Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Law and Institutions
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Introduction
The course offers a global overview of the international system, its operating rules, its institutions, as well as the main issues regarding the global agendas and actors.
Special mention is made of human rights and international cooperation for development.
Pre-course requirements
No previous knowledge of the subject is necessary.
Objectives
Approach international relations from the perspective of its institutions and legal frameworks.
Establish the connections between the international system, institutional and legal frameworks, and global dynamics.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
45 - To be able to work with academic texts.
46 - To acquire the ability to understand and participate in conferences or lectures in an academic context.
50 - To acquire the ability to relate concepts and to carry out analysis and synthesis exercises.
51 - To develop decision-making skills.
52 - To be able to develop skills in interpersonal relationships and teamwork.
53 - To acquire skills for autonomous learning.
54 - To be able to express ideas and arguments in an orderly and coherent manner, both orally and in writing.
56 - To be able to make arguments that favour critical and self-critical reasoning.
60 - To acquire knowledge that favours respect for other cultures and customs.
64 - To be able to plan and organise work.
68 - To develop mechanisms that favour sensitivity to issues related to social welfare.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- Understand the functioning of the international system.
- Understand the different legal frameworks and how they work.
- Differentiate between the legal and non-legal frameworks of the international system.
- Identify the different international actors.
- Identify current trends in international governance.
- Analyse global agendas and associate their impact with territorial dynamics.
Syllabus
1.- The International system and global governance:
Frameworks and actors. Concepts of international system, global system and global governance.
2.- International law and justice:
The international law as the basis for international behaviour and relations. Conceptualisation and evolution of the international justice.
3.- Global agendas:
International policy priorities and orientations. Special focus on climate, disaster management, development aid, gender, sustainable development and urban development.
4.- Global trends regarding the international arena:
Global patterns that are shaping the global agenda and international institutions.
5.- The Pact for the Future:
The aftermath of the Summit for the Future, priorities and international commitments, the place of the <<Agenda 2030>> (including the Sustainable Development Objectives) and the way forward.
6.- The fall of international law?
The universality and neutrality of international law versus its double standards, violation and breaches.
7.- The United Nations system:
History, evolution and current state of United Nations. United Nations mandate, governance, bodies and agencies.
8.- The international regime of Human Rights:
Concept, history, significance and evolution.
9.- The international development cooperation system:
Overview of the history, evolution and current state of international development cooperation. Legal frameworks and commitments and public actors.
10.- The European Union and its institutional framework:
Principles, priorities, legal basis, institutions and functioning of the European Union.
11.- The European Union cooperation and development policy:
Legal framework, mandate, priorities and programs.
12.- City diplomacy and international networks of local governments:
Concept of city diplomacy. Role and recognition of local governments in the international arena.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Combination of master classes, with readings, group discussions, case studies and critical analysis of texts and videos.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Presentations and class participation.
Evaluation of works and essays
Bibliography and resources
- Barber, Benjamin R.: <<If Mayors Ruled the World: Dysfunctional Nations, Rising Cities>>, Yale University Press, 423 p., 2013
- Borchard, Klaus-Dieter: <<The ABC of EU Law>>, Directorate-General for communications (European Commission), 164 p., 2023.
- Bracho, Gerardo & Alt.: <<Origins, evolution and future of global development cooperation, The role of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC)>>, Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik gGmbH, 630 p., 2021
- Clapham, Andrew: <<Human Rights: a very short introduction>>, Oxford University Press, 216 p., 2015
- Contested collaboration <<The Palgrave Handbook of Development Cooperation for Achieving the 2030 Agenda>>, Palgrave McMillan, 733 p., 2021
- European Commission: <<NDICI-Global Europe ‘Global Challenges’ thematic programme multi-annual indicative programme 2021-2027>>, 42 p., 2022
- Hanhimäki, Jussi M.: <<The United Nations: a very short introduction>>, Oxford University Press, 192 p., 2015
- Leus-Smit, Richard: <<International Relations: a very short introduction>>, Oxford University Press, 176 p., 2020
- Lowe, Vaughan: <<International Law: a very short introduction>>, Oxford University Press, 144 p., 2015
- National Intelligence Council: <<Globlal Trends 2040>>, 156 p., 2022
- OCDE: <<Development Co-operation Report 2024: Tackling Poverty and Inequalities through the Green Transition>>, OECD Publishing, 361 p., 2024
- United Nations: <<Pact for the Future, Rev. 4>>, 30 p., 2024