05515 - History of International Relations

Learning outcomes

Joining the course students will develop a basic knowledge of the main political and economic processes which have left their mark on international history since the 17th century to present. Besides, students will become familiar with the most significant debates on theory and methods which have characterized the international historical literature. Therefore they will be able to provide in-depth explanations for the meaning of events which most characterize the relations among states and other actors in the global arena.

Course contents

I. Elements of history of international relations from Modern Age to Contemporary History in a World history and 'long durée' perpective.  Lectures will focus on Economic and Historical Cycles Theories (Kondratieff, Schumpeter, Wallerstein, Braudel, Arrighi) and the 'Polanyian approach'.


II. History of international relations will be approached from the concepts of 'World System', 'Egemony', 'Crysis' with a particular attention on Economic and Social History, aiming to give a dynamic perpective on the International System development in Modern and Contemporary age. The considered periods will begin with Westphalia Treaty, as the origin of the Modern International System,  the long Crysis of the XXIst century focusing on the structural processes.

III. A special attention will be given to Asia role in the International System from the 17th century to the present.

Readings/Bibliography

Textbooks:
- G. Arrighi, "Caos e governo del mondo", Bruno Mondadori.
-K. Polanyi, "La grande trasformazione", Einaudi.


-H. Arendt, 'Parte Seconda. L'imperialismo', in "Origini del totalitarismo", Einaudi.

Teaching methods

The course will be organized on a lecture-class basis, documentary films and other sources when necessary. Further modalities of interaction and participation will be communicated during the course.

Assessment methods

The exam is written. Three open questions will be posed in order to appraise students' capacity of assimilation and synthesis of the contents both of classes and textbooks.


Students' ability to answer in synthetic and coherent form, as well as their ability in comparing problems and situations distant in time and space if required, will be rewarded with top marks. At the same time, the use of proper language and concepts from the discipline of history of international relations, which students will assimilate during the course, will be highly valued.


A superficial and scholastic exposition, as well as the inability to identify the focus of the questions, will preclude to the student the prospect of obtaining a high mark. A lacking knowledge of the textbook will bring to a insufficient evaluation of the exam.

Teaching tools

The course will be organized on a lecture-class basis, documentary films and other sources when necessary. Further modalities of interaction and participation will be communicated during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Peruzzi