narratives on Post-Soviet Space , Marianna Portniagina

Dissertation: Throw Me a Lifeline: A Comparison of Port Cities with Antithetical Adaptation Strategies to Sea-Level Rise , Claudia Marie Risner

Dissertation: Beyond Carrots and Sticks: An Analysis of U.S. Approaches to Counterterrorism From 2000-2016 , Margaret M. Seymour

Thesis: The “Trump Effect?” Challenges to the United States Hegemony in Higher Education Cross-Cultural Exchange: A Case Study of International Students at Old Dominion University , Raven Alexandra Showalter

Thesis: The Effect of Illicit Drugs Securitization in Indonesia , Yanu Widiyono

Thesis: The Kosovo Moment: The United States and the Post-Cold War Balkans , Visar Xhambazi

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Dissertation: Diffusion of Renewable Energy Policies , Khatera Alizada

Dissertation: New Regionalism in Global Order: Regional Trade Integration and Its Links with Financial Sector , Tulu Balkir

Dissertation: Jointness, Culture, and Inter-Service Prejudice: Assessing the Impact of Resident, Satellite, and Hybrid Joint Professional Military Education II Course Delivery Methods on Military Officer Attitudes , Charles Mark Davis

Dissertation: Endpoints After Empire: Explaining Varying Levels of Democracy in Post-Communist Europe , William John Eger Jr.

Dissertation: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach to the Maritime Security Risk of Piracy and Lessons Learned From Agent-Based Modeling , Joanne Marie Fish

Dissertation: The Treatment of Ethnic Minorities in Democratizing Muslim Countries: The Securitization of Kurds in Turkey Versus the Autonomization of Acehnese in Indonesia , Maurizio Geri

Dissertation: A Dirty Dilemma: Determinants of Electronic Waste Importation , Jamila N. Glover

Dissertation: Empty Chair at the Table: Bargaining, Costs and Litigation at the World Trade Organization , Felicia Anneita Grey

Dissertation: Acquiring the Tools of Grand Strategy: The US Navy's LCS as a Case Study , Sean P. Murphy

Dissertation: The Little Lady that Could: Small Latvia Rejoins the Euro-Atlantic Community , Sandis Sraders

Dissertation: The Memorialization of Historical Memories in East Asia , Bo Ram Yi

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Thesis: The Effects of Using Natural Gas in Light-Duty Vehicle Fleet of the United States on Its Energy Dependency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions , Nurullah Ayyilmaz

Dissertation: Assessing the Role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ Extraterritorial Activities in Attaining Iran’s Foreign Policy Goals , Hamza Demirel

Dissertation: Culture and Military Effectiveness: How Societal Traits Influence Battle Outcomes , Eric Stephen Fowler

Dissertation: The Franchising Effect on the Al-Qaeda Enterprise and Related Transnational Terror Groups: Patterns of Evolution of Al-Qaeda Affiliates in the 21st Century , Nicholas Benjamin Law

Thesis: Under the Surface of Sex Trafficking: Socio-Economic and Cultural Perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence in India , Karmen Marie Matusek

Dissertation: Visegrad Revival: Where Less is More, in the Prospect of Smaller Numbers , Aaron G. Sander

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Dissertation: Armed Humanitarian Intervention: The Role of Powerful Leaders in Framing and the National Security Decision Making Process , John Marshall Callahan

Dissertation: U.S. Military Aid and the Role of Foreign Armies in Civil Politics , Jennifer Jones Cunningham

Dissertation: Removing the Rust: Comparative Post-Industrial Revitalization in Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh , Scott Nicholas Duryea

Dissertation: 'Home was Congo': Refugees and Durable Displacement in the Borderlands of 1,000 Hills , Erika Frydenlund

Thesis: Shaping American Foreign Policy A Game Theoretic Analysis of the United States'--North Korean Relationship , Kimberly Michelle Ganczak

Dissertation: Energy as a Factor for Turkish - Russian Rapprochement , Saltuk Bugra Karahan

Dissertation: Poverty Within Nation-States: The impact of Corruption, Trade, Income Inequality, Population Growth, Foreign Aid, and Military Expenditure , Mustafa Karapinar

Dissertation: Path Dependence in Intrastate Conflicts: Resources, Regimes, and Interventions , Ivan Medynskyi

Dissertation: Dwelling in Time, Dwelling in Structures: Disintegration in World Politics , Jan Adam Nalaskowski

Dissertation: Wildlife Crime and Other Challenges to Resource System Resilience , Patricia Anne Raxter

Dissertation: In Search of Autonomy: Nepal as a Wedge State Between India and China , Sagar Rijal

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Dissertation: Weak Links in a Dangerously Fractured Region: Fragile State as Global Threats , Tasawar ul-Rahim Baig

Dissertation: The Internet vs. the Nation-State: Prevention and Prosecution Challenges on the Internet in Republic of TürkiyI , Ersin Elibol

Dissertation: Ritualized Rhetoric and Historical Memory in German Foreign and Security Policy , Sara A. Hoff

Dissertation: What Constitutes the Success or Failure of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in Foreign Markets? A Case Study of Chinese and American MNCs , Shiwei Jiang

Dissertation: Tempering the Resource Curse in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Explanatory Analysis of the Variance of the Resource Curse in Nigeria and Botswana , Jody-Ann Suzette Jones

Dissertation: Neglecting the 'Right on Which All Other Rights Depend': Press Freedom in the International Human Rights Discourse , Wiebke Lamer

Dissertation: State-Centric or State-in-Society: National Identity and Collective Memory in the Linkage Politics of Chinese Foreign Relations , Ning Liao

Thesis: Transnational Organized Crime and the Illegal Wildlife Trade Global Ties and Global Crime , Zachariah Edward Long

Thesis: U.S. - ASEAN Organized Crime Cooperation as Part of Washington's Rebalancing Policy Toward the Asia-Pacific , Tuan Anh Luc

Dissertation: Explaining Nuclear Energy Pursuance: A Comparison of the United States, Germany, and Japan , Lauren Emily McKee

Thesis: Hijacking the Syrian Revolution , Iman Khairat Nanoua

Thesis: Human Torches: The Genesis of Self-Immolation in the Sociopolitical Context , Ryan Michael Nixon

Dissertation: Great Powers, the Persian Gulf, and Global Oil: A Comparative Analysis , Katerina Oskarsson

Dissertation: Democratic Counterinsurgents: How Democracies Can Prevail in Irregular Warfare , William Roland Patterson

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS
• Collections
• Disciplines
• Author Guidelines
• Submit Works
• Graduate Program in International Studies
• Other Digital Collections
• ODU Libraries
• Old Dominion University

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)

• Campus: Washington DC , SAIS Europe
• Program Duration: Two Years; Full-time
• Credits: 64 Credits

In this section Toggle

• Class Profile
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Employment Outcomes
• Dual Degree and Exchange Programs

Our New Home at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center

As the world continues to change quickly, it is essential for leaders to understand how economics, geopolitics, security, and the environment are inextricably linked—exactly what you will learn as a student at Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Become an Expert

We have reimagined the study of international relations and designed a bold new curriculum that allows you greater flexibility to focus on the issues that matter most to you. The Master or Arts in International Relations degree program will prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to tackle the complex global challenges of today — and tomorrow.

Core Curriculum

Build your expertise through a flexible and diverse curriculum, which includes core areas of study examining leadership, decision-making, data analytics, economics, geopolitics, and research methods. You will enroll in six courses (24 credits) within the following core areas:

• Leadership, Ethics, and Decision-Making
• World Order and Disorder
• International Economics (2 courses)
• Data Analytics
• Research Methods
• Development, Climate, and Sustainability
• Governance, Politics, and Society
• International Economics and Finance
• Security, Strategy, and Statecraft
• Technology and Innovation
• The Americas
• Europe and Eurasia
• The Middle East
• United States
• Courses in which students undertake a consulting project with an outside client organization. Students usually work in teams of four to deliver quality results to their client and may have the opportunity to travel. 
• Courses in which students travel during winter or spring break to enhance their understanding of a functional area or region of the world. Students then produce research papers or other final deliverables informed by their travel experiences. 
• Courses in which students plan and execute a competition, event, or staff ride for the larger SAIS community. Examples include the Seminar in Crisis Simulation and the International Staff Ride Leadership Seminar.  
• Courses in which students produce a substantial research paper of publishable quality. Papers are usually 20-35 pages in length.  
• Courses in which students expand a paper affiliated with a SAIS course to 20-25 pages or write a new academic work inspired by an internship experience.

Language Training

Open doors to new professional possibilities through the study of a language. Our robust language studies program , emphasizing current political and economic topics, trains you to achieve proficiency in a non-native language. Students must complete proficiency in a language outside of their native tongues.

Professional Skills Training

• Public Speaking and Presentation
• Policy Writing
• Delivering Briefings
• Negotiation
• Project Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Data Analytics for Policy Analysts
• Financial Analysis
• Political Risk Analysis
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Intro to Python, R or STATA
• Excel III and IV

WHAT YOUR SCHEDULE MAY LOOK LIKE

Most students at Johns Hopkins SAIS are enrolled full-time in the Master of Arts in International Relations. You can elect to spend either year at SAIS Europe or spend both years in Washington DC.

Get a jump-start on your studies and meet fellow classmates and professors during Pre-Term.

Late July – August (DC) Mid-August - September (SAIS Europe)

The curriculum’s interdisciplinary coursework emphasizes international economics, geopolitics, data analysis, quantitative methods, decision-making, and policy studies.

Sample Courses

• Core: Leadership, Ethics, and Decision-Making
• Core: Economics (1 of 2)
• Focus Area: Functional (1 of 3)
• Core: World Order and Disorder
• Language Course

September–December

January Intersession

Gain hands-on experience and explore a current global issue by participating in a study trip, meet with alumni working in your target organization or industry during a career trek, or use this time to recharge and prepare for the spring semester. 

Spring Term

Beyond required courses, you will have room in your schedule for elective coursework. Most students complete the degree over two years and choose to pursue an internship between the first and second year.

• Core: Data Analytics
• Focus Area: Functional (2 of 3)
• Focus Area: Regional (1 of 3)
• Language Course 

January–May

Advance Your Career

Approximately 75 percent of students augment their studies with an internship during the summer between their first and second years to gain practical, hands-on experience. Nearly half of the second-year class seeks exciting, part-time internships in the final year of their studies.

Fall Semester

Continue to further develop your expertise and focus on the issues that matter most to you.

• Core: Research Methods
• Core: Economics (2 of 2)
• Focus Area: Regional (2 of 3)

The January Intercession is a valuable time to conduct field research, engage with partner organizations, and gain in-depth experience for students interested in participating in a practicum project.

Spend your final semester furthering your expertise and addressing a real-world problem as part of the required capstone project.

• Focus Area: Functional (3 of 3)
• Focus Area: Regional (3 of 3)

Professional Skills Courses

Throughout your studies you will be encouraged to enroll in short professional development courses to support your career goals. These courses will be valuable as you complete your capstone project. Sample Courses

In the News

Sitting down with mara karlin.

Mara Karlin recently returned to Johns Hopkins SAIS as Professor of Practice, Director of the Foreign Policy Institute, and Faculty Co-Lead for Security, Strategy, and Statecraft. An alumna with an M.A. and a PhD in Strategic Studies from SAIS, Karlin held several positions at SAIS from 2007 to 2021: adjunct professor, associate professor, and director of Strategic Studies.

In the Small Wars Journal, Professor Albert J. Marckwardt writes about the authorization for the use of force against Mexican cartels was introduced in Congress. 04/29/24

Q&A with SAIS’ Jonas Nahm, Co-Author of 2024 U.S. Presidential Economic Report

The breadth and depth of the Economic Report of the President…reflects the deep bench of expertise at the Council of Economic Advisers, and the federal government more broadly.

A Closer Look at the Gaza Casualty Data

Good Authority (blog), December 14, 2023. With Marc Lynch.

The Ghosts of Lebanon

Foreign Affairs, November 14, 2023.

The Political Dynamics of Disasters

Arts & Sciences Magazine, November, 2023.

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 06/01

It’s Not Enough for Ukraine to Win. Russia Has to Lose

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 05/19

The Shortest Path to Peace

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 02/28

From consultants to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to policymakers, Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates put their degrees to work.

Recent Employers

• Atlantic Council
• Center for Strategic and International Studies
• European Commission
• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• Lockheed Martin
• U.S. Department of Defense
• U.S. Department of State
• United Nations
• World Bank Group

Build Your Network

Join an influential alumni network of more than 20,000 professionals working across sectors in 140 countries around the world.

The SAIS Global Women in Leadership (GWL) student-run career club tackles challenges facing women worldwide by hosting a skills workshops, networking events, and an annual conference, all of which bring together students, alumni, international relations practitioners, policy makers, and business leaders.

Students gain valuable insights from global leaders and international relations experts through the many events hosted at the school that provide a wide spectrum of viewpoints on the issues that shape our world.

The Profound Impact of a SAIS Education

I knew that choosing a graduate program would be a pivotal step in my career aspirations and SAIS stood out from the rest. It offered a comprehensive and rigorous education that promised to sharpen my focus and clarify my future goals.

SAIS Was the Only School that Genuinely Felt Like Home

During my time at SAIS, I’ve learned the most from my fellow students. People here come from so many different places and have so many academic, professional, and personal backgrounds that I always feel like I’m learning something new.

Beyond the Classroom

Gain real-world, cutting-edge expertise needed to address today’s most pressing global challenges.

World-Class Events

The school regularly hosts expert policymakers, CEOs, heads of state, and scholars to campus. Students are encouraged to explore topics of interest by attending lectures, presentations, and special programming.

Study Treks

More than two dozen study treks are offered throughout the academic year, providing students valuable opportunities to conduct field research, engage with partner organizations, and gain new perspectives on major global issues.

Career Treks

Through company visits and alumni networking receptions students gain an insider’s perspective on working in different sectors. The school hosts career treks around the world to help students learn about career paths in asset management, consulting, energy and environment, finance, international development, nonprofits, multilateral organizations, political risk, think tanks, and more.

Staff Rides

During a staff ride, students gain lessons in strategy, leadership, and decision making by visiting a historic battle site and reenacting key moments. Each year, at least one staff ride occurs outside of the US and recent staff rides have been conducted in South Korea, Scotland, Italy, and Poland.

Student Government Association

Serve as the liaison between the student body and administration, offering ideas for programming and selecting guest speakers for the faculty research seminar series.

Practicum projects provide students with extensive, in-depth experience consulting for client organizations working to address real-world challenges.

International Relations Degree Requirements

The Master of Liberal Arts, International Relations degree program is offered online with 1 course required on campus at Harvard University. Weekend options are available for the on-campus requirement.

Getting Started

Explore admissions & degree requirements.

• Course curriculum and the on-campus experience
• Admissions: eligibility and earning your way in
• Completing your degree

Begin Your Admissions Path This Upcoming Spring

Enroll in your first admission course. Registration is open November 4, 2024–January 23, 2025.

Learn how to register →

Required Course Curriculum

Online core and elective courses

On-campus Engaging in Scholarly Conversation course

Capstone or thesis

12 Graduate Courses (48 credits)

The degree is highly customizable. As part of the program curriculum, you choose either a thesis or capstone track as well as the international relations courses and electives that meet your individual learning goals.

With online courses offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats , you can participate in some courses on demand and others live that offer real-time engagement with faculty and peers.

Required Courses View More

• SSCI 100B Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Government, History and International Relations
• 4 international relations courses
• This 4-credit requirement is fulfilled by completing 2 two-credit Active Learning Weekends or 1 three-week summer course. Learn more about the on-campus experience
• 1 international relations seminar
• 1 research methods course
• EXPO 42b Writing in the Social Sciences is an elective option

Browse Courses →

Tip: Seminars offer small-class discussions as well as ample opportunities to connect with faculty and peers while engaging in research. We encourage you to complete multiple seminars.

Thesis Track View More

The thesis is a 9-month independent research project where you work one-on-one in a tutorial setting with a thesis director.

Additional courses include:

• Thesis proposal tutorial
• Master’s Thesis (8 credits)

Recent Thesis Topics:

• The Potential Impact of Artificial General Intelligence on Preventive Diplomacy from a Balance of Threat Perspective
• Iceland’s Accession to the Atlantic Pact 1948-49: A Strategic Path Forward for NATO
• Identity Politics in Morocco: The Implications of Indigenousness, Feminism and Nationalism within the Ongoing Western Sahara Conflict
• Business as Mission in North Korea: An Investigation of an Alternative Strategy to Autocratic Regimes
• From the Plaza to the Parliament: Evaluating Anti-Austerity Governments in Greece and Italy

Capstone Track View More

The capstone track focuses on a research project and includes the following additional courses:

• An international relations elective
• Policy Writing and Analysis
• Deliberative Justice
• Equity and the Struggle for Justice
• National Security Writing and Analysis (this capstone requires an additional weekend on campus)

Capstone experience. First, in the precapstone, you gain foundational preparation through critically analyzing the scholarly literature. Then, in the capstone, you execute a semester-long research project with guidance and support from your instructor and fellow candidates.

Capstone sequencing. You enroll in the precapstone and capstone courses in the same topic, in back-to-back semesters (fall/spring), and in your final academic year. The capstone must be taken alone as your sole remaining degree requirement. Capstone topics are subject to change annually.

Optional Graduate Certificates View More

You can choose to concentrate your degree studies in a specific area and earn a certificate along the way.

Graduate Certificates:

• International Security
• Nuclear Deterrence
• Social Justice

Harvard Instructor Requirement View More

For either the thesis or capstone track, 8 of the above courses (32 credits) need to be taught by instructors with the Harvard-instructor designation. The thesis course is taught by a Harvard instructor.

On-Campus Experience

Choose between the accelerated or standard on-campus experience.

Learn and network in person with your classmates.

Nearly all courses can be taken online, but the degree requires an in-person experience here at Harvard University where you enroll in Engaging in Scholarly Conversation (ESC).

Join your fellow degree candidates for this interactive course that highlights the importance of true graduate-level analysis by training you in the skills of critically engaging the scholarly literature in your field of study.

Choose between two on-campus experience options:

• Accelerated on-campus option : ESC is offered in two 2-credit Active Learning Weekends. We strongly advise you complete the two weekends in the same academic year with same instructor (part one in fall and part two in spring).
• Standard on-campus option: ESC is offered in one 3-week Harvard Summer School (HSS) session. This option is ideal for those who want a more traditional on-campus experience. HSS offers, for an additional fee, housing, meal plans, and a prolonged on-campus experience here at Harvard University. Learn more about campus life at Harvard .

You register for ESC after completing the proseminar with a grade of B or higher and prior to either the Crafting the Thesis Proposal tutorial or the precapstone to support your final research project. Ordinarily, students wait until they are officially admitted before enrolling in this course, as it does not count as one of the three, 4-credit courses required for admission.

You have two attempts to earn the required grade of B- or higher in ESC. A withdrawal grade (WD) counts as an attempt.

Whether working on a paper at one of the libraries or shopping at the Harvard Coop, I always felt like I belonged.

On attending Engaging in Scholarly Conversation in the active learning weekend format.

International Students Who Need a Student Visa View More

To meet the on-campus requirement, you choose the Standard on-campus option and study with us in the summer. You can easily request an I-20 for the F-1 student visa for Harvard Summer School’s 3-week session. For more details, see International Student Study Options for important visa information.

In-Person Co-Curricular Events View More

Come to Cambridge for Convocation (fall) to celebrate your hard-earned admission, Harvard career fairs offered throughout the year, HES alumni networking events (here at Harvard and around the world), and, of course, Harvard University Commencement (May).

Confirm your initial eligibility with a 4-year bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.

Take three courses in our unique “earn your way in” admissions process that count toward your degree.

In the semester of your third course, submit the official application for admission to the program.

Below are our initial eligibility requirements and an overview of our unique admissions process to help get you started. Visit the Degree Program Admissions page for more details.

Initial Eligibility View More

• Prior to enrolling in any degree-applicable courses, you must possess a 4-year regionally accredited US bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent. Foreign bachelor’s degrees must be evaluated for equivalency.
• If English is your second language, you’ll need to prove English proficiency before registering for a course. We have multiple proficiency options .

Earning Your Way In — Courses Required for Admission View More

To begin the admission process, you simply register — no application required — for the following three, four-credit, graduate-level degree courses (available online).

These prerequisite courses count toward your degree once you’re admitted ; they are not additional courses. They are investments in your studies and help ensure success in the program.

• Before registering, you’ll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills , or earn a B or higher in EXPO 42b Writing in the Social Sciences.
• You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt). The proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.
• One international relations course
• One international relations course, research methods, or elective (e.g., EXPO 42b)

While the three courses don’t need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, we highly recommend that you start with the proseminar (or prerequisite EXPO 42b). All three courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Applying to the Degree Program View More

During the semester of your third degree course, submit the official application to the program.

Don’t delay! You must prioritize the three degree courses for admission and apply before completing subsequent courses. By doing so, you’ll:

• Avoid the loss of credit due to expired course work or changes to admission and degree requirements.
• Ensure your enrollment in critical and timely degree-candidate-only courses.
• Avoid the delayed application fee.
• Gain access to exclusive benefits.

Eligible students who submit a complete and timely application will have nine more courses after admission to earn the degree. Applicants can register for courses in the upcoming semester before they receive their grades and while they await their admission decision.

Prospective ALM students can expect acceptance into the program by meeting all the eligibility and academic requirements detailed on this page, submitting a complete application, and having no academic standing or conduct concerns .

The Office of Predegree Advising & Admissions makes all final determinations about program eligibility.

Search and Register for Courses

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) offers degree courses all year round to accelerate degree completion.

• You can study in fall, January, and spring terms through Harvard Extension School (HES) and during the summer through Harvard Summer School (HSS).
• You can enroll full or part time. After qualifying for admission, many of our degree candidates study part time, taking 2 courses per semester (fall/spring) and 1 in the January and summer sessions.
• Most fall and spring courses meet once a week for two hours, while January and summer courses meet more frequently in a condensed format.

Completing Your Degree

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Complete your courses in five years.

Earn your Harvard degree and enjoy Harvard Alumni Association benefits upon graduation.

Required GPA, Withdrawal Grades, and Repeat Courses View More

GPA . You need to earn a B or higher in each of the three degree courses required for admission and a B– or higher in each of the subsequent courses. In addition, your cumulative GPA cannot dip below 3.0.

Withdrawal Grades. You are allowed to receive two withdrawal (WD) grades without them affecting your GPA. Any additional WD grades count as zero in your cumulative GPA. See Academic Standing .

Repeat Courses . We advise you to review the ALM program’s strict policies about repeating courses . Generally speaking, you may not repeat a course to improve your GPA or to fulfill a degree requirement (if the minimum grade was not initially achieved). Nor can you repeat a course for graduate credit that you’ve previously completed at Harvard Extension School or Harvard Summer School at the undergraduate level.

Courses Expire: Finish Your Coursework in Under Five Years View More

Courses over five years old at the point of admission will not count toward the degree. As stated above, the proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.

Further, you have five years to complete your degree requirements. The five-year timeline begins at the end of the term in which you complete any three degree-applicable courses, regardless of whether or not you have been admitted to a degree program.

Potential degree candidates must plan accordingly and submit their applications to comply with the five-year course expiration policy or they risk losing degree credit for completed course work. Additionally, admission eligibility will be jeopardized if, at the point of application to the program, the five-year degree completion policy cannot be satisfied (i.e., too many courses to complete in the time remaining).

Graduate with Your Harvard Degree View More

When you have fulfilled all degree requirements, you will earn your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: International Relations. Degrees are awarded in November, February, and May, with the annual Harvard Commencement ceremony in May.

Degree Candidate Exclusive Benefits View More

When you become an officially admitted degree candidate, you have access to a rich variety of exclusive benefits to support your academic journey. To learn more, visit degree candidate academic opportunities and privileges .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

• Search SF State Search SF State Button SF State This Site

Master of Arts in International Relations

Our dynamic and interconnected world needs a cutting-edge workforce of change-makers and disruptors who understand how economics, geopolitics, security and the environment are inextricably linked — exactly what you will learn as a graduate student at San Francisco State University.

Professors Skonieczny and Banerjee celebrate the success of ISA-West Conference participants from the IR M.A. Program.

As the only M.A. in International Relations in the California State University System, our two-year program attracts students and faculty from all over the world. Our program prepares graduate students to enter a competitive workforce in government, business and non-profits or to pursue advanced graduate training leading to a Ph.D. We are the only CSU department to be an affiliate member of the prestigious Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs offering numerous professional opportunities for our students and graduates. Our program is also a Western Regional Graduate Program offering in-state tuition to 16 Western Region state residents including Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado.

Why Join Us?

• Join a cohort of 20-25 graduate students representing the world and the changing demographics of the United States — 2/3 of our students identify as Asian, LatinX and/or African-American 
• Our program offers an academic emphasis or a professional emphasis that allows for either a thesis OR an immersive internship experience 
• Spend a semester of our program abroad  at universities in Italy, Japan and South Korea
• Affordable Tuition — Western State Residents pay under $9,000 per year, financial aid and some limited scholarships are available to eligible graduate students 

Grad Program Events

Get to know our Graduate Program in International Relations this Spring! Please register in advance for all Zoom sessions.

Program Snapshot

• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Learning Outcomes

Spring 2024 application deadline is December 1, 2023. Classes start January 29, 2024

Fall 2024 application deadline is March 15, 2024. Classes start in August, 2024

The application fee is $70. U.S. Veterans may apply for a fee waiver. Under special hardship circumstances additional application fee waivers may be considered. Prospective students can email [email protected] for potential fee waivers. Unfortunately, SF State does not offer fee waivers for F1/international students.

Want to find out more about our program? Watch our past presentations online!

• Facebook Live: Choosing a Graduate Program that’s Right for Me
• M.A. Program Overview and Q/A with Graduate Coordinator and Current Students  (passcode: gFRq@Z9$)

Applying to the Program 

Please apply through the Graduate Division. 

Admission Criteria—Department of International Relations 

To receive serious consideration, applicants will have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with relevant course work and a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate study.  

Where relevant, students should meet  minimum English Language Proficiency requirements . 

The graduate coordinator may require successful applicants to supplement their background in international relations with coursework, readings and/or essays prior to or during their first year in the program. In such instances, applicants will be admitted to the program with conditionally classified standing. 

Materials Required to Apply 

An unofficial transcript from all programs attended. Note: An official transcript will be required upon acceptance.    

The names and email addresses of three recommenders who can comment on your abilities, achievements, and likelihood of success in a Master's program. Use Cal State Apply’s Program Evaluation feature to request and manage letters of recommendation. Note: We desire at least two letters from former instructors who are knowledgeable about your academic skills and potential.    

A personal statement offering your reasons for embarking on graduate study in international relations, your reasons for selecting our program, your theoretical, functional, or geographic interests, and resume type information. Your personal statement should not exceed 1,000 words.    

A research paper in English on a social science topic (1,500 to 9,000 words). If you do not have such a paper in English, please submit a short essay (1,500 words or less) on an international issue of your choice with adequate citations.     

TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores (required for students whose undergraduate degree was obtained in a language other than English). Foreign students also are encouraged to provide results for the TOEFL listening test or equivalent as well. Please check with ETS for the latest school code information. 

Graduate Division Resources 

• Key Graduate Division Deadlines  
• Steps for Completing a Master's Degree  

On-Campus Services 

• Job Search Services and Career Development  
• CARP (Campus Academic Resource Program)  
• ETC (English Tutoring Center)  
• LAC (Learning Assistance Center)  
• Tutoring Resources for Writing  

Fellowships Office  

• Graduate Writing Workshops – cover how to produce more incisive, elegant academic writing  
• National Fellowship Program Information Workshops – include detailed information on how to craft the essays and address application prompts   
• CSU Pre-Doctoral Program and Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program Information Workshops – include detailed information on how to craft the essays and address application prompts. The Pre-Doc Program workshop includes content required for application to Ph.D. programs 

Library Support Services 

• Citations & Their Formats (online tutorial) 
• Citing References  
• Software available for SFSU students (under: Campus software licenses) 

Study Abroad Information 

Spend a semester abroad and experience as well as learn about the world. The IR department works with the SF State Study abroad office to offer the following programs for graduate students with no delay in their time to graduation. 

• University of Pavia  in Pavia, Italy  (Prof. Siegel discusses this opportunity)  
• Meiji University  in Tokyo, Japan 
• Chung-Ang University  in Seoul, Korea 

Visit the SF State Study Abroad website to find out more.

Culminating Experience (IR 892 Internship/IR 898 Master’s Thesis) 

• Internship Guidelines and Forms  
• Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) and Culminating Experience (CE) Forms (Must be completed before registering for 892/898)  
• ilearn (892/898)-Please check the ilearn page for CE students regularly for updates, forms and current deadlines  

Sample Culminating Experience Papers

• Sample Master’s Thesis (Maria Guadalupe Cruz Cardenas, Class of 2022) (pdf)
• Sample Master’s Thesis Pelin Gul, Class of 2020  (pdf)
• Sample Internship Paper, Benita Pungwe Mpala, Class of 2021  (pdf)

The graduate program for International Relations consists of core requirements, elective classes and either an academic emphasis or a professional emphasis. The academic emphasis is for students who prefer to write an academic thesis, and may go on to pursue a Ph.D. in a variety of fields such as Political Science, Sociology or Global Studies or teach at a community college. The professional emphasis is for students who prefer to embark on an intensive internship (140 hours minimum) and gain work experience in the field. Professional emphasis students complete an internship report paper in place of an academic thesis to complete the culminating experience requirement.  

Core Requirements-Required 

• I R 720 Theory and Approaches in International Relations, 3 units  
• I R 725 The Analysis of Foreign Policy, 3 units 
• I R 728 International Political Economy, 3 units 
• I R 730 – I R 739 The International System and Its Problems series (select 1 course), 3 units 
• I R 740 – I R 749 Comparative Foreign Policies series (select 1 course), 3 units 
• I R 730 – I R 749 Elective (select 1 course), 3 units 

Choose ONE (either can also serve as an elective course) 

• I R 750 Methods and Thesis Selection in International Relations, 3 units 
• I R 751 Data Analysis and Evaluation Research in International Relations , 3 units 

Total for core: 21 units 

Electives-Choose 3 Classes (9 units) 

Subject to availability. For current course offerings, check the SFSU class schedule . Courses are rotated and generally offered only once every year.  

• Up to two upper-division undergraduate classes can be substituted for graduate electives. Must be approved by the graduate coordinator 
• Electives can also be chosen from related departments such as History, Political Science, Geography, International Business, Public Administration and others. Must be approved by the graduate coordinator 
• For complete course descriptions, see the bulletin . 

International Relations M.A. Electives 

• I R 705 Get Ready for a Career in International Relations (Units: 2) 
• I R 709 Colloquium in International Relations (Unit: 1) 
• I R 731 Politics of Multinational Corporations (Units: 3) 
• I R 734 International Migration (Units: 3) 
• I R 735 Seminar in Global Environmental Policy (Units: 3) 
• I R 736 International Development and Globalization (Units: 3) 
• I R 737 Seminar in Regional Economic Communities (Units: 3) 
• I R 738 Contemporary International Legal Issues (Units: 3) 
• I R 739 International Security (Units: 3) 
• I R 741 Africa (Units: 3) 
• I R 742 Seminar on American Foreign Policy (Units: 3) 
• I R 743 Seminar in Chinese Foreign Policy (Units: 3) 
• I R 745 Latin America (Units: 3) 
• I R 746 The Middle East (Units: 3) 
• I R 747 Russia and the West (Units: 3) 
• I R 749 Asia and the World System (Units: 3) 

Minimum total electives: 9 units

Academic Emphasis 

I R 898 Master’s Thesis, 3 units  

Minimum total for emphasis requirements 3 units 

Combined degree total: 33   units

Professional Emphasis 

I R 892 Graduate Internship in International Relations 3, units  

Minimum total for emphasis requirements 3 

Combined degree total: 33   units

Department Advising

There are two sources of International Relations (IR) Department advising for graduate students: (a) the graduate coordinator; and (b) IR faculty. 

(a) The graduate coordinator can help students with general course and career planning, M.A. program planning, department formalities (e.g., proposal for a culminating experience, Graduate Approved Program (GAP) substitutions or revisions, or course transfer evaluations), study abroad and university rules and regulations and petitions. 

(b) IR faculty can provide students with course and career advising. Their value added is that they can give guidance in the specific regional and thematic areas that interest students. In addition, they can aid students in building the network and portfolio which will help them pursue their longer-term career/intellectual goals. IR faculty also are an essential part of the supervising committee for culminating experience projects and will support students’ efforts to develop and execute their culminating experience projects. Given the importance of IR faculty as advisors, students are strongly encouraged to develop an informal mentoring relationship with one or more faculty soon after their first semester in the program. 

Degree Timeline 

Every semester: It is to the advantage of students to communicate with the graduate coordinator and/or a faculty advisor at least once a semester about their course and program plans. 

Two-Year Degree Timeline : Semester by Semester Guide (pdf)

2nd Year Fall: Complete the ATC and CE Form prior to your final semester .  

• Students should acquire a good understanding of international relations theories and their applications in the world.  
• Students should be able to examine the role of state and non-state actors on the global stage and critically approach contemporary schools of thought in International relations.  
• Students should be able to develop skills and experience to engage in a variety of sectors: public, private, academic and nonprofit.  
• Students should be able to generate research questions and systematically use theory and evidence to address these questions.  
• Students should be able to conduct research using primary and secondary sources to deepen their understanding of a global issue.  
• Students should be able to follow the disciplinary conventions of writing and analysis in international relations.  
• Student writing should show evidence of independent thinking, conceptual analysis and problem-solving abilities.  
• Students must be well-versed in a program area in international relations such as international security, foreign policy, international migration, international development or regional studies.  
• Students should develop an advanced understanding of international relations and important issues such as human rights, climate change and international conflict and be able to apply their knowledge to a specific topic.  
• Student internships and teaching engagements should generate knowledge and experience useful to the career goals of the graduate students. 

The documents on this website might not be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. We are working to fix these accessibility barriers. If you experience difficulty in accessing this content, please contact the Department of International Relations by email at [email protected] and we will provide you with accessible alternatives .

Additional Information

Graduate coordinator.

Anyone with questions about our program is encouraged to contact our Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Amy Skonieczny, via email at  [email protected] .

For More Information

View the  SF State Bulletin M.A. in IR page  for more information regarding the program.

Funding Assistance

Our department does not offer paid TA or RA positions at this time.

However, there are several ways  to fund your graduate education  including Federal Financial Aid, Grants, Work-Study, and some University,  College level  and  IR departmental Scholarships  including the  Dwight Simpson Memorial Scholarship  and the  Benny & May Chin Scholarship in International Relations .

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: (415) 338-2654

Office Hours

Quick links.

• Undergraduate Advising Center
• SF Bulletin
• Financial Aid
• Study Abroad
• Career Resources

ScholarWorks at UMass Boston

Home > MCCORMACK > CRHSGG > MSPAIR_THESES

Public Affairs, International Relations Masters Theses Collection

This collection contains open access and campus access Masters theses, made possible through Graduate Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The full content of open access theses is available to all, although some files may have embargoes placed on them and will be made available as soon as possible. The full content of campus access theses is only available to those either on the UMass Boston campus or with a UMass Boston campus username and password. Click on the "Off-Campus UMass Boston Users" link on the record page to download Campus Access publications. Those not on campus and those without a UMass Boston campus username and password may gain access to this thesis through resources like Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global or through Interlibrary Loan.

Theses from 2023 2023

How Does China View the Modern Asian Regional System? , Thi Mai Anh Nguyen

Theses from 2020 2020

Domestic Public Opinion on EU Integration and Investment by China in the Western Balkans , Brandon Wilcox

Theses from 2019 2019

The Neoliberal State as an Apparatus of Harm: Towards a Decolonial Materialist Feminism in Bolivia , Taylor M. Doherty

The Role of the International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGO) in Humanitarian Intervention – A Case Study of the IFRC Cash Transfer Program in Malawi , Olabode George Igandan

Human Rights and Justice Rights Approaches to Gender-Based Violence (GBV): The Case of Kenya’s Sexual Offenses Act (KSOA) , Maryanne W. Kamunya

Women's Security and Empowerment in the Context of Forced Displacement: A Case Study of Humanitarian Policies for Syrian Refugee Women in Turkey , Kinga Henryka Karlowska

Theses from 2018 2018

War, Public Outrage, and Partisanship: Congressional Responses to Presidential Military Overreach , William G. Foster-Nolan

The United States of Sol: Privatization as a Tool of American Hegemony in the Solar System , Edward C. Henry

Israeli Apartheid: Separating Fact, Fiction, and (Public) Opinion , Shaheen B. Merhej

Theses from 2017 2017

Understanding the Causes of Unaccompanied Minors Migrating to the US during 2014 , Edgar Torres

Theses from 2016 2016

Security and Foreign Policy of Landlocked States , Samiullah Mahdi

Theses from 2015 2015

'Responsibility to Protect': The Divergent Development of a Norm , Georges T. Fakhry

Theses from 2014 2014

Four Traits of Strong Science-Policy Interfaces for Global Environmental Governance , Daniel F. Zaleznik

Theses from 2013 2013

National Passenger Rail Policies and the Effect on Investment, Ridership, and Congestion , Kyle J. Emge

The Cost of Nationalism: The Foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and its Perilous Path Toward Middle Eastern Hegemony , Jeremy C. Lowe

How Ending Gender Violence in India Improves the Nation's International Reputation and Tourism Industry: A Case for Nationalism , Sharon Nambudripad Schiffer

Why now? The Making of Modern Burma: Drivers of Democratization , Aung Tun

Theses from 2012 2012

U.S. Foreign Policy in the Post-Cold War Era , Kyle R. Vale

Peers: How a Global Economy and Information Technology Have Equalized Power in World Politics , Rachel D. Wolters

Theses from 2011 2011

Design for Participatory Development Planning and Economic Self-Determination in Ileho, Kenya , Cynthia C. Abatt

The Implications of Water Insecurity for Fragile and Failing States: The Case of Pakistan , Jennifer Norins

Theses from 2010 2010

Relative Socioeconomic Status and the Probability of Migration: A Study of the Effects of Relative Socioeconomic Status on the Decision to Migrate to the United States , Alexandra Souza Vieira Barker

Environmental and Natural Disasters in Haiti: The Impacts of Failed Policies From 2004 to 2010 , James Douby Ralph Eliscar

Theses from 2009 2009

Democracy in Russia: An Analysis of the Process of Democratization in Post-Soviet Russia , Douglas F. Gray

Theses from 2006 2006

US-Mexico Relations and NAFTA: Lessons Learned for South America and the FTAA , Marion E. Gordon

Theses from 2005 2005

Albania: A Case Study of Socio-Economic and Political Effects of Transition to Democracy , Ira Lazic

Theses from 2003 2003

Reexamining the Impact of September 11th on Relations Between Saudi Arabia and the United States , Faisal bin Khaled Al Saud

Contemporary US/Korean Relations: A South Korean Perspective , Kelly Tobin

Theses from 1983 1983

Odisseia Portuguesa via Hudson, Massachusetts, U.S.A. , Adalino Cabral

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS
• Collections
• Disciplines

Author Corner

• Information for Authors
• About ScholarWorks
• Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Master Thesis: DIPLOMACY AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – EU AND RUSSIA IN THE LIGHT OF UKRAINE CRISIS

Since the ceasefire of the Minsk agreement (Minsk II), media, politics and scholars debate EU-diplomacy concerning the concessions Minks II made towards Russia. Reflecting EU-Russia-relations, the Ukraine-crisis was not a surprise (see Mearsheimer 2014, Dias 2013). In a long-term perspective, a contradiction appears between Russia’s confirmations of EU-norms and values as mutually shared principles on one hand, and a “fundamental ideological difference” on the other hand (Faw 2010:40, see Monaghan 2013:5pp). Regarding academic research, the problem is not new but still relevant (see Timmermann 2005, The Council of the European Union 2010, Poyraz 2011, Maliukevičius 2013). The Ukraine-crisis challenges relations between EU and Russia. What path will EU and Russia tread? Picking up on the hint at ideological differences, the thesis questions: Why does the Ukraine-crisis challenge EU-Russian-relations? Where do the challenges originate? What are their underlying reasons? The recent crisis in Ukraine can be seen as a challenge of EU-standards in EU-Russian-relations, regarding their implications for EU-diplomacy concerning power and balance of interests in a globalized world. The Ukraine-crisis underlines the role of the Ukraine as a buffer zone at the peak of mutual misunderstanding between EU and Russia. In the theoretical framework of power/knowledge and discourse after Michel Foucault (1972, 1980), the Master Thesis analyses key concepts of official discourse in EU-Russian relations. With Foucault’s notion of power and picking up on the hint at ideological differences, core concepts of EU-standards, such as democracy, multipolarity, rule of law and modernization, can be “unpacked” in the logic of ‘truth of power’, comparatively or contrasting to the Russian ‘truth of power’. The research design of qualitative discourse analysis focuses on official resources of EU- and Russian policies in the timeframe of Vladimir Putin’s first presidency in 2000 up to today, concentrating on values and norms as given EU-standard. The Ukraine will be considered in the context of analysis, while the role of the U.S. is given marginal attention, in order to keep the frame of a master thesis. Michel Foucault himself gave methodological precautions, but not a methodology to put discourse analysis into practice (see ibid. 1980, see Jørgensen/Phillips 2002). Consequently, the methodology of this discourse analysis refers to Laclau and Mouffee’s conception of nodal points and floating signifiers in the framework of their discourse theory, which follows core aspects of Foucault’s approach (see Laclau and Mouffee 1985).1 In order to examine the core assumption, EU-standards, challenged in EU-Russian-relations in the course of the Ukraine-crisis, will be analysed. EU-standard concepts chosen for analysis are: democracy, multipolarity, rule of law and modernization. These will be analysed with Laclau and Mouffee’s conception of nodal points and floating signifiers. Data will be collected (official resources), the comprehension of the respective EU- standard concept by each side, Russia and EU, will be examined and verified by examples. The outcome will be discussed against the theoretical background of a “truth of power”, regarding implications for EU-diplomacy towards Russia and Ukraine’s role as a buffer zone concerning power and balance in a globalized world. Future perspectives of academic research will be envisaged.

Related Papers

International Politics

Viljar Veebel

Over the last 20 years the European Union (EU) has been associated with the export of certain universal norms, rules and practices to other countries. In academic circles, the concept is called “normative power Europe”. Democracy, rule of law, strong commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, and social justice: these principles form the core identity of the EU. Based on shared political, economic and cultural ties among member states, the EU has sought to promote these norms also in the neighbouring countries, including Russia. However, the outbreak of the violent conflict between Russia and Ukraine at the end of 2013 clearly demonstrates that the EU has failed in its pursuit in Russia despite extensive mutual relations and comprehensive financial support provided by the EU. The aim of the article is to analyse how consistent has the EU been in defending and promoting European values and norms in the international arena and to Russia during the Ukrainian conflict.

Pernille Rieker

Recent developments in European security have shown the growing need for a better understanding of the security dynamics on the European continent. This article presents an analysis of differing Russian and European perceptions of European security in general, and concerning the crisis in Ukraine in particular. As much of the literature on these issues has been normatively driven, we aim to provide an impartial presentation and analysis of the dominant Russian and EU discourses. This we see as essential for investigating the potential for constructive dialogue between Russia and the EU. If simplistic assumptions about the motivations and intentions of other actors take hold in the public debate and policy analyses, the main actors may be drawn into a logic that is ultimately dangerous or counterproductive. With this article we offer a modest contribution towards discouraging such a development in Russia–EU relations. After presenting an analysis of the differing EU and Russian perceptions, we discuss the potential for dialogue between such different worldviews, and reflect on potential implications for European security. As the article shows, there are tendencies of a certain adjustment in the Union’s approach that may make a partial rapprochement between the two sides more likely.

marta martin

Elena A Korosteleva

Givi Gigitashvili

The illegal annexation of Crimea has halt to more than 20 years of the EU’s engagement with the Russian Federation. Unexpectedly, Russia derailed from its own commitments to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity that created a deep gap and exposed essential differences on values and on the implication of international law. On these grounds, it is worth to analyze whether existed vocabulary of their communication is still relevant. Considering the current developments, the underlying paper examines the validity of key aspect between two actors communication after Crimean crisis.

Review of European and Russian Affairs

Anastasia Chebakova

Journal of European Integration

Marco Siddi

Between 2014 and 2021, the EU's relationship with Russia oscillated between the ever more elusive quest for a mutually acceptable geopolitical balance and increasing conflict. The conflict focused primarily on the future of Ukraine. Three new books analyse essential parts of this conundrum: the changing nature of the EU's power in the context of the Ukraine conflict, the long-standing EU-Russia business and energy relationship, and the self-image and external perceptions of EU foreign policy towards Ukraine. While written before the 2022 war, the books remain highly relevant because they dissect an ongoing process of changing EU actorness in its Eastern neighbourhood. In order to analyse the path to the 2022 war and its aftermath, future research must expand on this scholarship by enlarging the spectrum of theoretical approaches while navigating the new constraints that the war and the ensuing tense policy debates have put on empirical work.

Strategic Communication in EU-Russia Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

Pierre-Emmanuel Thomann

The competing narratives between the EU and Russia have revealed parallel interpretations of the different ongoing crises. This "narrative war" has so far led to a worsening of relations at governmental level. It might be time to highlight the potential benefit of greater focus on common interests in order to improve communication among experts and politicians from the EU countries and Russia, and identify common geopolitical interests in order to engage in a strategic dialogue. This approach could help to circumvent the psychological warfare based on rival ideological narratives. The chapter analyzes the disadvantages of strategic communication of the EU, the existing challenges in the relations between the EU and Russia and the urgency of finding solutions for peace and prosperity among the peoples of Europe.

Estelle Petit

The study of the four Foreign Policy Concepts of the Russian Federation and their changes in terms of tone and substance enable us to understand the country’s evolving understanding of international affairs and its perception of its own role in this environment. It also helps with the observation of the internal political dynamic in Russia, announcing a shift towards Eurasianism as well as allowing us to put Russian attitudes to Western behaviour through years. The analysis of EU-Russia relations within this wider perspective highlights the mutual misunderstanding and lack of empathy between both entities that prevented them from avoiding some significant faux pas that led them to the current situation. From vacillations and hesitancy to a dialogue of the deaf clouded by distrust, we will be aim to specifically analyse Moscow’s reaction to EU involvement in Russia’s “sphere of influence”.

European Journal of Transformation Studies

Simant Shankar Bharti

Once again, the Ukrainian crisis has re-emerged after the Belarus-Russia joint defence exercise near the eastern border around October/November 2021. In December 2021, almost 100,000 troops were sent by Russia towards the Ukrainian borders. In this context, the article explores all the possible dimensions of the current crisis and the responses of Kyiv. Moreover, it also assesses the role of the European Union in the empirical setback of Ukraine. To validate the arguments, the study incorporates qualitative content and discourse analysis in order to phenomenological evaluation of the speeches by governmental and European officials. The latest findings suggest that there was an ongoing dialogue between the Western alliance and Russia to escalate tensions. Moscow had shown that they don't have any intention to attack on Ukraine if the Russian interests are recently compromised. Then, there would be serious consequences.

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

RELATED PAPERS

Cristian Nitoiu

Jack D Sharples

Europa-Kolleg Hamburg, Institute for European Integration, Discussion paper No 3/18

Lyudmila Igumnova

International Affairs

Beatrix Futak-Campbell

essex.ac.uk

Andrea Ciambra

Maxine David

Armen Hakobyan

Aliaksei Kazharski , Andrey Makarychev

Derviş Fikret ÜNAL

Tatiana A Romanova

International and Security Studies

Ryszard Zięba

Carlotta Fagioli

Focusing on common geopolitical interests: Changing the focus in EU-Russia dialogue and communication?

Larisa Deriglazova

Christophe Hillion

SPES Policy Papers. Berlin: Institut für Europäische Politik

Iryna Solonenko

Insight Turkey

Igor Torbakov

Rodrigo Quintas da Silva

Arnold Kiss

Journal of Regional Security , Cristian Nitoiu

florin pasatoiu

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

MPhil in International Relations

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The MPhil in International Relations combines intellectually rigorous training in theoretical and conceptual approaches to international relations with the study of the recent history of world politics, as well as providing methodological training and personalised guidance for the production of high-quality original research.

The MPhil International Relations will equip you with the knowledge and skills you require to pursue further research and study at an advanced level and also to undertake many forms of professional work in the field. This MPhil is a very popular course, attracting students from the world’s leading institutions. Entry is very competitive and students come from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities.

The course provides an excellent foundation for doctoral work in terms of substantive knowledge of the field, methods training, and the experience of conducting original research and thesis-writing. Those continuing on to the DPhil in Oxford can incorporate their MPhil thesis into the doctorate and progress as full doctoral students. Progression to the DPhil depends on meeting defined criteria. In most years a good percentage of the class moves on to the doctoral degree.

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) works with a range of research centres and programmes, such as the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict (ELAC), the Centre for the Resolution of Intractable Conflict (CRIC), and the Changing Character of War Centre (CCW).

Research centres actively seek to develop collaborative research activity via conferences, workshops and other academic events. They provide opportunities for you to present your own work in research seminar series. The research centres have an established and popular visitors’ programme which has allowed many scholars of international repute to participate in the DPIR’s research activities.

Course Structure

The objective of the course is to give you, in your first-year, a thorough mastery of the major facts, methodologies and perspectives in the field, as well as to develop research skills. This is supplemented in the second year by specialised course work on two optional subjects and a thesis.

In the first year as an MPhil in International Relations student, you must complete:

• Core classes in the development of the international system and contemporary debates in international relations theory.
• Course on research design and methods in international relations, which includes the writing of a research design proposal in preparation for the MPhil thesis.
• Methods training spanning a variety of approaches, both quantitative and qualitative. This training is intended to provide the skills necessary to both critically evaluate existing work and produce rigorous original research.

Second year

In your second year you will:

• Write a thesis.
• The Making of Modern International Society 
• Collective Political Violence
• Strategic Studies
• The International Relations of East Asia
• The International Relations of South Asia
• US Foreign Policy. 

Teaching and learning

The approach to teaching comprises intensive and interactive work between you and your supervisor and course teachers, combined with a carefully planned programme of classes, seminars and lectures, as well as directed self-study.

The department convenes a weekly IR Research Colloquium and many of the academic staff who teach and supervise on the programme organise seminars, talks and conferences during term time.

Work on the thesis is individually supervised.

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.

Resources to support your study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.

The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.

The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.

The Bodleian Social Science Library  located on the ground floor of the Manor Road Building houses the main collection for Politics and International Relations alongside a wide range of other social sciences resources.

The Politics and International Relations subject guide  provides up-to-date advice and the contact details of your Subject Librarian for further support.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Politics and International Relations and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Supervisors are usually selected from the  academic staff  within the Department of Politics and International Relations.  Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Politics and International Relations. 

You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will advise and guide you as you progress through the different stages of your MPhil studies. Students can expect to meet with their supervisor around three times each term.

Progression to the second year is conditional on passing examinations and/or coursework in research methods as well as the core course.

At the end of the course, you will complete two option papers of your choice assessed by examination or coursework and submit a thesis.

Graduate destinations

Oxford’s MPhil Programme in International Relations has served as the launch pad for many successful academic careers in the field, with students undertaking doctoral work either in Oxford or elsewhere. Its graduates have also gone on to work at the top levels of government and international diplomacy, and in senior positions in international institutions, the non-profit sector, journalism and the private sector.

The DPIR is committed to engaging with its  alumni community  through its Inspires alumni email newsletter and Alumni Career Conversations series of online talks.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

We know that factors such as socio-economic circumstances and school performance can make it difficult for students to demonstrate their full potential. This course is taking part in an initiative to use contextual data to help us to better understand your achievements in the context of your individual background. For further details, please refer to the information about improving access to graduate study in the How to apply section of this page.

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. Contextual data may also be used in the assessment of studentships. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class undergraduate degree with honours .

The qualification above should be achieved in one of the following subject areas or disciplines:

• political science
• international relations

However, each application will be assessed upon its own merits, therefore candidates with a degree in an unrelated discipline are welcome to demonstrate the relevance of their academic background to their proposed subject or topic of study. 

Entrance is very competitive. For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.8 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought, but where available GRE scores can be noted on the application. 

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Research or working experience that is relevant to your proposed study may provide further evidence of your academic potential.
• Publications are not expected, but a peer-reviewed publication in international relations or an allied discipline may be taken as  prima facie  evidence of aptitude for research.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Politics and International Relations

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) at Oxford is an internationally-renowned centre of excellence for teaching and research.

The study of these disciplines at Oxford has a long and distinguished history, and DPIR is one of the largest departments in the field globally. DPIR is ranked first overall in the 2024 Times Higher Education global university rankings for Politics and International Studies, and joint second in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, (first in the UK). Our Department is also ranked first in the UK by the Guardian's best university rankings 2024 in the Politics subject area.

The department's large community of academic staff work in research areas that extend in geographical scope across the globe, cover both historical and contemporary sources, and address technical, practical, and philosophical problems in networks that extend beyond the DPIR to other departments, universities, and global and local organisations.

Graduate students have access to an unrivalled range of expertise and activity in the fields of government and politics, political theory, and international studies. Teaching is based on the most rigorous contemporary scholarship and students are trained in the highest standards of critical analysis, and in the understanding and use of rigorous research methods and techniques.

The DPIR provides a stimulating research environment in which you can pursue your interests beyond the formal demands of the syllabus.

Many of the academic staff who teach on the graduate programmes also organise extracurricular research seminars for graduate students, such as the Nuffield Political Theory Workshop and the IR and Government research colloquia which take place weekly throughout term.

The DPIR graduate community currently numbers just over 300, with students split relatively equally between those studying on our taught courses and those undertaking doctoral research.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

For entry in the 2025-26 academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

If you apply by the January deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships. For the majority of Oxford scholarships, your application will automatically be assessed against the eligibility criteria, without needing to make a separate application. There are further Oxford scholarships available which have additional eligibility criteria and where you are required to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

To ensure that you are considered for Oxford scholarships that require a separate application, for which you may be eligible,  use our fees, funding and scholarship search tool  to identify these opportunities and find out how to apply. Alongside Oxford scholarships, you should also consider other opportunities for which you may be eligible including  a range of external funding ,  loan schemes for postgraduate study  and any other scholarships which may also still be available after the January deadline as listed on  our fees, funding and scholarship search tool .

Details of college-specific funding opportunities can also be found on individual college websites:

Select from the list:

Please refer to the College preference section of this page to identify which of the colleges listed above accept students for this course.

For the majority of college scholarships, it doesn’t matter which college, if any, you state a preference for in your application. If another college is able to offer you a scholarship, your application can be moved to that college if you accept the scholarship. Some college scholarships may require you to state a preference for that college when you apply, so check the eligibility requirements carefully.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2025-26

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project or a thesis topic. Please note that, depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel and vaccination expenses, conference attendance, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

Living costs for full-time study

For the 2025-26 academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between £1,425 and £2,035 for each month spent in Oxford. We provide the cost per month so you can multiply up by the number of months you expect to live in Oxford. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for the  costs of a student visa and immigration health surcharge and/or living costs for family members or other dependants that you plan to bring with you to Oxford (assuming that dependant visa eligibility criteria are met).

Further information about living costs

The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs , which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . 

If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide. 

The following colleges accept students on the MPhil in International Relations:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• New College
• Nuffield College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under the January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the information about deadlines and when to apply in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You are advised to review the  profiles of academic staff  before you apply, however you do not need to contact them before you apply.

Improving access to graduate study

This course is taking part in initiatives to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

Socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used as part of an initiative to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees: Three overall, academic preferred

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Your application must be supported by academic references, ie each referee should be able to testify to your academic abilities, achievements and motivation. In most cases, the academics who have taught you or who have known your academic work during earlier university-level study will be best placed to testify to these capabilities.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Statement of purpose: A maximum of 1,000 words 

Your statement should be in English and focus on the following criteria:

• Your academic motivation for applying for this course at Oxford
• Your relevant academic experience (including field work) and education
• Your understanding of the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in for your research project. Where possible, you should include a description of your proposed research project, including the research question, design and methods, and their significance.

 Please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

Written work: Two essays, a maximum of 2,000 words each

You should submit academic essays on any subject or theme within the discipline of international relations but preferably ones that relate to your proposed area of study.

The essays may be written specially for the application or may have been produced for other purposes, for instance as a coursework submission within a previous degree programme. Essays that comprise extracts or excerpted sections from longer pieces are acceptable but should be prefaced with a brief note that places them in context.

Essays should be within the specified word limits. You should not submit one longer essay or two essays of variable lengths.

All written work should be in English. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for understanding of the subject area; understanding of problems in the area; ability to construct and defend an argument; powers of analysis; and powers of expression.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Apply Continue application

After you've submitted your application

Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will  not  be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can  find out more about our shortlisting and selection process  in our detailed guide to what happens next.

Find out how to manage your application after submission , using our Applicant Self-Service tool.

ADMISSION STATUS

Open to applications for entry in 2025-26

12:00 midday UK time on:

Thursday 9 January 2025

Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2025-26

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2022-23 to 2024-25)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the  Department of Politics and International Relations

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research
• Social Sciences Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 278707

Application-process enquiries

Application guide

International Relations and Diplomacy Master Thesis

Introduction

The Master program in International Relations and Diplomacy requires the writing of a thesis (15 ECTS points), in addition to the successful completion of the required courses. Theses will be in the area of international relations, international organisation and/or diplomacy.

Students are free in the selection of the topic for the thesis, but must do so in consultation with potential thesis supervisors. It is advisable that the student starts thinking about the topic of his/her final Master’s thesis at an early stage. During the course ‘Research Design’, offered in the first year, students are trained in how to develop a research design and how to plan research for a thesis. The several courses offered in this Master program help students focus on a challenging and relevant topic to be explored in a thesis. In several cases, it may be profitable to link the topic of the thesis with insights gained during the internship, or topics especially relevant to the student’s own career plans. Master’s theses can, for example, deal with questions of international conflict resolution, international organization, diplomacy, European integration, international political economy, governance or negotiation analysis.

The thesis is written under the supervision of two members of the departmental faculty or one member of the department in cooperation with a staff member of Clingendael who is teaching in this programme. One of these two experts is the primary supervisor. The second supervisor co-decides about the approval of the thesis proposal and about the thesis assessment and grade, and can be consulted during the process of research and writing. The student is free to choose his/her first thesis supervisor out of the list of faculty members who are experts in the field of study and who are available and amenable. The 2nd supervisor is assigned by the educational coordinator Dr. Frits Meijerink.

During the first semester of the second year of studies, the student is expected to start work on the thesis and, by the end of the semester, to submit a thesis proposal to the primary supervisor. This proposal must include a problem statement, theoretical foundation, conceptualization and, if applicable, operationalisation of key variables, and the methodology and techniques for data collection and analysis. Students get an opportunity to work on, develop and present their thesis proposals during the ‘Thesis laboratory’ course offered in the second half of the first semester (second year of studies), in order to obtain further relevant input and feedback for their research. The thesis work should be completed in the fourth block of the second year of the MA program. In general, the thesis should be no shorter than 40 pages (ca. 16.000 words) and no longer than 60 pages (ca. 24.000 words), including tables and footnotes.

The MA thesis needs to comply with high standards of academic research and writing. In various courses offered in this program, the student will learn how to write academic papers and how to conduct research in topics relevant to international relations, international organization and political science more generally. Among the criteria used to evaluate the thesis are its originality, consistency, academic (and if applicable, societal) relevance, the choice of an adequate theoretical framework, the correct application of analytical methods, the quality of data collection, and presentation of the text. It is important that the thesis is consistent, clear and original in the sense of constituting a contribution to ongoing research.

Each thesis is supervised by two faculty members of the Department of Political Science at Leiden University. One of the supervisors may be a faculty member of Clingendael teaching in this program. First, the student draws up a thesis proposal that needs to be approved by both supervisors before actual work on the thesis can begin. Regular supervision is in the hands of the first supervisor. The second supervisor approves the proposal, together with the first supervisor, in the beginning of the supervision process and co-evaluates it with the first supervisor once the thesis is completed. Actual supervision starts with the first supervisor discussing the thesis proposal with the student in depth, possibly leading to improvements. Generally, several rounds of discussion and revision are needed until the proposal can be accepted. During the first meeting in which the proposal is discussed, the student is reminded of the Department’s quality criteria regarding Master’s theses as contained in the thesis evaluation form.

Once the first supervisor accepts the thesis proposal, it is submitted to the second supervisor. If the second supervisor considers the outline still to be inadequate, he or she communicates to the first supervisor which improvements are needed. The first supervisor discusses the requested improvements with the student. Once both supervisors agree with the outline, a meeting is scheduled with the student in which the first supervisor, and if possible also the second supervisor, participate. A copy of the thesis proposal, signed by both supervisors, is submitted to the Political Science secretariat by the first supervisor in order to place it into the student’s dossier of academic records.

The student and the first supervisor agree on a schedule and the ways in which supervision is to take place. Supervision may vary from frequent meetings, e.g. on a weekly basis, to discussion of individual chapters, to (in exceptional circumstances) a rare number of meetings only in the beginning and at the end of the thesis process. The second supervisor may be consulted in crucial stages of the research, by the first supervisor or in a discussion in which the student also participates.

The final version of the thesis is submitted to the first supervisor. A number of meetings and subsequent revisions may be needed before the thesis is considered to meet the required standards. Once the first supervisor considers the thesis to meet all basic requirements, it is submitted also to the second supervisor for evaluation. If the second supervisor considers the product to be insufficient, he or she informs the first supervisor and the student about further revisions needed. These suggestions are then discussed with the student by the first supervisor. Once the suggested revisions have been implemented, the first supervisor hands the revised version to the second supervisor. If the second supervisor accepts the product, the thesis evaluation form is filled in by both supervisors and the final grade is assigned.

Subsequently, if the student is still present in the Netherlands, the two supervisors schedule a final discussion or meeting with the student. This meeting results in the completion, and signing, of the ‘thesis evaluation form’ by both supervisors. Subsequently, the first supervisor hands the completed grade form, together with the thesis evaluation form, to the Political Science secretariat in order to have it added to the student’s dossier of academic records.

Students should take into account that supervisors may take up to three weeks to make an assessment of the final version of the thesis and that supervisors are not available for consultation and assessment through July-August. More information on the graduation procedures can be found on the website of Political Science.

Thesis proposals need to be approved by January 29, 2010.

June 7, 2010 is the deadline for students to hand in the final version of their thesis.

Graduate Program

Welcome to the graduate program of the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech! We offer three master's degrees and a doctoral degree, all at the nexus of science, technology, and international affairs. Our master's curricula prepare graduates to assume positions within business, government, and international organizations. While our doctoral curriculum enables graduates to assume roles in academia, senior research positions, and the private sector. In addition to degree programs, the Nunn School also offers graduate certificates for those looking for a more concise and specific course study.

Why Study at the Sam Nunn School?

The Nunn School lies at the intersection of science, technology, and international policy at a world-renowned technological institute. The program's interdisciplinary nature allows students to take courses in the Nunn School and outside of the department to meet their post-graduation plans. In their classes, students will engage with peers in the Ivan Allen College and also students studying business, computing, design, engineering, and the sciences. The courses offered by the Nunn School are taught by tenure-track faculty and distinguished professors of the practice, who are former policymakers, researchers, and business executives. The goal of the program is to prepare students for 21st-century careers.

Compare Graduate Programs

Program Benefits

Research Opportunities

Research opportunities are available to students through GRA positions or for course credit. Past assignments have included completing research on Transatlantic Data Privacy; Women and Terrorism; and Syria and Chemical Weapons. The purpose is to give students the opportunity to further develop their critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.

Distinguished Faculty 

At the Sam Nunn School, our faculty conduct research on a range of topics including but not limited to nuclear proliferation, energy, trade, transatlantic relations, space policy, and terrorism. They also possess regional expertise in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Every semester, our faculty bring their passion into the classroom to prepare students for their future careers.

City of Atlanta

While there is plenty to do on our 400-acre campus, we encourage students to venture off-campus and explore the City of Atlanta. Atlanta is home to over a dozen Fortune 500 companies such as Home Depot, Equifax, United Parcel Service, and our neighbor, The Coca-Cola Company. It is also the headquarters of the nonprofits such as the Carter Center and CARE, home of 26 diplomatic missions, and 28 bi-national chambers of commerce. Many of our students have interned at these organizations, and several alums now work there.

Alumnus Perspective

Graduate Advising / Admissions

Chris McDermott Associate Director of Academic Programs - Advising

Habersham Building 781 Marietta St. NW Atlanta, GA 30332-0610 Email:  [email protected] Twitter: @NunnSchoolGT

More About Advising

Relevant Links

Admissions Instructions

Meet Our Alumni

Admissions FAQ

Our Mission

• How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

International Relations Dissertation Topics and Titles – Free Advice

Published by Owen Ingram at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On May 2, 2024

Introduction

International relations studies the relationships between different countries, economies, regions, and governments whilst considering the importance of trade, economic relations, foreign policies, international security, and diplomacy.

International relations do not focus on a single country but discuss how a particular event or incident affects countries in one or more regions. Thus, each country needs to ensure that its international and economic relations with other countries are valuable and longstanding.

International relations are essential to understanding current political events and their impact on different countries. Whether it is the world war, oil crisis, 9/11, Brexit, or any other major event, the subject of international relations explores them in detail and provides insight into how they will affect other countries.

Studying international relations helps us understand how the world operates, how countries connect, and how they are affected by policy changes in another country or when a major incident occurs.

To help you get started with brainstorming for international relations topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your dissertation.

These topics have been developed by PhD qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the topic, research question, aim and objectives, literature review, and the proposed methodology of research to be conducted. Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics here.

Top IR Dissertation Topics

Topic: 1: economic security a new lens in international relations- a study to find the role of economic security in foreign policymaking in developing countries.

Research Aim: This research aims to find the role of economic security in foreign policymaking in developing countries. It will review the concept of economic security and its introduction into the international relations discourse. Moreover, it will show why it helps developing countries. And how can they incorporate it into their foreign policymaking? How much progress have they made so far while implementing it? And what can they do about it in the future?

Topic: 2: Russia vs. Ukraine a Geostrategic or Ideological Conflict? An Analysis to Identify the Actual Cause of Russia-Ukraine from Geostrategic and Ideological Lenses

Research Aim: This study intends to analyse the actual cause of Russia-Ukraine from geostrategic and ideological lenses. It will be a comparative study using various international relations (IR) lenses such as realism, liberalism, geostrategic, geo-economics, geo-political, etc., to show which lens finds appropriate reasoning for the Russia-Ukraine going to war. Moreover, it will identify various economic, political, and social forces driving this war. Lastly, it will find out who will be the prime beneficiary of this war other than Russia.

Topic: 3: Political Economy of Global Terrorism- An Assessment of the Political and Economic Forces Behind Global Terrorism

Research Aim: This research sheds light on the political and economic forces behind global terrorism. It will find how various political and economic powers, such as states, organisations, business groups, politicians, etc., deliberately promote terrorism for their political and financial motives. It will use various case studies such as terrorism in Pakistan and other developing countries and significant conflicts such as Israel-Palestine, Russia-Ukraine, etc. Moreover, it will show how small governments can create a political-economic-security framework to avoid terrorism for the benefit of foreign powers.

Topic: 4: The Role of Western Powers in Israel-Palestine- A Third World Country Viewpoint

Research Aim: This research assesses the role of Western powers such as the US, UK, and EU in the Israel-Palestine conflict from a third-world country viewpoint, such as India, Pakistan, etc. It will show how third-world countries evaluate this conflict on political, economic, social, and national security bases. Moreover, it will show what lessons these countries can learn from this conflict to save themselves from significant future disputes and formulate their foreign policy according to these lessons. Lastly, it shows which side these countries take in Israel-Palestine and on which grounds.

Topic: 5: Why the Middle East is Crucial for the West? A Geo-economic and Geostrategic Analysis

Research Aim: This research will show why the Middle East is crucial for the West through a geo-economic and geostrategic analysis. It will find why Western powers, such as the US, Europe, etc., invaded the Middle East from a geo-economic and geostrategic lens. It will show what these powers gained and lost in these invasions. And do geo-economic and geostrategic factors incentivize Western powers to invade the Middle East again? Lastly, how can the Middle East protect its rights and gains in the future by applying geo-economic and geostrategic analysis?

Topic 6: Impact of Terrorism and Religion on Relations between Afghanistan and US

This research analyses the dynamics between terrorism and religion and their influence on the bilateral relations between Afghanistan and the United States, to understand how these factors have shaped diplomatic, political, and socio-cultural interactions.

Topic 7: An Analysis of the Afghanistan Peace Process

This study critically examines the complexities and challenges of the Afghanistan peace process. It focuses on understanding the various stakeholders involved, their motivations, the negotiation dynamics, and the impact of historical, political, and socio-cultural factors on the prospects for sustainable peace and stability in the region.

Topic 8: The Role of the Arab Nations in the Israel - Palestine Conflict

The research investigates the role of Arab nations in the Israel-Palestine conflict. It focuses on their historical, political, diplomatic, and socio-cultural contributions, interventions, and impact on the conflict dynamics and the prospects for peace in the region.

Topic 9: The Effect of USMCA on International Trade

The study explores the effect of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on international trade. The research investigates USMCA’s impact on its economic, political, and social implications for the member countries and the broader global trade landscape.

Topic 10: An Analysis of Women's Participation in International Relations

This study critically analyses the participation of women in the field of international relations. It examines the factors influencing their involvement, the challenges they face, the contributions they make, and the implications for global governance, diplomacy, and security.

Topic 11: An Analysis of the Failure of the UN's Nuclear Disarmament Plans

The study analyses the factors contributing to the failure of the United Nations’ nuclear disarmament plans. It examines the historical attempts, diplomatic challenges, political obstacles, and the role of state actors, non-state actors, and international power dynamics in hindering progress toward global nuclear disarmament goals.

Topic 12: An Investigation of How the Syrian Crisis Turned Into A Civil War

The research aims to investigate the complex factors and events that led to the transformation of the Syrian crisis into a civil war, examining socio-political, historical, economic, and regional dynamics, as well as the roles of state and non-state actors, to gain insights into the escalation and perpetuation of the conflict.

COVID -19 International Relations Research Topics

Topic: 1: international relations and covid-19.

Research Aim: This study will address the geopolitical issues and International relations during COVID-19

Topic: 2: COVID-19 is a geopolitical instrument

Research Aim: COVID -19 has disturbed everything from health to the world’s economy, and it has also created tensions among the nations of the world. This study will identify whether Coronavirus is a geopolitical instrument or not.

Topic: 3: International Relations Scholars and COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will reveal the opinions and role of International relations scholars and COVID-19

Topic: 4: Meta-geopolitics and COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will focus on the meta-geopolitics during the COVID-19 crisis

Topic: 5: The global order post Coronavirus pandemic

Research Aim: This study will predict the global order of the Coronavirus pandemic, including international relations, geopolitics, and geo-economics after COVID-19.

International Relations Research Topics

Conflicts between india and china.

Research Aim: This research aims to address the conflicts between India and China, the history and current situation of the two nations, and their government’s role.

Organisation of Islamic cooperation during the pandemic

Research Aim: This research aims to conduct an in-depth study on the contribution of the organisation of Islamic cooperation during a pandemic

New immigration rules of the UK

Research Aim: This research aims to highlight the new immigration rules of the UK and their impacts on immigrants.

China’s economic growth- Its impact on the world

Research Aim: This research aims to highlight the impact of China’s economic growth on the world

The role of the UN in resolving the Indo-Pak conflict in Kashmir

Research Aim: This research aims to address the role of the UN in resolving the Indo-Pak conflict on the matter of Kashmir

9/11: How has it Shaped International Trade between the West and the Arab Countries?

Research Aim: There is no doubt that 9/11 is one of the major incidents that shook the entire world. An attack on the twin towers killed hundreds and left thousands injured. Loss of lives, property, and money were not the only losses resulting from this incident.

With Al-Qaeda accepting the attack’s responsibility, the American government cut ties with many countries responsible for funding the terrorist organisation. The country initiated the war on terror shortly after the incident; however, the effects were experienced worldwide and long-term.

This dissertation will focus on how trade was affected by post 9/11 and how the US ties with the Arab world were severely affected.

China’s Growth as the Superpower: Is the US threatened?

Research Aim: China is the next superpower; there is no second thought about it. However, the growth of this economic giant has left huge gaps in the international trade market. With America being the superpower for ages, the country is now threatened with China’s economic progress.

The two countries may have good terms on the surface; however, they compete on a whole new level in the international market. This research will talk about China’s progress, how the country has evolved as a superpower, and how it poses a threat to the United States of America. All aspects, including trade, policy framing, etc., will be discussed to provide a detailed analysis.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Does Germany’s Foreign Policy Influence the Rest of Europe?

Research Aim: Germany dominates the European Union. Policies, tariffs, currency, trade, international business, etc., are designed keeping in mind Germany. This research will discuss how the European Union is dominated by Germany, particularly after the Brexit.

Every country can draft policies considering its economic position and ties with other countries. However, the European Union has to consider Germany while formulating any new foreign policy. The dissertation will discuss why this happens and how European countries draft their foreign policy considering Germany.

Exploring the Causes of Conflicts between the African Nations and their Relationships with the West

Research Aim: African countries have suffered a lot over the last several centuries. Some countries are poor and do not have enough resources to provide facilities to the country’s people, while the rest do not enjoy healthy political relations with the rest of the world.

Many African countries have different policies compared to the Western world, which is why conflicts arise. Moreover, racial discrimination is another major factor why the two regions have never shared healthy relations.

This research will investigate the underlying reasons for conflicts between the African and the Western world and how they can be bridged.

Is Africa a Concern for the Western World?

Research Aim: A few African nations are rich in natural resources but in political turmoil, so other countries have always tried to take advantage of them. However, all international trades must be conducted concerning foreign policies in place. It is only through international trade laws that such businesses must avoid any unfair and biased distribution.

Unfortunately, the western world has always dominated the African nations and have barely given them their right. This thesis will explore the notion that western countries always try and find a way to dominate the African countries even when they deserve a larger share of the pie.

Russia and the Western World: A look into History

Research Aim: The relations between Russia and the Western world, specifically the US, are known worldwide. The Cold War and the aftermath of the war will all be discussed in detail in this dissertation. Many histories and international relations experts believe that the cold war has not ended and is going on to date. This notion will be researched, discussed, and analysed in this research to provide a complete insight into the current political situation. However, a major part of the thesis will focus on the history of these countries and the events.

Get Dissertation Proposal

Worried about your dissertation proposal? Not sure where to start?

• Choose any deadline
• Plagiarism free
• Unlimited free amendments
• Free anti-plagiarism report
• Completed to match exact requirements

China’s Economic Growth – The Effects and Consequences on the World

Research Aim: China is taking over the world – this is a fact. Whether a country or a nation accepts it or not, China is slowly making its way to becoming a superpower. Be it technology, daily products, banking, financial services, or any other thing. China has outclassed all other countries of the world.

Considering China’s rapid progress, many countries have accepted China as the future superpower and tried to maintain a good relationship. However, on the other hand, other countries do not accept China as the next superpower and are ready to fight for it.

An example is the United States, the current superpower and is not ready to lose China. This research will discuss China’s impact on its products and services and its consequences of becoming an economic superpower.

The Role of United Nations in Resolving the Arab-Israel Conflict

Research Aim: The Arab-Israel Conflict is an ancient battle. The war broke out for reasons that are not to all and is still going on to date. However, the stance of the Arab countries has not changed since Israel first started to occupy Arab lands.

The Arab world does not accept Israel as a state. Instead, it has been termed as a terrorist funding state. Moreover, the Israel-Palestine conflict has added fuel to the fire. Many Muslim countries, until now, are not ready to accept Israel. This research will talk about the conflict and how the United Nations have played their part in bridging the gap between the two nations.

Understanding the Role of the EU in International Relations

Research Aim: European Union is a critical region in trade, business, political relations, etc. Thus, the region has tremendous effects on the international relations of the world.

This thesis will discuss the role of the European Union in international relations, how European Union is a key player in international politics, and how other nations should work on their policies and frameworks to develop healthy relations with the EU.

Assessing the Role of the United Nations as a Law Enforcement Agency

Research Aim: The United Nations is an organisation formed to help countries and regions resolve conflicts between them. Issues such as Kashmir (India-Pakistan) and Israel-Palestine are longstanding and must be solved by the United Nations. There is a complete framework that forms the basis of the actions and decisions taken by the United Nations.

Votes are collected from the members on a particular issue, and then a decision or a statement is issued over the conflict. This research will assess the role of the United Nations in resolving world conflicts and how successful or unsuccessful the organisation has been in resolving world conflicts.

Important Notes:

As a student of international relations looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing international relations theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

International relations are vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like politics , law , geopolitics , history , and even business . That is why it is imperative to create an international relations dissertation topic that is particular and sound and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong: your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

Keeping our advice in mind while developing a research topic will allow you to pick one of the best international relations dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and adds to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample international relations dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure Your Dissertation on International Relations

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : The findings of the research are analysed in detail in the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : This should be completed following your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

About ResearchProspect Ltd

ResearchProspect is a  UK-based academic writing service  that provides help with  Dissertation Proposal Writing ,  PhD. Proposal Writing ,  Dissertation Writing ,  Dissertation Editing, and Improvement .

Our team of writers  is highly qualified. They are experts in their respective fields. They have been working for us for a long time. Thus, they are well aware of the issues and the trends of the subject they specialize in.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find international relations dissertation topics.

For international relations dissertation topics:

• Examine global issues and conflicts.
• Analyse diplomacy, treaties, or organisations.
• Explore cultural, economic, or political influences.
• Review current events and debates.
• Consider regional dynamics.
• Opt for a topic resonating with your passion and research scope.

You May Also Like

Pick from any of our top 55 dissertation topic ideas on neuroscience and neurobiology available for your help with neuroscience dissertation and research.

When you choose business management as your field of study, you are undoubtedly not a typical student. A degree in business administration is intended for those wishing to start their own business or expand an existing one.

Are you looking for a dissertation topic on dementia? We have a list of the top 55 dementia dissertation topics by experts for you to ace your dissertation.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

Master's Dissertations and PhD Theses

Narrow by collection:                                                             How It Works PhD thesis writing Master thesis writing Bachelor thesis writing Dissertation writing service Dissertation abstract writing Thesis proposal writing Thesis editing service Thesis proofreading service Thesis formatting service Coursework writing service Research paper writing service Architecture thesis writing Computer science thesis writing Engineering thesis writing History thesis writing MBA thesis writing Nursing dissertation writing Psychology dissertation writing Sociology thesis writing Statistics dissertation writing Buy dissertation online Write my dissertation Cheap thesis Cheap dissertation Custom dissertation Dissertation help Pay for thesis Pay for dissertation Senior thesis Write my thesis 168 Current International Relations Research Topics For Any Level Are you a student looking for intriguing international relations research topics? Look no further! In this blog post, we have created a list of 168 unique and thought-provoking research topics in the field of international relations that should help students get an A+ on their next paper. Whether you’re studying political science, international affairs or related disciplines, this comprehensive list covers a wide range of fascinating subjects. From global governance to security issues, diplomacy, human rights, and more, these topics are designed to inspire your research and help you delve deeper into the complexities of international relations. So, grab your notepad and get ready to explore these captivating research ideas! A Word On International Relations Theses International relations is the study of interactions between nations and global actors. It examines politics, economics, security, and culture, exploring how countries cooperate, conflict and shape global dynamics. If you’re about to start working on a thesis in international relations and you are wondering what to include in your paper, here is a short explanation of each of the mandatory chapters: Introduction: The opening section that presents the research problem, objectives, and significance of the study. Literature Review: A comprehensive review of existing scholarly works related to the research topic, providing a context for the study. Methodology: Describes the research design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques used to address the research questions or hypotheses. Findings: Presents the empirical results or outcomes of the research, often supported by data, analysis, and interpretation. Discussion: Analyzes and interprets the findings in relation to the research objectives, drawing connections to existing literature and providing insights. Conclusion: Summarizes the main findings, highlights the contributions to the field, and suggests avenues for future research. References: Lists all the sources cited in the thesis following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA). Now, it’s time to deliver on our promise and give you the list of international relations research paper topics. Choose the one you like the most: Easy International Relations Research Topics Explore our list of easy international relations research topics that will help you understand global politics and analyze the dynamics of international relations with ease The impact of globalization on state sovereignty and international relations Analyzing the role of non-state actors in global governance structures The influence of soft power in shaping international relations and diplomacy Exploring the relationship between human rights and international relations Examining the dynamics of economic interdependence in international relations The role of international organizations in promoting peace and security Assessing the impact of climate change on international relations and cooperation Analyzing the role of regional integration in shaping global politics The implications of cyber warfare for international relations and national security Examining the challenges and opportunities of humanitarian intervention in international relations Analyzing the role of ideology in shaping state behavior in international relations Exploring the impact of migration and refugee crises on international relations Assessing the role of international law in resolving conflicts and promoting peace Investigating the role of intelligence agencies in shaping international relations International Relations Thesis Topics Our wide range of international relations thesis topics will guide you towards developing a strong research question, conducting in-depth analysis, and contributing to the field with your original research: Power dynamics and the balance of power in international relations Exploring the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution and peacebuilding The impact of nuclear proliferation on international security and non-proliferation regimes Analyzing the role of international institutions in managing global crises The influence of nationalism on interstate relations and regional cooperation Examining the role of international norms and human rights in shaping foreign policy Assessing the impact of economic globalization on state sovereignty in international relations The role of social media in shaping public opinion and international relations Exploring the concept of hegemony and its implications for international relations The role of gender in international relations and its impact on policy-making Analyzing the role of intelligence agencies in shaping international relations The implications of emerging technologies on international security and arms control Examining the role of media and propaganda in international conflicts and public opinion The impact of regional integration on state behavior and international cooperation Advanced International Relations Topics For Research Dive into complex issues, explore cutting-edge theories, and unravel the intricate dynamics of global affairs with our advanced international relations topics for research: China’s global rise and its power dynamics Non-traditional security threats in international relations AI and warfare: Implications for international security Climate change, conflict, and forced migration in international relations Religion and politics in international relations Populism’s impact on global governance and international relations Social movements and civil society in shaping international relations Pandemics and international cooperation: Implications for global governance Cultural diplomacy and soft power in international relations Information warfare and disinformation in international relations Regional powers shaping global security dynamics Responsibility to protect and humanitarian interventions in international relations Resource scarcity and environmental degradation in international relations Migration and refugee crises’ impact on global stability International Relations Research Questions Our carefully curated list of international relations research questions will inspire critical thinking and promote meaningful discussions: How does power transition theory explain shifts in global power dynamics? What are the implications of the rise of non-state actors on traditional state-centric international relations theories? How do identity politics and nationalism shape interstate conflicts? What are the factors influencing state compliance with international human rights norms? How does globalization impact state sovereignty? What are the challenges of multilateralism in addressing global issues? How does public opinion influence state behavior in international relations? What are the causes and consequences of failed states in international relations? How does the distribution of power in international institutions affect their legitimacy? What are the implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on international security? How do regional conflicts and security dilemmas impact regional integration efforts? What are the root causes of terrorism? How does economic interdependence shape interstate relations and global governance structures? What are the challenges of global environmental governance in addressing climate change? International Relations Paper Topics Choose one of our international relations paper topics that resonate with your interests and embark on an enriching research journey: The role of ideology in shaping state behavior in international relations Analyzing the impact of economic sanctions on diplomatic relations between countries The role of media and propaganda in influencing public opinion in international conflicts Exploring the relationship between globalization and cultural identity in international relations The implications of cybersecurity threats on national security and international relations Assessing the role of intelligence agencies in gathering and analyzing international intelligence Analyzing the impact of regional organizations on regional conflicts and cooperation in international relations The influence of international trade agreements on global economic and political relations Exploring the dynamics of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in international relations The role of international law in resolving territorial disputes and promoting peace Non-state actors in international relations: Influence and challenges Conflict resolution mechanisms: Negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding approaches Diplomatic immunity: Balancing immunity with accountability in international relations The impact of global pandemics on international cooperation and security Engaging Topic Ideas About International Relations Are you seeking engaging and captivating topic ideas for your international relations research? Choose one of these engaging topic ideas about international relations: Global governance and international organizations in addressing global challenges. Nationalism’s impact on international relations and global cooperation. Soft power in shaping international perceptions and relations. Regional conflicts’ implications for global stability and security. Cyber warfare: Assessing evolving cyber threats in international relations. Media’s role in international relations: Influence, propaganda, and disinformation. Economic interdependence: Opportunities and risks in global relations. Diplomacy in the digital age: Challenges of virtual diplomacy. Global migration and refugee crises: Humanitarian and political dimensions. Human rights in international relations: Promoting universal rights. Terrorism’s impact on global security and counterterrorism efforts. Environmental diplomacy: Addressing global environmental challenges. Religion’s role in international relations. Regional power dynamics: Influence of major powers in different regions Interesting International Relations Research Paper Topics Uncover fascinating research paper topics in international relations that will captivate your readers and showcase your analytical skills. Use one of these interesting international relations research paper topics: Populism’s rise and its impact on international relations and global governance Climate change’s geopolitical implications: Conflicts, migrations, and resource competition Hybrid warfare: Analyzing blurred lines between conventional and unconventional threats Technology’s impact on diplomacy and the future of diplomatic practices Nuclear energy diplomacy: Balancing peaceful uses and proliferation concerns Soft power and cultural industries’ influence in international relations Politics of humanitarian aid: Challenges and ethical considerations Media framing’s impact on public opinion in international conflicts International cooperation in space exploration and its geopolitical implications Diaspora communities’ role in shaping international relations and global politics Migration policies and human rights: Balancing border control and human dignity Global health governance: Cooperation, challenges, and pandemic responses Environmental peacebuilding: Addressing conflicts over natural resources and degradation Economic sanctions: Effectiveness and ethical implications in international relations Political Science Dissertation Topics Our list of political science dissertation topics will provide you with a solid foundation for developing a unique research proposal and making a significant contribution to the field: The role of political ideologies in foreign policy and international relations. National security strategies and state behavior in international relations. Global governance and collective decision-making challenges in international institutions. Public opinion’s influence on foreign policy and international relations. Identity politics and intergroup relations in international contexts. Humanitarian interventions and the responsibility to protect. Geopolitics and resource conflicts: Strategic importance of natural resources. International law’s role in shaping state behavior and resolving conflicts. Comparative political systems in international relations. Political leadership’s impact on diplomatic relations and cooperation. International development assistance: Aid effectiveness and challenges. Non-state actors in global politics: Influence, networks, power dynamics. Intelligence agencies in international intelligence gathering and analysis. Political parties and foreign policy shaping Current International Relations Topics For Research Paper Stay up to date with the latest developments in global politics by exploring our selection of current international relations topics for research paper writing : Emerging technologies’ impact on global security and power dynamics. Transnational threats: Terrorism, crime, and cyber challenges in focus. Regional integration in globalization: Achievements, limitations, and prospects. Trade wars: Implications for global economy and cooperation. Disinformation and fake news: Influence on international politics and public opinion. Climate change negotiations: Progress and challenges in combating global warming Cybersecurity and emerging threats in international relations. Regional power dynamics in the Middle East: Implications for global security Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: Cooperation and challenges Climate change mitigation and adaptation in international policy Rising nationalism and its impact on international cooperation Humanitarian crisis in Yemen: International responses and challenges Technology and the future of warfare: Implications for global security The Belt and Road Initiative: Assessing its impact on international relations Awesome Research Topics For International Relations Our awesome research topics for international relations allow you to explore diverse areas of global politics and contribute to the field with your exceptional research: NGOs’ role in shaping international policies and agendas Humanitarian interventions and the responsibility to protect: Effectiveness and ethics Cybersecurity challenges in international relations: Risks and responses Global migration governance: Policies and implications Globalization vs national sovereignty: Impacts on state behavior China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Geopolitical influence and challenges Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation: Effectiveness of treaties Gender in international relations: Impact of norms and policies Post-colonial perspectives in international relations: Power dynamics and legacies Climate justice and international cooperation: Addressing climate change Regional organizations in global governance and international relations Politics of humanitarian intervention: Strategies and outcomes Political economy of international trade: Impact of policies and agreements Populism’s impact on democracy and international relations Controversial International Relations Topics Delve into the realm of controversy and discourse with our thought-provoking controversial international relations topics: Drones in targeted killings: Legal and ethical implications Nuclear energy and non-proliferation: Benefits and risks Intervention in state sovereignty: Legitimacy and consequences Ethics of economic sanctions: Effectiveness and impact on civilians Cyber warfare and international norms: Regulating cyber conflicts Climate change’s impact on national security and conflicts Intelligence agencies in covert operations and international relations Politics of humanitarian aid: Motivations and challenges Ethics of military intervention: Justifications and consequences Politics of regime change: Motivations and implications Media bias’s impact on international perceptions and diplomacy Private military companies: Challenges and accountability Politics of disarmament and arms control: Progress and challenges Corporate interests’ influence on foreign policy and relations Best International Relations Topics For 2023 Stay ahead of the curve with our selection of the best international relations topics for 2023. These carefully curated topics reflect the current trends, emerging challenges and pressing issues: COVID-19 pandemic’s implications on global politics and international relations Rise of populism and its impact on democracy and international cooperation Cybersecurity challenges in a hyper-connected world: Risks and responses Future of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and conflicts Climate change and security: Implications for international relations and stability Evolving role of regional powers in shaping global politics and relations Technological advancements’ impact on state power and international relations Global governance reform: Restructuring international institutions Social media’s role in shaping international perceptions and political movements Challenges and prospects of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation Intersection of artificial intelligence and international relations Impact of trade wars on global economic relations and cooperation Geopolitical tensions in the Arctic: Resource competition and influence Future of multilateralism: Relevance and effectiveness in a changing world Get Affordable Help Today Are you struggling with your international relations research paper or stuck writing a coursework ? Need some help during your next test? Don’t worry, our academic writing company is here to help. We offer professional thesis writing help with a team of highly educated and experienced writers. Our dedicated professionals ensure our high quality work is delivered in a rapid and efficient manner. We understand the importance of affordability, which is why we provide our services at affordable rates. With our safe and reliable service, you can trust that your paper is in good hands. Whether you’re a college student or in any class, our custom online assistance will ensure that you receive top marks on your international relations research paper. Don’t stress, let our professional service assist you and help you get an A+ on your next international relations research paper! We have also prepared a list of best topics on the following disciplines: 122 Best Ecology Topics To Sparkle Your Writing 150 Original Accounting Research Paper Topics 233 Marketing Research Topics To Come Up With An Impressive Paper Leadership Topics For Academic Research Papers 222 Best Anatomy Research Paper Topics To Discuss 101 Best Computer Science Topics 50+ Excellent Economics Paper Topics You Should Not Miss 100 Gender Research Topics For Academic Papers 60+ History Research Paper Topics From Our Top Writers 110 Impressive Nursing Research Topics To Use How do I choose a research topic in international relations? Consider your interests, current events, and gaps in existing literature to identify an area of focus. Brainstorm potential topics and ensure they align with your research objectives. What makes a strong international relations research paper? A strong research paper includes a well-defined research question, solid theoretical framework, rigorous analysis, credible sources, and logical structure. It should also contribute to the existing body of knowledge. How can I narrow down my international relations research topic? Consider specific regions, actors, theories, or policy areas within international relations. Narrowing down your topic will allow for a more focused and manageable research paper. Can I use case studies in my international relations research paper? Yes, case studies can be valuable in providing empirical evidence and in-depth analysis. They help illustrate theoretical concepts and offer real-world examples to support your arguments. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Error message Name * Error message Email * Error message Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future. Ukraine Live Updates 271 IMAGES Masters in International Relations in Abroad and India The Study of International Relations: 1956 Version Master thesis international relations topics in 2021 168 Free International Relations Research Topics For Top Grade Why study a Master in International Relations International Relations (with Thesis) Master's Program VIDEO Thesis Defense Darren Hassan Master Thesis Topic Selection Guide Step 1a Master Thesis CSDG NTNU 2024, case study 1, Automation in building design Master Thesis CSDG NTNU 2024, case study 2, Autmoation in building design Master Thesis |Meromorphic function and its application| #thesis #mathematics #@hbmathematics3540 Defending My Thesis COMMENTS Examples of International Relations and Diplomacy Master's Theses at AGS The Relation between Microfinance, the Empowerment of Women and the Alleviation of Poverty. By Mairi Lee (2007) English Language as a Political Tool in Non-Anglophone Countries. By Rachel Levine (2007) The Inability of Peacekeeping to address the Rwandan-Congolese Security Dilemma. International Relations Theses Our research is focused around three broad themes: conflict, peace and security; the evolving character of global and supra-national institutions; and the interpenetration of civil societies and international relations. In addition we have major strengths in area studies which help to ground our research into these broad thematic areas. Government and International Affairs Theses and Dissertations Cyberwar and International Law: An English School Perspective, Anthony F. Sinopoli. PDF. The Homegrown Jihad: A Comparative Study of Youth Radicalization in the United States and Europe, William Wolfberg Graduate Program The master's thesis paper, a piece of rigorous problem-driven research, is the capstone of the program. This academic preparation is complemented by routine engagement with the professional world of international relations, including speaker events through campus partners, curated career treks and symposia, and unparalleled seminar ... Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations Theses and dissertations published by graduate students in the Graduate Program in International Studies, College of Arts & Letters, Old Dominion University, since Fall 2016 are available in this collection. ... National Identity and Collective Memory in the Linkage Politics of Chinese Foreign Relations, Ning Liao. PDF. Thesis: ... Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) From consultants to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to policymakers, Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates put their degrees to work. 96% of the two-year Master of Arts in International Relations Class of 2023 were employed, pursuing fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation. International Relations Degree Requirements The thesis is a 9-month independent research project where you work one-on-one in a tutorial setting with a thesis director. Additional courses include: Thesis proposal tutorial; Master's Thesis (8 credits) Recent Thesis Topics: The Potential Impact of Artificial General Intelligence on Preventive Diplomacy from a Balance of Threat Perspective PDF Politics and International Relations Guide to Dissertations 2020-21 ion coordinator for 2019-20 was Dr Devon Curtis ([email protected]) . The disserta. ion coordinator for 2020-21 is Prof Duncan Kelly ([email protected]).It is often helpful to send your Director of Studies a short, perhaps half-page, summary of what you would like to your dis. Curriculum Curriculum. CIR offers a fast-paced, one-year master's program in International Relations which includes a master's thesis paper. Over the course of the academic year (September - June) students complete nine substantive courses (three per quarter), including two required core seminars on foundational topics in international relations. In ... Ph.D. in International Affairs, Science, and Technology The Nunn School International Affair's Ph.D. program provides an unparalleled opportunity for students with backgrounds in either politics or science and technology to deepen their understanding of international affairs through the advanced study of sub-fields such as international relations theory, international security, international political economy, comparative politics, and methods for ... Master Thesis International Relations & Diplomacy conduct and make necessary further exploration of an integral part of international relations, namely foreign policy (Schafer 2003: 171). NCR constitutes a theoretical framework of this thesis to test the hypotheses and examine the research question. NCR has been chosen to examine Russian foreign policy since it examines factors at different ... Master of Arts in International Relations The graduate program for International Relations consists of core requirements, elective classes and either an academic emphasis or a professional emphasis. The academic emphasis is for students who prefer to write an academic thesis, and may go on to pursue a Ph.D. in a variety of fields such as Political Science, Sociology or Global Studies ... Public Affairs, International Relations Masters Theses Collection Reexamining the Impact of September 11th on Relations Between Saudi Arabia and the United States, Faisal bin Khaled Al Saud. PDF. Contemporary US/Korean Relations: A South Korean Perspective, Kelly Tobin. Theses from 1983 PDF. Odisseia Portuguesa via Hudson, Massachusetts, U.S.A., Adalino Cabral M.S. in International Affairs In the 21st century, studying international affairs is more important than ever because we live in a world that is experiencing an explosion of technology, rapidly shrinking, and more interconnected. The Master of Science in International Affairs (M.S. INTA) focuses on equipping students for 21st century careers to address these growing issues. M.S. in International Security The single-year Master of Science in International Security (M.S. ISEC) offers students the opportunity to understand conceptual foundations and practical policy analysis of issues related to international security. ... INTA 6102 International Relations Theory: 3: INTA 6003 Empirical Research Methods: 3: INTA 6103 International Security: 3 ... Master Thesis Master of Arts in International Relations nded on in the method section.Structure of the thesisThe chapter that follows to this introduction, Chapter 2, sets out a critical outline of the existing literature regarding. ender within the discipline of International Relations. The critical feminist approach is implemented to narrow the scope of this thesis. International Relations Masters Thesis N J Mbuya - 462059 - INTR Masters Thesis 2014/2015 - University of the Witwatersrand international system. 12 Though the conventions, articles and protocols of the United Nations are useful in providing a 'universal' set of codes by which states can be guided, the organization's Master Thesis: DIPLOMACY AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - EU AND RUSSIA IN THE LIGHT OF UKRAINE CRISIS MASTER THESIS 2015 Handed in by: Constantina Budi Email: [email protected] Supervisor: Andrey Makarychev Freie Universität Berlin Osteuropa-Institut Center for Global Politics TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ... PDF Master in International Relations (Mir) Dissertation Handbook given at a later point in this handbook.1.3 Time InvolvementThe average length of a Master's (MIR) Dissertation is approximately 80 pages or 20'000 words (double spacing), while a Doctoral Thesis (DI. ) is approximately 80'000-100'000 words (double spacing). The nature, content and volume of the workload will mean that you may not have ... MPhil in International Relations The MPhil in International Relations is a two-year (21-month) course which combines intellectually rigorous training in theoretical and conceptual approaches to international relations with the study of the recent history of world politics, as well as providing methodological training and personalised guidance for the production of high-quality ... PDF Masters of International Relations Dissertation Masters of International Relations Dissertation Water Governance & International Cooperation over Trans-Boundary Water Courses in Southern Africa: ... thesis thus concludes that in light of the growing challenges facing the water sector in Southern Africa, strong institutions and legal frameworks are required to enhance cooperation among ... International Relations and Diplomacy Master Thesis Course. 2009-2010. Introduction. The Master program in International Relations and Diplomacy requires the writing of a thesis (15 ECTS points), in addition to the successful completion of the required courses. Theses will be in the area of international relations, international organisation and/or diplomacy. Students are free in the selection ... Master's in International Relations He holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Arizona and a European graduate degree from the Pontificia Università Lateranense. His areas of interest include European security, European IPE, Middle East security, and research methods. Learn more about our faculty 334-808-6280 [email protected]. Graduate Program Welcome to the graduate program of the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech! We offer three master's degrees and a doctoral degree, all at the nexus of science, technology, and international affairs. Our master's curricula prepare graduates to assume positions within business, government, and international organizations. Master of Arts in International Studies Requirements 4. Thesis and Non-thesis Options: As a final requirement to graduate, students must select one of the following options: - Thesis and Non-Thesis options: Both thesis and non-thesis options are available and students are expected to identify a specific topical interest and research focus by the end of their first semester in residence. International Relations Dissertation Topics and Titles For international relations dissertation topics: Examine global issues and conflicts. Analyse diplomacy, treaties, or organisations. Explore cultural, economic, or political influences. Review current events and debates. Consider regional dynamics. Opt for a topic resonating with your passion and research scope. Master's Dissertations and PhD Theses International History and Politics (50) International Law (78) International Relations/Political Science (12) Master Theses: Master Theses (2008-) (3,952) Master in Development Studies (1,276) Master in International Affairs (1,198) Master in International Studies (336) Master in Anthropology and Sociology (155) Master in International ... 168 Free International Relations Research Topics For Top Grade The role of social media in shaping public opinion and international relations. Exploring the concept of hegemony and its implications for international relations. The role of gender in international relations and its impact on policy-making. Analyzing the role of intelligence agencies in shaping international relations. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis