VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

853-0048-01L 3 Credits DS D-GESS
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

International Politics: Theory and Methods

Internationale Politik: Theorie und Analysemethoden

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Frank Schimmelfennig
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:34:02

Abstract

The course covers the main theories (realism, institutionalism, liberalism, transnationalism and constructivism) as well as core problems of international politics such as war, peace, international cooperation and integration.

Objective

First, the course seeks to generate a better understanding of the central and specific problems of politics in the international realm, which result from the absence of centralized rule enforcement ("anarchy") . In addition, participants become familiar with the main theories of International Relations and the mechanisms and conditions these identify for solving international problems of security and cooperation. Case studies on areas and issues of international politics provide an overview of current international developments and an exemplary application of IR theory.

Content

1. The subject-matter and problems of international politics Theories 2. Power and Balance: Realism 3. Problem structures and negotiations in international politics 4. Interdependence and Institutions: Institutionalism and Transnationalism 5. Democracy and Society: Liberalism 6. Identity and Community: Constructivism Issue Areas and Relationships 7. War: New Wars 8. Peace: The "long" and the "democratic" peace 9. Security cooperation: the new NATO 10. Economic cooperation: the world trade order 11. Human rights cooperation: global and regional human rights regimes 12. Environmental cooperation: ozone depletion and climate change 13. Legitimacy and democracy in global governance

Resources

Lecture Notes

Schimmelfennig, Frank: Internationale Politik. Paderborn: Schöningh Verlag, 6. Auflage, 2021.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
DS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Internationale Politik: Theorie und Analysemethoden
  • Mon 09:15-12:00 (HG D 5.2)
  • 26.05 Date 11:15-12:00 (CAB G 51)
3 h weekly

Offered In

  • Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
    • Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)