Regional Spaces

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of English.

Teaching Methods

The class structure presupposes active participation by the students. Besides the lecturer providing a conceptual framework, critical analysis and discussion of key texts are privileged.

Learning Outcomes

Main learning outcome:

- Develop critical analytical tools for understanding some of the most relevant non-Western regional spaces, with a particular emphasis on their respective institutional, political, social, economic and broader geopolitical dynamics

Specific learning outcomes and skills:

- Identify and understand some of the most relevant conceptual and theoretical frameworks for analysing and studying regional spaces (e.g.,Latin America, Africa, Middle East, among others)

-Identify and understand the main regional actors in conjunction with the dynamics of these spaces (security, social, economic, political), as well as their links with broader and more relevant international dynamics and processes.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Conceptual framework: what constitutes a region, space, and the theoretical literature pertaining to the politics, economies and geopolitics of regions.

Regional spaces (for example):

Middle East: Context, political, economic and security development

The Arab Spring

Africa: Integration dynamics (African Union, CEDEAO, ECOWAS), emerging powers (South Africa, Nigeria and Angola)

Latin America: Integration and Disintegration dynamics (OAS Mercosul, UNASUR); Brazil, an ascending power.

Head Lecturer(s)

Fernanda Barreto Alves

Assessment Methods

Assessment
In-class participation: 20.0%
Topic proposal, presentation and discussion: 30.0%
Final version of research work: 50.0%

Bibliography

BUZAN, Barry - Regions and powers : the structure of international security. 6th print. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2008. [BP 327 BUZ]

LIMA, Maria Regina S. de ; HIRST, Mônica - Brazil as an intermediate state and regional power : action, choice and responsibilities. In International Affairs [Em linha]. Nº 82 (2006), p. 21-40. [acesso via b-on]

Fawcett, Louise (ed.), INTERNATIONAL relations of the Middle East : conflict and cooperation. Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2013. 

NATHAN, Laurie - The African Union and regional organizations in Africa : communities of insecurity. In African Security Review [Em linha]. Vol. 19, nº 2 (2010), p. 106-113. [acesso via b-on]

SCHRAEDER, Peter J. - South Africa's foreign policy : from international pariah to leader of the African renaissance. In The round table : the Commonwealth Journal of international affairs [Em linha]. Vol. 90, nº 359 (2001), p. 229-243. [acesso via b-on].