SHSS, Bond University Department of International Relations
INTR13-310: Semester 2, 2006
Alternative Globalisations:
Alternative Outlooks in an Age of Turbulent Globalisation
UNDERGRADUATE SUBJECT OUTLINE AND INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. Lecture and Seminar Timetable
3.INITIAL READINGS AND RESOURCES
4. Assessment
Assessment Breakdown:
Due Dates:
Seminar Guidelines:
Sample Essay Questions:
5. RESEARCH BIBLIOGRAPHY
Main Lecturer and Co-ordinator: Dr R.James Ferguson (Ph. 55 952520, )
Guest Lecturers: Dr Rosita Dellios, Beris Gwynne
Lecture: Monday 12-2, C3C01 (verify in latest timetable)
Seminar: Tuesday 9-10, C3S06 (verify in latest timetable)
1. INTRODUCTION
This subject examines alternative formulations of international relations and the global system. It explores new ways to meet the crises and challenges of the 21st century. Beginning with an overview of the existing approaches to International Relations, the subject quickly moves on to alternative approaches to power, globalisation, environmental problems, financial institutions, the role of culture, new approaches to international civil society, and the future role of non-government organisations. The subject also considers the development of special regions, information-based networks, resource politics, and the notion of the sustainable city. These problems are situated within the wider dynamic of contested patterns of 'turbulent' globalisation whereby societies try to negotiate transnational change. At present conflicting and alternative patterns of globalisation are reshaping the international system, allowing scope for different visions of the future. New concepts of governance, capitalism, democracy and security need to be devised to meet these challenges. Designed to be of benefit to students in the humanities, international relations, business and law areas, it provides a topical account of rapid changes that are already shaping communities around the world. The main themes of the subject are explored through a case study approach, with examples drawn from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Africa. Students will be introduced to innovative approaches to problem solving, international co-operation, and globalisation. Students are encouraged to take up individual research topics that are of interest to them, or fit in with vocational requirements.
2. SUBJECT LECTURE Timetable:
Subject Outline
WeekLecture Topic
1. Introduction: Alternative Outlooks in a Period of Turbulent Globalisation
2. International Relations from Thucydides to Kofi Annan
3. Transnational Realities: Trade, Diaspora, and Migration
- The Contested Role of Culture in International Relations
5.Soft and Hard Power: Case Study - The Chinese Century 1949-2049 (Guest Lecturer)
6. Economic Cultures: From Barefoot Economists to Davos Inc.
7. Poverty & Development: Coordinating Responses (Guest Lecturer)
8. The Challenge of Environmental Sustainability: Risks and Prospects
9. Alternative Global Forces: Islamic International Relations (Case Study)
10: The World City: Singapore, Shanghai, Berlin, Dakar and Beyond
11. Normative Globalisation Verses Cosmopolitan Governance: Scripts for Cooperation
12. Conclusion: The New International Relations - From Crisis Management to Strategic Adaptation
3. INITIAL READINGS AND RESOURCES
No single textbook has been written which covers all these new areas. The subject lecture bloc, handed out in chapters during the course, will provide all essential data.
Text:
FERGUSON, R. James & DELLIOS, Rosita Advanced International Relations: Alternative Outlooks in an Age of Turbulent Globalisation, Lecture Bloc, 2005-2006 [Weekly notes to be handed out during the subject]
Recommended reading:
Voluntary Background Reading could begin with one of the following (in Library) -
BHAGWATI, Jagdish In Defense of Globalization, New York, Oxford University Press, 2004
BRYSK, Alison (ed.) Globalization and Human Rights, Berkeley, University of California Press, 2002
CARLSNAES, Walter et al. (eds.) Handbook of International Relations, London, Sage, 2002
DAVIES, Geoff Economica:New Economic Systems to Empower People and Support the Living World, Sydney, ABC Books, 2004
DAY, David Conquest: A New History of the Modern World, Sydney, Harper Collins, 2005
FISHER, William F. & PONNIAH, Thomas Another World Is Possible: Popular Alternatives to Globalization at the World Social Forum, London, Zed Books, 2003
HENDERSON, Conway International Relations: Conflict and Cooperation at the Turn of the 21st Century, Boston, McGrawHill, 1998
HEROD, Andrew, TUATHAIL, Gearóid & ROBERTS, Susan M. (eds.) An Unruly World?: Globalization, Governance and Geography, London, Routledge, 1998
KLARE, Michael Resource Wars: The New Landscape of Global Conflict, N.Y., Henry Holt and Company, 2002
KLEINBERG, Remonda & CLARK, Janine (eds.) Economic Liberalization, Democratization and Civil Society in the Developing World, New York, St. Martin's Press, 2000
LAPID, Yosef & KRATOCHWIL, Friedrich (eds.) The Return of Culture and Identity in IR Theory, London, Lynne Rienner, 1996
NAYYAR, Deepak (ed.) Governing Globalization: Issues and Institutions, Oxford, OUP, 2002
RUPERT, Mark Globalization and International Political Economy: The Politics of Alternative Futures, Lanham, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005
TORRES, Raymond Towards a Socially Sustainable World Economy, London, ILO, 2001
WARKENTIN, Craig Reshaping World Politics: NGOs, the Internet and Global Civil Society, N.Y., Rowman & Littlefield, 2001
General Resources:
Essential data will be provided in lecture handouts. The lecturer will direct you to weekly readings and a range of research materials to supplement these items (held in Bond University Library). See the 'Research Bibliography' below for a selection that will give you an idea of some of the materials available. You will also need to use a range of journals, magazines and newspapers to keep up to date. Check Library Databases (such as Ebrary, Ebsco, Factiva and Infotrac) the reserve and reference shelves, the journal e-portal from the Library homepage, and the serials on level 4 of the library, as well as the Internet. Internet sources should be used critically, and assignments should not be based just on general Internet material.
Journals and Magazines:
The following journals and papers will also be useful (Check level 4 of the Library, Electronic Journals accessible via the Library Journal E-portal, and Library Databases): -
* The Adelphi Papers
* African Security Review
* The Asia and Pacific Review
* Asia-Pacific Defence-Reporter
* Asian Survey
* Asian Wall Street Journal
* The Australian
* Australian Journal of International Affairs
* Australian National University Peace Research Centre Working Papers
* The Bulletin
* China Quarterly
* Communal/Plural
* The Economist
* Far Eastern Economic Review
* Financial Times
* Foreign Affairs
* Foreign Policy
* Futures
* Georgetown InternationalEnvironmental Law Review
* Global Governance
* Globalizations
* Global Society
* Harvard International Review
* International Affairs
* International Organization
* Orbis
* Peace Review
* Policy
* Social Alternatives
* Survival
* Third World Quarterly
* Washington Quarterly
* World Politics
Internet Resources:
A number of Websites are quite useful, and more are coming on line every month. As usual, it is important to check net sources for bias, and to use a range of different sources where possible. Different specialist sites will be pointed out in lecture handouts, but the following are quite useful: -
- Infotrac SearchBank. This includes a wide range of articles and abstracts. Once again, it is accessible from Bond University Library.
- Ebsco is a useful database also available at Bond University Library, with a wide range of International Relations articles.
- Ebrary is an electronic database that contains thousands of useful books on International Relations, Politics, Culture and History. (Access via Bond University Library homepage).
- The Sustainable Development Department of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has a database of 1200 articles on a wide range development and environmental issues.
[Web address =
- ISN: International Relations and Security Network is a clearing house for a wide range of information, including updates on current crises on a global basis. [Web address =
- Foreign Policy in Focus is very useful website with articles on news events, specific regions, and globalisation issues. Located at
- Power and Interest News Reports provide critical reporting and analysis of current news and world issues at
- The Global Development Network has a wide range of resources and news on development at
- The International Crisis Group has a wide range of updates and research papers on crises across the globe at
- A range of useful articles and on-line resources can be found at the Brookings Institution webpages, located at
- The South Centre provides critical perspectives of the UN, trade reform and other developmental issues, including a regular Bulletin (access via
- Useful links, specialised news services and related course materials can be found at the International Relations Portal (maintained by the course co-ordinator). Most lectures will be loaded onto this site towards the end of the semester. The Portal is found at
You will also find a range of television programmes useful, e.g. SBS News, Dateline, and Foreign Correspondent. Radio features on ABC National Radio are also helpful.
4. Assessment
Grades are awarded on the standard Bond University scale. Students are expected to meet normal academic criteria. Students may use either the footnote or author-date system of referencing so long as this is done consistently. Essays without references within the body of the paper will be given a fail grade.
Standard academic rules apply to this course. Remember that plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged use of another person's words or ideas, verbatim or paraphrased, will result in severe penalties (see University Handbook). Students should ensure that they are aware of assessment regulations in the Bond University Handbook Part 3 Discipline Regulations, relating to Plagiarism and Cheating, which are acts considered as misconduct and are subject to these provisions. The penalties imposed for cheating and plagiarism are severe, and range from failing a grade for the particular subject, through to expulsion or suspension.
Please talk to your lecturer if in doubt about these issues. Standard referencing techniques, as taught in the Core Communication Skills subject, or in other Bond University International Relations subjects, are acceptable. Standard variations of author-date and footnotes systems can be used, but you must cite your sources both within the body of the essay and in a reference/bibliography list at the end of the paper.
Useful guides on referencing and writing academic essays and seminar papers will be found at: -
or off the Bond University Library website at
Assessment (Undergraduate):
Undergraduate students are encouraged to take an active part in class discussion and seminars, whose content is examinable. Seminar materials comprise approximately one third of the exam assessment. Required attendance, following FHSS rules, is 80% of total contact time.
Assessment components:
Item% WeightDue
1) Essay (approx. 2,250 words)30%*Monday 4pm week 11
2) Seminar Paper (approx. 2,250 words) 30%* (1 week after presentation)
3) Exam30%Week 14 (centrally set)
4) Seminar Presentation Mark 10%(as per seminar bookings)
*NB: Students, with the written approval of their lecturer, may opt for one long seminar paper of approximately 4,500 words (instead one seminar paper and one essay), so long as the topic is strong enough. These long papers are due Friday of week 12, 4pm.
Note: All work/assignments must be handed into the HSS Faculty Services Office after 9.00am or before 4.00pm. Any late assignment will not be accepted until the next working day.
Seminar Presentation: As booked into Seminar Timetable (this will be passed out in the first tutorial, and finalised by Week 3). Presentation slots will be available for Weeks 2-11.
Written Seminar Paper: One week after Presentation (unless the long single paper option is being taken, see above). All papers must be researched paper with full referencing in the body of the paper, as well as a final bibliography.
Submission of Written Work:ALL written work, including essays and seminar papers, are to placed in the assignment box on Level 2 of the Humanities Building by 4.00 pm of the due date (in the secretaries/administration area). Students should make sure the paper has been paginated, attach a cover sheet, and keep the bottom receipt for their own records.
Extensions and Late Submission: Upon reasonable grounds, students may request up to one week extension for essays or seminar papers. This must be made to the lecturer in writing or by e-mail. Extensions beyond that time must be supported by written documentation indicating serious reasons for late submission. Unless adequate grounds for extensions have been made and are accepted by the lecturer, penalties will apply to work submitted more than one week late. Essays submitted in week 14 will only be accepted upon suitable grounds, and then will be marked on a pass/fail basis only.
Seminar Guidelines
The aim of the seminars is to 1) expose students to a wide range of topics, data, research and viewpoints 2) to stimulate thought and discussion on the topic 3) to sharpen presentation and discussion skills 4) to act as a 'risk free' run through of your paper 5) to cover subjects in more detail than can be done in the lectures.
After verbal presentation of the seminar, the final version of the seminar paper is submitted one week later (unless you have chosen the long paper option). Any ideas or areas for improvement which have been pointed out by the lecturer or other students should be incorporated into the final version of your paper. The seminars also help assess your progress in the subject. Note, however, that the written up seminar papers should be as well researched and referenced as your essay papers. However, avoid excessive overlap with your essay. (If in doubt, ask your lecturer.)
A range of seminar topics are briefly indicated in below. You will need to do some individual research on this, and use current books, databases, magazines, papers and journals to cover the issues. Do not just rely on general Internet sources. See the lecturers, or the librarian, for help in identifying some of these resources. Topics not on the list below will need approval from your lecturer/tutor in advance. Individualised seminar topics which have not been approved in advance will not be marked.
In the presentation, it is best to provide students with a 'base' information sheet, outlining your topic, the central question, the key facts, and a summary of your conclusion. Include a bibliography of your sources and ensure that you reference these properly. Since there will be 1-2 speakers each week, plan your speaking time for 15-20 minutes with 5-10 minutes discussion time. You will need to have prepared some key questions to lead this class discussion. You may use video sources, overheads, computer or audio materials but ensure that suitable equipment is available. If you are using video, use short and appropriate film selections. Bearing in mind the time-limits, you may need to present a slightly shortened version of your fuller, and more detailed seminar paper. Remember, you will not be assessed on how good a speaker you are. However, if you present your ideas clearly, this helps inform other students, and allows stronger feedback to be given on your topic.
Remember, seminar presentations are a professional engagement. If you have booked in for a week ensure that you present at that time. If you need to re-book a time, see your lecturer in advance. Material presented in seminars is an integral part of the subject.
Sample Seminar Topics:
The following are some seminar topics which you can research. Alternatively, you may alter the focus of these questions, or negotiate an individual topic, but this must be done with the prior approval of your lecturer or tutor. In all cases, avoid overlap with your essay paper. (If in doubt, ask your tutor.) Student will not be allowed to present on a topic that has already been chosen by another member of the same seminar group - the lecturer will direct the student to alternative seminar topics in this case. Author-date references refer to works in the Research Bibliography (below).
1)Were past European empires early models of globalisation? What key similarities and differences exist between imperial patterns of expansion and current patterns of globalisation? (You may wish to pick key examples in your analysis).
2)Is the PRC seeking to reshape its regional international order? Under what conditions might China emerge as a regional leader (begin with Shambaugh 2004/5)
3)What are epistemic communities? What role do they play in international relations and foreign policy?
4) Formally outline the concept of a 'failed state'. Can this term be misused? What dangers follow from the deployment of this concept?
5)Can International NGOs be truly 'neutral' and 'disinterested' in their operations? Critically discuss the implications of this issue, using examples.
6)Outline the bases of French foreign policy. It what ways has it been shaped by particular cultural and republican traditions?
7)Is Chinese culture particularly ‘strategic’? If so, what are the implications of this perception?
8)Is the new African Union likely to emerge as a viable regional organisation? Outline its history and challenges in the current period.
9)Outline the differences between realism and neo-realism in international relations theory. To what degree do powerful states construct international institutions? To what degree are they in turn constrained by such structures?
10)Outline the concept of ‘soft power’ in international relations. Which countries focus on soft power as a key approach in foreign affairs and defence? (Use at least two examples.)
11)Through a combination of new offensive and defensive technologies, has the US moved from a policy of nuclear deterrence towards a concept of 'nuclear primacy', including 'escalation dominance'? Critically discuss. (NB Make sure you research these technical terms, see Lieber & Press 2006).
12)Is the World Economic Forum an influential grouping? Is it held ‘accountable’ or to be ‘representative’ in its policies?
13)Can small states, with limited power, afford to follow a neo-realist model of foreign policy? What other factors shape their international relations (begin with Lieb 2004).
14)How has the World Bank’s mission evolved since its founding? Is the World Bank an effective grouping for reducing poverty?