Unit name | Governing the Borderlands |
---|---|
Unit code | POLIM2044 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Tucker |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit examines the significance of the West's humanitarian, development and peace interventionism during the post-Cold War period. It focuses upon the interconnection between development and security both historically and in contemporary interventions. With reference to the theory and practice of liberal imperialism, development is analysed as a will to power that governs people by making their freedom conditional upon self-betterment. Contemporary internal war, state failure and humanitarian crises have provided an opportunity to expand and deepen liberal technologies of global governance. Aid and politics now work together in new and expansive ways. This deepening is reflected in the role of development within the indefinite war on terrorism. The unit concludes by examining the collapse of the traditional national/international dichotomy within political imagination. This includes the interconnection between the policing of international migration, concerns over homeland social cohesion and, in order to defend the West's way of life, the role of development as a technology of security to contain and pacify borderland populations.
The unit aims are:
The unit is intended for students from either a politics or a development background that are interested in studying the overlap between develop and security and its implications and/or are contemplating employment in the international humanitarian, developmental and conflict resolution industry. At the same time, it will also be of interest to practioners working in these fields who wish to further their career through advanced study. To meet this aim, besides reviewing the academic literature,
On completion of the unit students should:
Essay (100%)
Essay topics are given out at the beginning of the unit that reflect the lecture and seminar themes. Advice is given to help students begin their essays. In order to meet the aims of the unit, students are expected to demonstrate an ability to assimilate a range literature and evidence, develop a critical and questioning stance in relation to the main trends and policy approaches, include case study material where appropriate and, importantly, be able to show evidence of an ability to undertake independent research relating to the interconnection between development and security.