Cursos / 2º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: International Relations

HISTÓRIA DAS RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS (TEMAS AVANÇADOS) - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 1st semester
ECTS: 7.5

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes

Class type and School hours

Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas
Teórico-prática : 1 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

Using historical events that transformed the international system, but which are less addressed in a formal environment, the aim is to consolidate master´s students´ knowledge of the permanent evolution of the architecture of International Relations.

Specific Aims/Objectives

The course aims to explain historical episodes and political actors relevant to the understanding of International Relations: 1. To understand the transformations brought about by Classical-Medieval borderless projects; 2. To decompose politically, legally and socially the innovation operated by the Reformation, Counter-Reformation and Peace of Westphalia; 3. To observe the critical events of the 19th century; 4. To systematize the three cycles that make up the world from the 1st World War to the War On Terror

Skills to be acquired

At the end of the semester, the master´s student should be able to:
1. Understand the most relevant historical dynamics of the Classical and Medieval worlds
2. Understand the Westphalian system, as an evolution of the Respublica Christiana and the Holy Roman Empire
3. Analyze the Modern Age, focusing on the "Long 19th Century"
4. Explain the three phases of the 20th century: Society of Nations, Cold War(s) and Pax Americana

Teaching Procedures

The curricular unit will feature expository classes, given the nature of the proposed program contents. Moments of discussion and analysis will be encouraged, always with the guidance of the teacher. Whenever possible, audiovisual materials will also be used, which facilitate the acquisition of knowledge.

Programme

1. Classical-Medieval innovations: the regionalization of the International
1.1. The Monotheistic Revolution of Amenhotep IV in Ancient Egypt
1.2. Civitas Romana and the institutionalization of power
1.3. Culture as a political asset: The Greco-Persian World
1.4. The Fall of Rome and the rise of the Byzantine Empire
1.5. The Respublica Christiana and the Christian reconquest
1.6. The Holy Roman Empire and the attempt to "return to Rome"

2. The founding of Westphalia as an international system
2.1. The political dimension of the Protestant Reformation
2.2. Pope Paul III´s Counter-Reformation response
2.3. From the Peace of Augsburg to the Peace of Westphalia
2.4. The Peace of Utrecht as a consolidation of the international system

3. The Long 19th Century
3.1. The emergence of new relevant actors: Austria, Sweden, Belgium, United States and Russia
3.2. Civilizational narratives around Colonization
3.3. The problems of "Old Diplomacy" and the climate of Armed Peace
3.4. The contentions between the Old Powers and the crystallization of alliances

4. The three periods of the 20th Century
4.1. The League of Nations: from humanitarian idealism to diplomatic pragmatism
4.2. The United Nations as the first Parliament in the World
4.3. The ideological clash of the blocs: the 1st Cold War
4.4. Mutual Assured Destruction and Balance of Terror: 2nd Cold War
4.5. Pax Americana: Washington as helmsman of the Liberal-Democratic project

Evaluation Type

The assessment system is carried out in accordance with the rules defined in the General Regulations for Knowledge Assessment of Lusíada Universities and the Rules for Assessment of knowledge relating to the 1st year of the 2nd Cycle of Studies leading to the Master´s Degree. Relevant importance will be given to Continuous Assessment.

Teaching Resources

Powerpoints provided by the teacher; previously available texts and online resources

Sustainability Objectives

SDG 4. Ensure access to inclusive, quality and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Keywords

Multipolarity;
Regionalization;
Regionalism;
Westphalia;
Cold War;
Bipolarity;
Hegemony;
Civilization

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography