MU

Global Trends

The course is designed to familiarize learners on the nature and development of international relations and global issues. It deals with nations, states, national interest, cooperation and conflict among states, and the role of state and non-state actors in the international system. Additionally, it explains the nature of international law, global political economy and the nexus between regionalism and globalization. It also critically examines the contemporary global issues and how the international community is trying to address them. It is organized to systematically examine international issues by employing different theories and providing concrete examples from different parts of the world. Last but not least, after providing rigorous understanding of how the international system functions, it will equip learners to consciously observe and critically understand the Ethiopia’s relations with the outside world. As the saying goes “Think globally act locally!” We live in an exciting yet challenging period in history. The world seems to dominantly progress in constantly opposing directions. On the one hand, because of globalization, the world is getting closer and becoming interconnected in ways never experienced before generating more wealth, scientific innovation, and cross-national cooperation. On the other hand, the challenges of war, terror, arms trade, money laundering, disease, poverty, environmental problems, human and drug trafficking still generate an aura of uncertainty for the present and future generations. As such, decisions made by states, multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, and terrorists have a direct impact on our life. Thanks to global flow of information, there may be a multitude of individuals who know the events that are occurring in the world. But some still do not understand why events happened the way they have happened; and what consequences they may bring. In light of this, this course is designed to equip students with a necessary knowledge and skill which enable them to understand the political, economic and social dynamics of the global system, how it works, its actors, its influence and ways to cope up global issues from theoretical and practical point of view.