HIS 1. The History of Multilateralism: World order and International Organisations from 1814-2026

HIS 1. The History of Multilateralism: World order and International Organisations from 1814-2026

The return of major warfare to Europe since 2014, coupled with the uniquely disruptive Trump presidency, has led to the breakdown of the liberal international world order that has shaped international politics since 1945. This major change is accompanied by a return of geopolitics as the key analytical approach to international politics, in both political commentary and research debates. To many geopolitical analysts the illusionary nature of
international cooperation and multilateralism as means to achieve peace and stability has now finally been revealed, what instead matters in international politics is force, material power and geography. While geopolitical
analysis is certainly important for understanding the present world, the question remains as to whether international cooperation and multilateralism are merely flimsy illusions. The history of international organisations
and multilateralism clearly shows that this is not the case. Since 1814, states have attempted to create world order(s) and develop international cooperation and organisations, thus structuring the pursuit of their interests
through the stabilising mechanism of multilateralism. Initially, this solved many acute problems that states faced in relation to rapid technological and economic development with cross-border consequences. However, during
the 20th century, multilateralism also became a key tool for creating relatively stable international orders that could counter the centrifugal forces of security dilemmas between states, as well as for addressing global problems
and challenges. Thus, international cooperation and multilateralism need to be explored in a history perspective to understand why they were never merely illusory but produced very tangible results and were central to
international politics. This course will offer an introduction to the rich interdisciplinary literature that exist on the history of international organisations, as well as providing a chronological overview of a historical phenomenon that deeply shaped the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

Course objectives:
The specific objectives are.
• have a fundamental and basic understanding of the history of the international organisations, 1814-2026
• critically analyse and discuss different historical interpretations and social science theories and methodologies, dealing with
the history of the international organisations, 1814-2026