Course info

The course focuses on the major powers' foreign policy namely US, Russia, Germany, Japan, and China. With the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, one of the global poles of power disappeared and the structure of the international system underwent a great transformation. Some international relations theorists believe that no specific structure has come to dominate the international system as it is going through a transition period. According to others, however, a uni-multi-polar structure is in the making while the third group of theorists maintains that a non-compulsory hierarchical structure has been shaped which, in spite of the hegemonic position of the United States, allows other actors a considerable room for maneuver. In any case, such major powers such as Germany, Japan, China, and Russia have emerged along with the US over the period, which influence the international events and developments and whose role may not be overlooked.