Aims

The ability to deal with new issues, the analysis of which stands at the frontiers of
Several subjects such as political science, the sociology of history, and the anthropology of
geography. The ability to make a detailed examination of writers with an interest in cultural analysis, to compare their points of view and approaches, and to apply them to a study of international relations. A logical understanding of the impact of culture (presented in a range of facets) on international relations, and the ability to discuss it.

Main themes

To determine the extent to which, and how, culture is an essential component of political
activity in international relations. To identify the place of culture in the process of globalisation. To evaluate its role in the genesis and transformation of the behaviour of actors on the international stage. To examine relationships between 'meaning and power', and to make sense of the dynamics of cultural change brought about by the erosion of ideologies and the appearance of new values.

Content and teaching methods

Content
General theme: The international system in the post Communist era: cultural dimensions. 1.
Ideological aspects: A meaningless world? (Zalki Laidi); The end of history? (Fukuyama).
2. Systemic aspects. A unipolar and 'monocultural' world? 3. Conflictual aspects: The civilisation shock? (Huntington); The multiplication of identity conflicts? (Thual). 4. Cooperative aspects: The contribution of (multilateral and bilateral) cultural diplomacy to cooperation and to the bringing of peace to international relations. 5. Which actors? State actors: Cultural policies and their impact on international cooperation; Non-state actors: World Governance? Agreement on new values (the role of NG0s etc).
Methodology
Introductory lectures providing a summary of work by key authors with an interest in the
matters referred to above. All students will then choose the theme they want to study in detail. Students will form small groups in which work will be exchanged and discussed. At the end of the seminar, they will have to integrate the inputs of other seminar participants around a key issue, and give a paper several pages long outlining where they stand.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Participation in the course and work in sub groups. Written work including the outcomes of
personal research on a particular theme, and a brief note on other students' work and on
discussions that they have led to.

Other credits in programs