This course examines the major theories and empirical issues about security policies with a particular focus on the international level. It explores current and protracted issues in international security, a field that deals with the threat and use of force by states and non-state actors to achieve their political and military objectives. In addition to the main theories, it analyzes policy decisions and the trade-offs between goals and political, social, economic, military, legal, and ethical values, studying the interactions between states, organizations, institutions, and individuals in the formulation, implementation, and outcomes of policies.
The course has three main objectives: (1) to understand the main theoretical perspectives and paradigms in security studies, (2) to examine the most salient substantive issues and debates in the field, including contemporary challenges; (3) to apply theories and paradigms to contemporary international security issues