Accessibility statement

Regionalism In World Politics - POL00051H

« Back to module search

  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Jappe Eckhardt
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module summary

Regionalism is a pivotal and much studied feature within the field of Politics and International Relations. This module aims to provide a critical comparative examination of the theories, history, as well as key issues and processes related to the development of regionalism across the globe.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

Regionalism is a pivotal and much studied feature within the field of Politics and International Relations. This module aims to provide a critical examination of the history, as well as key issues and processes related to the development of regionalism in world politics. The module starts with an historical overview of regionalism, by looking at continuities and discontinuities from the first formal regional initiatives in the 1950s and 1960s to the wave of 'new regionalism' we have witnessed since the late 1980s. The module then zooms in at the most important theoretical perspectives, key concepts and methodologies used to study regionalism. Next, the module will study regionalism in different parts of the world: the Asia Pacific region, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. By doing so, the module aims to explain variation and possible similarities in the drivers, institutional set-up, as well as depth and scope of the different regional initiatives across the globe. In the last two weeks, the module will look at the complex relationship between the growing importance of regional groupings and the current and future world order, as well as discuss the future of regionalism in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, Brexit and the election (defeat) of Trump.

Module learning outcomes

  • To encourage critical thinking among students about key theories and issues related to regionalism in the context of world politics;
  • to provide students with the analytical and empirical background that allows them to engage with key debates on regionalism and to investigate regionalism and its effects on the global order;
  • To provide students with knowledge on the history and structure of regionalism in different parts of the world and the impact of regionalism on the global political order;
  • To help students further develop scientific and practical key skills such as understanding complex concepts and theories, preparing and giving oral and written presentations, studying primary and secondary sources, group work and independent learning.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay - 3000 words		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay - 3000 words		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 20 working days after submission; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

Cooper, A.; Hughes, C.; and De Lombaerde, P (eds) (2008) Regionalisation and Global Governance, Routledge.

Fawcett, L. L. E., & Hurrell, A. (1995). Regionalism in world politics: regional organization and international order. Oxford University Press.

Gamble, A., & Payne, A. (Eds.). (1996). Regionalism and world order (p. 250). Macmillan.

Mansfield, E. D., & Milner, H. V. (1997). The political economy of regionalism. Columbia University Press.

Van Langenhove, L. (2013). Building regions: the regionalization of the world order. Ashgate.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.