Explore how terrorism shapes global politics through undergraduate and graduate courses, focusing on Eurasia and Africa. Using case studies and simulations, these courses prepare students for careers in counterterrorism, diplomacy, and international security.
Undergraduate Course (Bachelor’s Level)
This course introduces students to terrorism’s impact on global geopolitics, covering its history, motivations, and effects on state power and alliances. Through seminars and case studies, students analyse how non-state violence influences sovereignty, diplomacy, and security in regions like Africa and Eurasia.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the historical evolution and types of terrorism.
- Identify terrorism’s geopolitical consequences globally and regionally.
- Analyse terrorism’s interactions with sovereignty and security.
- Evaluate national and global counterterrorism strategies.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Engage in discussions and group exercises.
- Case Study Report (25%): 1,500-word analysis of a terrorism event (e.g., African insurgency). Due Week 8.
- Final Essay (50%): 3,000-word essay on terrorism’s geopolitical impact (e.g., Middle East instability). Due Week 11.
Structure
- What is Terrorism?: Examines origins, types, and definitions of terrorism.
- Terrorism and the Nation-State: Traces terrorism from anarchists to al-Qaeda.
- 9/11 and the New Security Agenda: Analyses global shifts post-9/11.
- Jihadism and Geopolitical Instability: Focuses on Middle East dynamics.
- Regional Focus – Europe: Explores terrorism’s impact on European security.
- Regional Focus – Africa: Studies insurgencies and counterterrorism in Africa.
- Media, Fear, and Political Responses: Investigates terrorism’s societal impact.
- Terrorism and Global Alliances: Examines NATO, UN, and regional cooperation.
- Human Rights vs Security: Addresses counterterrorism dilemmas.
- Cyberterrorism and Future Threats: Explores digital threats to infrastructure.
- Policy Workshop – Designing a National Counterterrorism Strategy: Develops practical strategies.
Graduate Course (Master’s Level)
This advanced course critically examines terrorism’s role in shaping 21st-century geopolitics, from power realignments to global governance. Through seminars, simulations, and research, students analyse non-state and state-sponsored terrorism, focusing on Eurasia and Africa to develop strategic policy solutions.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse terrorism as a geopolitical tool beyond security frameworks.
- Evaluate terrorism’s impact on power structures and international law.
- Assess interactions between terrorism and global political transitions.
- Design strategic responses to transnational terrorist threats.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Contribute to seminars and simulations.
- Case Study Report (25%): 2,000-word policy brief on a terrorist threat (e.g., hybrid warfare). Due Week 8.
- Final Essay (50%): 5,000-word research paper on terrorism’s geopolitical role (e.g., African insurgencies). Due Week 11.
Structure
- Terrorism and Geopolitics: Explores concepts and historical turning points.
- 9/11 and Global Security Architecture: Examines post-9/11 power shifts.
- The War on Terror: Analyses sovereignty and power projection.
- ISIS and Territory-Based Jihadism: Studies territorial terrorism’s impact.
- Terrorism and the Fracturing of the Middle East: Focuses on regional instability.
- State-Sponsored Terrorism: Investigates deliberate state tactics.
- The Role of Terrorism in Hybrid Warfare: Examines cyber and physical threats.
- Terrorism and the Global South: Explores dynamics in Africa and Central Asia.
- Counterterrorism and the Global Security Industry: Studies surveillance and industry roles.
- International Law and Human Rights: Assesses legal impacts of counterterrorism.
- Simulation Exercise – UN Security Council Debate: Simulates global responses to terrorism.