History of International Relations
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This class intends to analyze the organization and development of international relations during the whole 20th century. Special attention will be given to the system of political and military alliances but also to the economic mechanisms and the pressure of public opinion and the evolution of related mentalities. The main focus will be on the several attempts to create a "world order", during and after WWII, with particular attention to the Cold War era intended as a pericentric confrontation not limited to Europe only. This course intends to offer an up to date lecture to understand the contemporary world in its dialectic struggle between globalization and attempts to drive this process.
Expected learning outcomes
This course's methodological approach will privilege a critical examination of the most qualified trends in historiography, a rigorous analysis of the available primary sources (e.g. treaties, negotiations, diplomatic papers and s.o.). The course will enable students to apply their knowledge to the analysis of the complex framework of International Relations of the past and present times.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
1. The Versailles conference and the emergence of an untold Cold War between two worlds: capitalism vs. socialism;
2. The problem of Japan and the roots future conflicts in Asia;
3. Africa and Asia and the consequences of WWI; was colonial imperialism still able to steer three different worlds?
4. Totalitarian regimes in Europe and political isolation in America; Fascism in the Balkans and Africa; the "Drang nach Osten" in Hitler's revisionism and action.
5. South America during the 30s: the other world;
6. Germany and Italy: a comparison in methods and aims;
7. The road to Munich and the emergence of WWII;
8. Roosevelt and his Gran Design compared with Great Britain's aims; the racial and colonial problems
9. The origins of the Cold War (1945 - 1949) in a comparative and integrated perspective: policentrism and new non-european actors;
10. Germany and a constructed peace;
11. Japan, East Asia and China: between guilty, revisionism and reconstruction;
12. Truman, Stalin and their many enemies;
13. The beginning of the European economic integration process;
14. The Decolonization process exposed: Asia, Africa, new interests, old actors;
15. South America and its particularity;
16. The 1970s in perspective: a decade of change.
17. The end of the Cold War: issues, interpretations, periodization.
18. The End of History and the Beginning of a new Reality.
2. The problem of Japan and the roots future conflicts in Asia;
3. Africa and Asia and the consequences of WWI; was colonial imperialism still able to steer three different worlds?
4. Totalitarian regimes in Europe and political isolation in America; Fascism in the Balkans and Africa; the "Drang nach Osten" in Hitler's revisionism and action.
5. South America during the 30s: the other world;
6. Germany and Italy: a comparison in methods and aims;
7. The road to Munich and the emergence of WWII;
8. Roosevelt and his Gran Design compared with Great Britain's aims; the racial and colonial problems
9. The origins of the Cold War (1945 - 1949) in a comparative and integrated perspective: policentrism and new non-european actors;
10. Germany and a constructed peace;
11. Japan, East Asia and China: between guilty, revisionism and reconstruction;
12. Truman, Stalin and their many enemies;
13. The beginning of the European economic integration process;
14. The Decolonization process exposed: Asia, Africa, new interests, old actors;
15. South America and its particularity;
16. The 1970s in perspective: a decade of change.
17. The end of the Cold War: issues, interpretations, periodization.
18. The End of History and the Beginning of a new Reality.
Prerequisites for admission
A basic knowledge of Contemporary History is suggested.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons, group activities, class discussions, exercises, presentations, final paper.
Teaching Resources
Course textbook:
Best A., Hanhimaki J.M., Maiolo J.A., Schulze K.E., International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond, London, Taylor and Francis, 2014 (3rd Edition).
Recommended readings:
Alan Sharp, Versailles 1919. A Centennial Perspective, Haus Pub, London, 2018
M.P. Leffler and O. A. Westad, eds., The Cambridge History of the Cold War, Volumes I, II, and III, CUP, Cambridge, 2010
Best A., Hanhimaki J.M., Maiolo J.A., Schulze K.E., International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond, London, Taylor and Francis, 2014 (3rd Edition).
Recommended readings:
Alan Sharp, Versailles 1919. A Centennial Perspective, Haus Pub, London, 2018
M.P. Leffler and O. A. Westad, eds., The Cambridge History of the Cold War, Volumes I, II, and III, CUP, Cambridge, 2010
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examinations are intended to assess the subsequent abilities:
a) Present the main topics of the course in a clear and correct way.
b) Apply the acquired knowledge to contemporary issues regarding history of international relations.
c) Analyze critically how domestic and international factors explain political change or the lack of it.
The attending students will complete at least two exercises, write a final paper on a chapter chosen from the provided reading list and take an oral exam on the course program.
The three written exercises during the course are scheduled as follows: the first one at the beginning of the course, the second at the midterm, the last at the end of the course.
The final evaluation will be based on: for attending students (at least two exercises and the final paper): (1) active participation to class and group activities; (2) the final paper on a chapter chosen from the provided reading list (40%); and (3) an oral exam on one of the suggested textbooks (60%).
For non-attending students, the final evaluation will be based on: an oral exam on two of the suggested textbooks and a text chosen from the provided reading list.
a) Present the main topics of the course in a clear and correct way.
b) Apply the acquired knowledge to contemporary issues regarding history of international relations.
c) Analyze critically how domestic and international factors explain political change or the lack of it.
The attending students will complete at least two exercises, write a final paper on a chapter chosen from the provided reading list and take an oral exam on the course program.
The three written exercises during the course are scheduled as follows: the first one at the beginning of the course, the second at the midterm, the last at the end of the course.
The final evaluation will be based on: for attending students (at least two exercises and the final paper): (1) active participation to class and group activities; (2) the final paper on a chapter chosen from the provided reading list (40%); and (3) an oral exam on one of the suggested textbooks (60%).
For non-attending students, the final evaluation will be based on: an oral exam on two of the suggested textbooks and a text chosen from the provided reading list.
SPS/06 - HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Acconcia Giuseppe
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