NGOs in World Politics

NGOs in World Politics

NGOs in World PoliticsSince the end of the Cold War, there has been increased scholarly and policy attention to the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in world politics. NGOs are widely understood to bring attention to under-reported issues and contribute to improved processes of governance in world affairs. This course examines the rise of NGOs, asking what representations and practices of world politics are produced and reproduced by NGO activity.

Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this course, I hope that you will be able to: (i) identify, understand and critique a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of NGO activity; (ii) investigate empirical practices of NGOs and relate them to theoretical accounts of NGO activity in world politics; (iii) conduct an empirically and theoretically informed written analysis of NGO activity in world politics; (iv) present cogent written and verbal arguments about the theory and practice of NGOs in world politics.Course organisation The course is organised in two parts: historical/conceptual; and empirical. The first half looks at the historical emergence of NGOs, and competing conceptions of their agency and role in the architecture of world politics. The second half examines empirical cases relating to conflict, humanitarianism and the War on Terror. ClassesThe course is taught by a weekly 3-hour seminar. You are expected to: Attend every seminarRead at a minimum the required weekly readingsBring a one-page critical analysis of the readings to classWrite a book review, essay outline, and essayAssessment The course is assessed by a 2000 word book review, due in week 6 of the Spring Term; and a 5000 word essay, due in week 5 of the Summer Term. To help you prepare for your essays, you should hand in an essay outline in week 8 of the Spring Term. I will give you written feedback on this. It is not graded. We will also have two essay workshops in the Summer Term.