Terrorism and Global Geopolitics Course

Undergraduate Course (Bachelor’s Level)

This course introduces students to the ways in which terrorism has reshaped global political dynamics. It provides foundational knowledge of terrorism’s history, ideological motivations, and effects on state power, alliances, and foreign policy. Through a regional and thematic approach, the course explores how non-state violence has influenced contemporary world politics.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the historical evolution and key typologies of terrorism.
  • Identify the major geopolitical consequences of terrorism at global and regional levels.
  • Analyse how terrorism interacts with issues of sovereignty, diplomacy, and security.
  • Evaluate global and national counterterrorism strategies.

Assessment

Class Participation (25%), Case Study Report (25%), Final Essay (50%)

Structure

  1. What is Terrorism? Origins, Typologies, and Contested Definitions
  2. Terrorism and the Nation-State: From Anarchists to al-Qaeda
  3. 9/11 and the New Security Agenda
  4. Jihadism and Geopolitical Instability in the Middle East
  5. Regional Focus – Europe
  6. Regional Focus – Africa
  7. Media, Fear, and Political Responses
  8. Terrorism and Global Alliances: NATO, UN, and Regional Organisations
  9. Human Rights vs Security: Dilemmas in Counterterrorism
  10. Cyberterrorism and Future Threats
  11. Policy Workshop – Designing a National Counterterrorism Strategy

Graduate Course (Master’s Level)

This course critically examines the evolving role of terrorism in shaping the emerging geopolitical architecture of the 21st century. It explores how non-state violence has influenced global power realignments, security doctrines, regional dynamics, and international norms. Through historical analysis and contemporary case studies, students will assess terrorism’s strategic use by both non-state actors and states, its impact on global governance, and the way it is embedded in broader processes of global transformation.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse terrorism as a geopolitical tool beyond conventional security paradigms.
  • Evaluate how terrorism influences power structures, regional alignments, and international law.
  • Understand the interplay between terrorism, state strategy, and global political transitions.
  • Assess the evolving responses of states and institutions to transnational threats.

Assessment

Class Participation (25%), Case Study Report (25%), Final Essay (50%)

Structure

  1. Terrorism and Geopolitics: Concepts, Controversies, and Historical Turning Points
  2. 9/11 and the Reshaping of Global Security Architecture
  3. The War on Terror: Power Projection and the Erosion of Sovereignty
  4. ISIS and the Return of Territory-Based Jihadism
  5. Terrorism and the Fracturing of the Middle East
  6. State-Sponsored Terrorism and Strategic Ambiguity
  7. The Role of Terrorism in Hybrid Warfare
  8. Terrorism and the Global South: New Frontiers in Africa and Asia
  9. Counterterrorism, Surveillance, and the Global Security Industry
  10. International Law, Human Rights, and the Normative Fallout of Anti-Terror Campaigns
  11. Simulation Exercise – UN Security Council Debate on Terrorism and Global Power Alignments
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