INTERNATIONAL POLITICS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Lecture 1: Introduction
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION:
Organizations that include at least three states as members, have activities in several states and are
created through a formal intergovernmental agreement (such as a treaty, charter or statute)
- Challenging times for international Organisations:
1. International policy is no longer made in single organisations but in regime complexes
2. Contestation: Contestation of International organisations as cornerstones of the Liberal
International Order (LIO). Not only from the outside, but also from within
REGIME COMPLEX:
International policy is no longer made in single bodies/ organisations
1. More actors: proliferation of forums (overlapping functions and membership)
2. Less ‘classic’ actors: proliferation of informal clubs, public-private arrangements
Why ? Diverging interests push actors toward each other and away from integrated regimes
Rapid expanding literature: Not only is there a proliferation of regime complexes, but also of the
literature
Increasingly complex literature: A multitude of definitions, perspectives and insights has
contributed to its complexity
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE:
Context 1990: systemic changes (end of Cold War, globalisation, new technology) inspire
reflection on how the world works
Conclusion: Not a global government, but global governance
“The multi-level collection of governance - related activities, rules, mechanisms, formal and
informal, public and private, existing in the world today.”
GLOBALISATION:
The process of increasing interconnectedness between societies (more and deeper connections
contacts) Waves Thick globalisation, but questions (deglobalisation, slowbalisation,…)
Challenging times for International Organisations:
REASON 1 (one of many): International policy is no longer made in single institutions but in
regime complexes
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,REASON 2: Contestation — Contestation of International Organisations as cornerstones of the
Liberal International Order (LIO). Not only from the outside, but also from within
LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL ORDER:
Rules-based world order. Created after WWI Under US leadership. Based on liberal ideas. Aimed at
peace and prosperity. Institutions (cooperation) as key feature/ tool
“For many years, the EU has been strongly invested in the liberal international order and many of
its core approaches to security have been heavily dependent upon it. The EU underpinned liberal
order as part of its own core, founding identity. The EU was prominent in its support for many of
the key advances of the multilateral architecture, including the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty,
the Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court, and provided about half the UN’s
budget. From an early stage, European governments saw support for multilateral organisations as
a natural extension of the same principles that informed the EU integration project itself.”
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,LIBERALISM:
Theoretical tradition:
Linear reading of history (progress)
Beyond political interaction
State and society
Positive impact of institutionalisation, but cooperation not guaranteed/ successful
Cyclical reading of history (no progress)
Political interaction (states)
International level
Cooperation limited/ difficult (alliances)
REALISM:
Theoretical tradition:
Cyclical reading of history (no progress)
Political interaction (states)
International level
Cooperation limited/ difficult (alliances)
Explanatory in nature (monopoly)
REALPOLITIK:
A pragmatic way of practicing (international) politics
That takes “reality” (the actual cost-benefit situation) as starting point (rather than ideology)
GEOPOLITICS:
Theoretical tradition
Emphasizes geographical variables when explaining international politics
Relic of the past (19th century) or back for good 8spheres of influence)?
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, Teaching Generative AI for Policy Advice: Drivers, Dilemmas and Designs
Introduction
— This paper reconsiders the inputs essential for successful negotiations, focusing on the
advantages of integrating policy writing in simulation design. By embedding policy writing into
simulations, students gain early exposure to the work of policy officials, fostering a more realistic
understanding of their roles and responsibilities in European and international negotiations,
especially in an era of rapidly spreading and advancing generative AI (GenAI).
— The paper is structured in two parts. The first part reviews how simulations can be adapted to
reflect the realities of generative AI, and how these tools can be used effectively and responsibly.
The second offers practical insights and examples, drawing on lessons learned from student work
on the EU’s functioning in international politics. Blending theory and practice, it contributes to the
emerging literature on the drivers, dilemmas and designs for teaching GenAI in policy advice
1- Teaching Generative AI for Policy Advice: Drivers and Dilemmas in Policy Practice
— This section explores the drivers and dilemmas for training students in policy advice and policy
writing in the age of GenAI. It draws on the teaching experience developed over the past fifteen
years, mainly in the framework of two full courses.
1.1 Rethinking the bridging the gap issue
— Over thirty years ago, George (1993, 1994) was the first to express concerns about the gap
between the intellectuals devoted to exploring the domains of International Relations (IR) and the
intricacies of diplomacy from a purely academic perspective and the world of practitioners who are
entrusted to entertain foreign affairs in practice
— Joining forces with those scholars who have been mindful of the gap and explored ways to
address it, it is also high time for practitioners themselves to ‘democratize’ office dynamics and
raise awareness of the challenges that stem from such careers as early as possible in a student’s life.
Internships can offer valuable exposure to office dynamics but may sometimes remain too
superficial to prepare students for the fast-paced, decision-oriented world of policymaking
— For years, the only induction trainings financed by universities for students of international
affairs were the young ambassadors’ programs or so-called UN-model negotiations. There is
nothing wrong with these initiatives. Experiencing the thrill of high-level bargaining processes and
feeling the ecstasy of doing something for world peace can genuinely boost the passion for the
diplomatic profession. But that is not a fair induction to the job and for sure is not an induction that
can prevent the cold shower. Quite the opposite. Popular negotiation simulations often
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Lecture 1: Introduction
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION:
Organizations that include at least three states as members, have activities in several states and are
created through a formal intergovernmental agreement (such as a treaty, charter or statute)
- Challenging times for international Organisations:
1. International policy is no longer made in single organisations but in regime complexes
2. Contestation: Contestation of International organisations as cornerstones of the Liberal
International Order (LIO). Not only from the outside, but also from within
REGIME COMPLEX:
International policy is no longer made in single bodies/ organisations
1. More actors: proliferation of forums (overlapping functions and membership)
2. Less ‘classic’ actors: proliferation of informal clubs, public-private arrangements
Why ? Diverging interests push actors toward each other and away from integrated regimes
Rapid expanding literature: Not only is there a proliferation of regime complexes, but also of the
literature
Increasingly complex literature: A multitude of definitions, perspectives and insights has
contributed to its complexity
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE:
Context 1990: systemic changes (end of Cold War, globalisation, new technology) inspire
reflection on how the world works
Conclusion: Not a global government, but global governance
“The multi-level collection of governance - related activities, rules, mechanisms, formal and
informal, public and private, existing in the world today.”
GLOBALISATION:
The process of increasing interconnectedness between societies (more and deeper connections
contacts) Waves Thick globalisation, but questions (deglobalisation, slowbalisation,…)
Challenging times for International Organisations:
REASON 1 (one of many): International policy is no longer made in single institutions but in
regime complexes
1 of 230
,REASON 2: Contestation — Contestation of International Organisations as cornerstones of the
Liberal International Order (LIO). Not only from the outside, but also from within
LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL ORDER:
Rules-based world order. Created after WWI Under US leadership. Based on liberal ideas. Aimed at
peace and prosperity. Institutions (cooperation) as key feature/ tool
“For many years, the EU has been strongly invested in the liberal international order and many of
its core approaches to security have been heavily dependent upon it. The EU underpinned liberal
order as part of its own core, founding identity. The EU was prominent in its support for many of
the key advances of the multilateral architecture, including the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty,
the Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court, and provided about half the UN’s
budget. From an early stage, European governments saw support for multilateral organisations as
a natural extension of the same principles that informed the EU integration project itself.”
2 of 230
,LIBERALISM:
Theoretical tradition:
Linear reading of history (progress)
Beyond political interaction
State and society
Positive impact of institutionalisation, but cooperation not guaranteed/ successful
Cyclical reading of history (no progress)
Political interaction (states)
International level
Cooperation limited/ difficult (alliances)
REALISM:
Theoretical tradition:
Cyclical reading of history (no progress)
Political interaction (states)
International level
Cooperation limited/ difficult (alliances)
Explanatory in nature (monopoly)
REALPOLITIK:
A pragmatic way of practicing (international) politics
That takes “reality” (the actual cost-benefit situation) as starting point (rather than ideology)
GEOPOLITICS:
Theoretical tradition
Emphasizes geographical variables when explaining international politics
Relic of the past (19th century) or back for good 8spheres of influence)?
3 of 230
, Teaching Generative AI for Policy Advice: Drivers, Dilemmas and Designs
Introduction
— This paper reconsiders the inputs essential for successful negotiations, focusing on the
advantages of integrating policy writing in simulation design. By embedding policy writing into
simulations, students gain early exposure to the work of policy officials, fostering a more realistic
understanding of their roles and responsibilities in European and international negotiations,
especially in an era of rapidly spreading and advancing generative AI (GenAI).
— The paper is structured in two parts. The first part reviews how simulations can be adapted to
reflect the realities of generative AI, and how these tools can be used effectively and responsibly.
The second offers practical insights and examples, drawing on lessons learned from student work
on the EU’s functioning in international politics. Blending theory and practice, it contributes to the
emerging literature on the drivers, dilemmas and designs for teaching GenAI in policy advice
1- Teaching Generative AI for Policy Advice: Drivers and Dilemmas in Policy Practice
— This section explores the drivers and dilemmas for training students in policy advice and policy
writing in the age of GenAI. It draws on the teaching experience developed over the past fifteen
years, mainly in the framework of two full courses.
1.1 Rethinking the bridging the gap issue
— Over thirty years ago, George (1993, 1994) was the first to express concerns about the gap
between the intellectuals devoted to exploring the domains of International Relations (IR) and the
intricacies of diplomacy from a purely academic perspective and the world of practitioners who are
entrusted to entertain foreign affairs in practice
— Joining forces with those scholars who have been mindful of the gap and explored ways to
address it, it is also high time for practitioners themselves to ‘democratize’ office dynamics and
raise awareness of the challenges that stem from such careers as early as possible in a student’s life.
Internships can offer valuable exposure to office dynamics but may sometimes remain too
superficial to prepare students for the fast-paced, decision-oriented world of policymaking
— For years, the only induction trainings financed by universities for students of international
affairs were the young ambassadors’ programs or so-called UN-model negotiations. There is
nothing wrong with these initiatives. Experiencing the thrill of high-level bargaining processes and
feeling the ecstasy of doing something for world peace can genuinely boost the passion for the
diplomatic profession. But that is not a fair induction to the job and for sure is not an induction that
can prevent the cold shower. Quite the opposite. Popular negotiation simulations often
4 of 230
