International Relations and the Global Order

Globalization is transforming the world in multiple and sometimes contradictory ways. It
brings individuals, cultures, institutions, societies and nation-states closer together, creating hitherto
unknown opportunities for cooperation, development and growth but also fragmentation, new
divisions and conflicts. The position and sovereignty of the nation-state are challenged from above and below, forcing about a re-definition of power structures and agency.

No part of the world has had a greater impact on Europe than the
Americas, mainly because of the United States' position as the world's sole superpower,
which is exerting its pervasive influence in practically all realms of political,
economic, social and cultural life. In addition to the US influence, however, there are
numerous, long-established and fast developing interactions between Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa which are likely to play increasing roles during the coming decades.

This stream in the CCG programme introduces and explores key theories, concepts and issues relevant for the study of contemporary International Relations. Courses will encourage inter-disciplinary and comparative as well as thematically and geographically broad approaches to the study of world politics.

Examples of recent projects within International relations and the global order

  • The discursive construction of "USA" and the "Middle East" in American foreign policy
  • France and the Foreign Security Policy of the European Union
  • Security politics in Russia. A case study of Russia in comparison with the USA and the EU
  • Speeches and Spin: Political Communication in a Globalising World

Stream Structure (2010)

The programme in International Relations and the Global Order consists of four semesters with the following content:

7th semester

  • The United States and Global Politics
  • Conflicting perspectives of North-South relations
  • Philosophy of Science and Methodology
  • Nations and National Identities in the Age of Globalization 
  • Globalization
  • Academic Communication

8th semester

  • The global order in flux
  • Americanization and anti-Americanization
  • Applied Methods workshops related to International Relations and the Global Order 
  • Communication and Transnational Mobility
  • Communicative Aspects of Global Processes

9th semester
 

Internship in an organisation or institution dealing with stream-related issues in Denmark or abroad. Studies at a university or research institute are also an option.

10th semester
 

Master's thesis writing

International Relations and the Global Order - qualifications and jobopportunities

The programme qualifies the student for work at both national and international levels in institutions, organisations and companies that focus on communicative, cultural, social and political aspects of global processes.

With an MA in Culture, Communication and Globalisation from Aalborg University, the career opportunities will be many, and with the stream International Relations and the Global Order you will acquire competencies to work within many different areas of  international relations, e.g with political-cultural analysing in the private and public sectors, universities and research institutions, etc.