We use cookies in order to improve the quality and usability of the HSE website. More information about the use of cookies is available here, and the regulations on processing personal data can be found here. By continuing to use the site, you hereby confirm that you have been informed of the use of cookies by the HSE website and agree with our rules for processing personal data. You may disable cookies in your browser settings.

  • A
  • A
  • A
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
Regular version of the site
Bachelor 2023/2024

Modern History of International Relations before 1945

Category 'Best Course for Broadening Horizons and Diversity of Knowledge and Skills'
Type: Compulsory course
Area of studies: International Relations
When: 1 year, 3 module
Mode of studies: offline
Open to: students of one campus
Instructors: Dmitry Novikov
Language: English
ECTS credits: 6
Contact hours: 38

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course covers the modern period of global history, focusing on the rise of decline of the post-WWI international order in different aspect: economic, social, political and geostrategic ones. There are no prerequisites for this course. However, a rigorous work during the course is required. Students who attend all classes, participate in discussions, solve home assignments, and complete the course projects would very likely pass the course with a good grade.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • To understand the economic and social development European states in the interwar period (1920-1930);
  • Analyze the reasons and consequences of the Great Depression;
  • Have a deep and comprehensive outlook of the ideological context of the social and political development of European and non-European societies (rise of Fascism and Militarism, spread of Communist ideas);
  • To examine the preconditions and reasons of the WWII and policies of the Great Powers, which led to destruction of the post-WWI international order.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • Be able to determine the role of Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan in undermining collective security;
  • Be able to determine characteristic features of dictatorial regimes of Italy, Germany, and Spain;
  • Be able to determine the role of Versailles System in stimulating the rise of fascism in Europe;
  • Know strategic and military preconditions of WWII;
  • Know the impact of the Great Depression upon the progress that had been made in terms of international collaboration through the League;
  • Know the implications of the Treaty of Versailles for the Weimar Republic;
  • Know the reasons for the appearance of fascism in Europe;
  • Know the role of Germany and Italy in the Spanish Civil War;
  • Know the US role in international relations during the interwar period.
  • Understand the theory and logic of detente
  • know and understand the key treaties and events of the Detente policy
  • understant the context and nature of the Korean War
  • understand influence of the Korean war on the Cold War
  • learn the nature and context of the Vietnam war
  • learn the political and strategic developements in Eastern Europe in the first half of the Cold War
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • Consequences of the WWI
  • The League of Nations and Collective Security
  • The Weimar Republic
  • The Great Depression
  • Rise of Fascism
  • The Manchurian Crisis and The Spanish Civil War
  • Appeasement
  • Beginning of WWII
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Quizzes
  • non-blocking Test
  • blocking Final Exam
  • non-blocking Seminars activity
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • 2023/2024 3rd module
    0.25 * Final Exam + 0.25 * Quizzes + 0.25 * Seminars activity + 0.25 * Test
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Sylvest, C. (2004). Interwar Internationalism, the British Labour Party, and the Historiography of International Relations. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.29F9DF84
  • Wunderlich, F. (1938). Germany’s Defense Economy and the Decay of Capitalism. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.83726108

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • David S. Jacks, & Dennis Novy. (2019). Trade blocs and trade wars during the interwar period. CESifo Working Paper Series. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.p.ces.ceswps..7665
  • Jacks, D. S., & Novy, D. (2019). Trade Blocs and Trade Wars during the Interwar Period. The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.p.wrk.warwec.1197

Authors

  • Bodishtianu NIKOL
  • NOVIKOV Dmitrii PAVLOVICH