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

POLÍTICA INTERNACIONAL. HISTÓRIA DO PRESENTE - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd 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

The course aims to provide master´s students with theoretical-conceptual tools relevant to a critical, in-depth and comprehensive reading of International Politics. A multilevel understanding of contemporary political phenomena is an essential condition for anyone who wants to decode the various meanings that make up the puzzle of International Politics.

Specific Aims/Objectives

The course aims to provide master´s students with:
1. Analyze international phenomena, using appropriate concepts and theoretical lenses;
2. Compare the characteristics and patterns of actions of different types of international actor;
3. Systematize international events, in order to understand which factors should be highlighted;
4. Explain the different types of political phenomenon that make up Contemporary Times

Skills to be acquired

In the end of the semester the Master student must be able to:
1. Understand the evolution of the international system prior to the Cold War
2. Analyse the institutional transformations operated in the political systems of the post-Cold War;
3. Understand the processes of implementation of a Liberal order matrix in the contemporary era;
4. Understand the genesis of the new political movements in the contemporary world;
5. Assess the mutation of transnational political ideologies in the contemporary world.

Teaching Procedures

Classes will use the expository method, as well as active learning methodologies such as the world cafe methodology and think-pair-share. Whenever justified, audiovisual elements will be used to allow the student to explore the various themes and programmatic contents.

Programme

1. Synthesis of the International System´s evolution, from the Peace of Westphalia to the end of the Cold War
1.1. Emergence of International Society
1.2. Evolution of the concept of collective security
1.3. Transformations in the Cold War period

2. The transformation of the world in the post-Cold War era
2.1. The End of History or the Clash of Civilizations
2.2. International Anarchy and Multipolarity
2.3. Washington Consensus and Post-Washington Consensus
2.4. Disarmament and Arms Control
2.5. Climate Change

3. The new challenges of contemporary times
3.1. Turbulence in the post-soviet space: the Colored Revolutions
3.2. North Africa and Middle East in the context of the Arab Spring
3.3. Euro-skepticism, Populism and the new configuration of Europe’s right to far-right parties
3.4. The challenges of the new Latin-American left
3.5. Between self-determination and territorial integrity

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

Texts previously made available via Moodle; audiovisual resources available online

Sustainability Objectives

SDG 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Keywords

International Politics;
Transition of Power;
Systemic Transformation;
Political Phenomena;
Multipolarity;
Balance of Power

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography