IR3057 Armaments and International Relations

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Mon 12 noon

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M R De Vore

Dr M R De Vore
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Marc De Vore

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The goal of this module is to introduce students to academic debates and theoretical frameworks that give insights into the impact of armaments (their development, characteristics and proliferation) on international relations. As IR scholars have long recognised, the availability of modern armaments is a key determinant of the international distribution of power. Some have even gone so far as argue that the technological characteristics of armaments fundamentally determines the nature of the international state system. Meanwhile, certain policymakers and NGOs contend that arms dynamics (e.g. arms races and the spread of light weapons) contribute directly to the outbreak of wars. This course will equip students with the analytic tools needed to critically examine both these issues and others. To accomplish this objective, the module will examine broad theories about how the development of distribution of armaments affects the international state system. We will also focus on the particular issue of whether the 'excessive' production and/or availability of armaments can cause wars. Finally, we will examine how contemporary phenomena -the globalization and Europeanization of arms production - are shaping this particular domain. Ultimately, the understanding that students will gain through this course will enhance their development as political scientists and their ability to work in fields as diverse as: government, NGOs, international organizations, and the corporate sector.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

278

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Know how to use IR theory to understand and appreciate how armaments shape world politics.
  • Be able to assess whether armaments, in and of themselves, contribute to the outbreak of conflicts.
  • Be able to evaluate the impact of recent and proposed international armaments agreements (i.e. restricting arms sales, banning categories of weaponry, and limiting weapons inventories) on international relations.
  • Know the fundamental ideas of a number of prominent IR scholars who have addressed the role of armaments.
  • Be able to critically engage texts and ideas in tutorial sessions and written essays.