Terrorism and Political Violence - POLS5131

This course introduces students of International Relations to key issues and challenges of the new global terrorism which emerged after the end of the Cold War, as well as the more enduring and historical political violence that includes insurgencies and other forms of civil conflict. The course explores the events of 9-11, the nature and challenge of the new global terrorism and the responses of the United States and other key actors to it. The course also examines the more enduring and historical forms of political violence, such as insurgencies and civil conflicts, which draws attention to the underlying fundamental causes of alienation and rebellion, and also often involves the interests of external great powers. This course utilises perspectives and knowledge drawn from history, terrorism studies, foreign policy, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to examine, in a holistic manner, the phenomenon of contemporary terrorism and political violence.