International Relations aims to understand how countries interact with each other on a global level, to understand those relationships and to analyze the challenges and opportunities facing the world today.

In this course, we will examine the foundations and concepts of international relations, from the history and modern development of the international system to the main theories that explain the behavior and interaction of states. We will also address the role of international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization in shaping global policies and resolving conflicts.

Through this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of contemporary global issues such as climate change, international security, migration, and international trade, and will also have the opportunity to explore how technology and globalization impact international relations in the twenty-first century.

Who should attend? 

• Managers, leaders and officials in government and private institutions.
• Workers in international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Those wishing to occupy leadership positions in senior management.
• Anyone who wants to develop knowledge and skill in international relations.
• Professionals who want to learn more about external relations.
• Organizers of international conferences and events.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• A basic understanding of the theories and concepts that govern international relations, such as sovereignty, regional integration, and international cooperation.
• Analyze current international issues and challenges, such as climate change, international security, migration, and international trade.
• Develop the negotiation and diplomacy skills necessary to interact with other parties in the international community.
• International structures and institutions, such as the United Nations and the European Union, how they work and their impact on international relations.
• Job opportunities in the field of international relations and how to build a successful career path in this field.

Introduction to International Relations

• Definition of International Relations

  • Definition of international relations and its various dimensions
  • Evolution of international relations through historical periods
  • Importance of international relations in shaping global policies

• Basic Concepts in International Relations

  • Concept of national sovereignty and its relation to the international system
  • Power and influence in international politics
  • National security and its link to international relations

• International Relations and the Global System

  • International systems: From the state-based system to the global system
  • Main theories in international relations
  • Basic principles of international law

Key Actors in International Relations

• States and Political Systems

  • Major powers and their role in shaping international policy
  • Political dynamics between developed and developing countries
  • Impact of domestic political systems on foreign policy

• International and Regional Organizations

  • Role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and international stability
  • Regional blocs like the European Union and the African Union
  • Impact of regional organizations on promoting cooperation between states

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Multinational Corporations

  • Influence of NGOs in international politics
  • Role of multinational corporations in the global economy and politics
  • Global networks and their influence on international decision-making

Fundamental Theories in International Relations

• Realist Theory

  • Philosophical foundations of realism in international relations
  • Power and national interest as determinants of relations between states
  • The pessimistic interpretation of the international system and inter-state relations

• Liberal Theory

  • Basic principles of liberalism and its applications
  • Cooperation between states through international organizations
  • Role of international institutions in promoting peace and prosperity

• Marxist Theory

  • Impact of Marxist thought on international politics
  • Inter-state relations from the perspective of social classes
  • The global economy and its role in shaping international relations

Wars and International Conflicts

• Concepts of War and Conflict

  • Definition of war and international conflict
  • Causes of international conflicts
  • Different types of disputes and conflicts

• Regional and International Wars

  • Impact of regional wars on international stability
  • World wars and major conflicts in the 20th century
  • Armed conflicts in the contemporary world and their political implications

• Peace and International Security

  • Mechanisms for building peace between states
  • Role of the United Nations in enhancing international security
  • Strategies for conflict prevention and peacekeeping

Terrorism and International Security

• Concept of International Security

  • Definition of international security in light of contemporary challenges
  • Traditional and non-traditional security threats
  • Cybersecurity as part of international security

• Terrorism in International Relations

  • Definition of terrorism and its root causes
  • Impact of terrorism on international security
  • Strategies for combating terrorism at both local and international levels

• Cybersecurity

  • Cyber threats and their impact on international politics
  • Legal and security framework for cybersecurity
  • International cooperation in combating cybercrime

Global Economy and International Relations

• Economic Globalization

  • Impact of globalization on international economic relations
  • International trade and the global economy
  • Global economic challenges in the 21st century

• Global Political Economy

  • International financial institutions and their influence on economic policies
  • Economic disputes between major powers
  • Role of economic organizations like the IMF and the World Bank

• Economic Development and International Relations

  • Development strategies in developing countries
  • Impact of international trade on economic development
  • Issues of poverty, unemployment, and their effect on international politics

Foreign Policy and Crisis Management

• Concept of Foreign Policy

  • Defining goals and means in foreign policy
  • Decision-making mechanisms in foreign policy
  • Challenges in managing foreign policy

• International Crisis Management

  • Definition of international crises and their causes
  • Negotiation strategies and conflict resolution
  • Role of major powers in managing international crises

• Public and Private Diplomacy

  • Differences between public and private diplomacy
  • Role of diplomacy in enhancing relations between states
  • Diplomatic negotiations and their effects on international politics

Human Rights in International Relations

• Definition of Human Rights

  • Human rights as a global concept and its different dimensions
  • International human rights charters
  • Challenges in implementing human rights at the state level

• Political and Economic Rights

  • Civil and political rights in different systems
  • Economic and social human rights
  • Role of international organizations in promoting and protecting human rights

• Human Rights and International Conflicts

  • Human rights violations during international conflicts
  • Responsibility of the international community in protecting human rights
  • Transitional justice and resolving conflicts related to human rights

Global Transformations and Contemporary Challenges

• Transformations in the International System

  • Major changes in the international system after the Cold War
  • Rise of new major powers and their impact on the international system
  • Emerging challenges in contemporary international politics

• Environmental Challenges in International Relations

  • Impact of climate change on international policies
  • International cooperation to combat environmental changes
  • Strategies for sustainable development in international relations

• Social and Cultural Challenges

  • Migration and asylum within international relations
  • Cultural and religious conflicts and their impact on global politics
  • Role of education and technology in enhancing cooperation between states

Futures and New Trends

• Digital Economy and International Relations

  • Impact of the digital economy on international relations
  • Digital currencies and financial globalization
  • Information technology and its impact on global economic policy

• Future International Cooperation

  • Challenges and opportunities in international cooperation
  • Global alliances and their future prospects
  • Cooperation between developing and developed countries

• The Growing Role of International Organizations

  • Impact of the United Nations and other global organizations in the future
  • Strengthening the role of regional organizations in conflict resolution
  • Role of NGOs in influencing international politics