Workshop: from Bipolarism to Multipolarism: New Balances and Challenges in a Global World. Current Research
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This workshop aims to provide a sound knowledge of the historical background of current global international relations, by examining in depth the path from the geopolitical order of Cold War to the present multi-polar scenery.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop, students will have acquired the knowledge of the main types of sources for the Post-Cold War history of international relations. They will be able to orient themselves to the documentation, especially those already published. On a methodological point of view, these skills will be acquired through direct and ongoing meetings with the lecturer in the classroom.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
This Teaching Workshop is aimed at presenting students with various topics related to the evolution of the international system from the last phase of the Cold War to the most recent events.
After framing the theme and the methodological risks attached to the study of "Present History", the main aspects of the transformation of international relations in the last forty years will be assessed, from the relations within European countries and between EU the US, to the Middle Eastern scenario, up to the emergence of Chinese power and the new BRICS economies.
The aim of the workshop is to provide students with some key tools for understanding and interpreting the phenomena related to the transition from the bipolar international order of the second half of the twentieth century, through the US-led unipolar world, to the current return to an increasingly complex multipolar system.
After framing the theme and the methodological risks attached to the study of "Present History", the main aspects of the transformation of international relations in the last forty years will be assessed, from the relations within European countries and between EU the US, to the Middle Eastern scenario, up to the emergence of Chinese power and the new BRICS economies.
The aim of the workshop is to provide students with some key tools for understanding and interpreting the phenomena related to the transition from the bipolar international order of the second half of the twentieth century, through the US-led unipolar world, to the current return to an increasingly complex multipolar system.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites other than those required for admission to the Degree Course.
In order to apply for admission to the laboratory, which has limited enrollment, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined on the 'Laboratori' page of the Historical Sciences MA degree course website: https://scienzestoriche.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
In order to apply for admission to the laboratory, which has limited enrollment, it is mandatory to follow the instructions outlined on the 'Laboratori' page of the Historical Sciences MA degree course website: https://scienzestoriche.cdl.unimi.it/it/insegnamenti/laboratori
Teaching methods
The workshop will be structured around two complementary activities: lectures by the lecturer and the discussion of historical sources (documents, statements, official speeches, articles) inherent to some aspects of each lesson.
Teaching Resources
All historical sources will be provided by the lecturer.
For a brief introduction to the issue, facultative readings are:
O. Barié, Dalla guerra fredda alla grande crisi. IL nuovo mondo delle relazioni internazionali, Il Mulino, 2013
A. Varsori, Le relazioni internazionali dopo la guerra fredda 1989-2017, Il Mulino, 2018.
D. Olstein, A Brief History of Now: The Past and Present of Global Power, Springer 2021.
International and Erasmus students are invited to contact the workshop lecturer promptly to arrange the program, which may be provided in English if necessary.
For a brief introduction to the issue, facultative readings are:
O. Barié, Dalla guerra fredda alla grande crisi. IL nuovo mondo delle relazioni internazionali, Il Mulino, 2013
A. Varsori, Le relazioni internazionali dopo la guerra fredda 1989-2017, Il Mulino, 2018.
D. Olstein, A Brief History of Now: The Past and Present of Global Power, Springer 2021.
International and Erasmus students are invited to contact the workshop lecturer promptly to arrange the program, which may be provided in English if necessary.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: evaluation at the end of the course
-Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons in itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of attendance of lectures and facultative writing of a short essay.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: approval of 3 CFUs.
The format of the assessment for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the lecturer, in agreement with the office in charge ([email protected] or [email protected]).
-Type of examination: in addition to attending lessons in itinere assessment and at the end of the course, on the basis of attendance of lectures and facultative writing of a short essay.
- Evaluation criteria: ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; ability for critical reflection on the completed work; quality of expression, competence in the use of specialised lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
- Type of evaluation method: approval of 3 CFUs.
The format of the assessment for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the lecturer, in agreement with the office in charge ([email protected] or [email protected]).
Professor(s)