Exploring international relations: actors, issues, perspectives
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Have you ever wondered why countries go to war, how global issues like climate change or migration are tackled, or who has the power to shape international politics? This module explores these questions by introducing you to the study and practice of international relations. By examining three critical areas – conflict and security, the global political economy, and human rights – you’ll discover the forces that shape the global landscape. From powerful states and international institutions to civil society and ordinary people, you’ll learn how different actors shape international relations and influence world politics.
What you will study
The module consists of five blocks designed to guide you through key aspects of international relations study and practice. Through a mix of historical and contemporary case studies, you’ll unpack key issues, meet the major players, and explore different perspectives on some of the most significant contemporary global challenges.
Block 1 starts by exploring two fascinating case studies – great power competition in Africa and terrorism. These will help you understand the kinds of issues that international relations address, introduce you to key actors, and show how global issues connect to local concerns and everyday experiences. You&/courses/qualifications/details/d228/39;ll then start to build your knowledge of some of the theoretical and analytical tools that can help make sense of these case studies and the international sphere as a whole.
The following three blocks each focus on a core area of international relations.
Block 2 focuses on conflict and security. You’ll explore key actors, issues, and perspectives in conflict, peace, and security, analysing five case studies: the Cold War, the Syrian Civil War, COVID-19, and conflict in Mali. You will also learn about the role of media in conflict. These studies will help you understand the drivers of conflict and how global, regional and local factors influence conflict and its prevention.
Block 3 examines the global political economy. You’ll explore the evolution of the modern global political economy, its rules and institutions, and its current challenges. Through studying key actors, issues and perspectives, you’ll focus on globalisation and its global, regional, and local implications, including its impact on your own life. You’ll also learn about organised crime’s role in the global political economy.
Block 4 focuses on human rights and their role in international relations. You’ll explore the historical and philosophical roots of human rights, gain insight into the modern international human rights system, and examine the challenges and critiques it faces. The block also covers topics like migration and the concept of non-human rights (or the rights of nature, animals and the environment), considering their growing significance within the global human rights framework.
Each of these three blocks includes a ‘Catch-up and Review’ week, designed to give you space to catch up on and consolidate your learning.
Block 5 helps you bring everything together. You’ll reflect on what you’ve learned, review key concepts, and prepare for your end-of-module exam.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements. However, since this is an OU level 2 module, you are expected to have the study skills equivalent to those gained at OU level 1.
Preparatory work
We recommend starting with our key introductory module, Global challenges: social science in action (D113). This interdisciplinary OU level 1 module, with its integrated teaching of key study skills, provides a firm foundation for OU level 2.
What's included
You’ll be provided with two printed module books and have access to the module website, where the majority of the module content is delivered. Content on the module website includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- module materials and online activities
- audio and video content
- an assessment guide
- online tutorials and forums.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.