Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Global Politics Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026

Module 1: Concepts and approaches

• 1 International Relations, International Politics – Definition, Scope and Relevance
• 2 Approaches: Realism and Liberalism
• 3 Concepts: Power, National Interest and Balance of Power

Module 2: World Order

• 1 Polarity - concepts and meaning
• 2 Cold war, Post cold war
• 3 Contemporary world order

Module 3: Conflict, Peace and Security

• 1 Types of Conflict and changing nature of Conflict.
• 2 Approaches to Peace: Arms Control, Disarmament and Collective Security.
• 3 Changing Idea of Security: National Security and Human Security.

Module 4: International Political Economy

• 1 Emergence of International Political Economy; Bretton Woods
• 2 International Financial issues
• 3 Towards a new economic order

Text Books

• Baylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations. (The "Gold Standard" for IR students).
• Heywood, Andrew. Global Politics. (Excellent for Module 2 and 4; very student-friendly with clear diagrams).
• Khanna, V.N. International Relations. (Very popular for Indian university exams; covers historical contexts well).
• Ghosh, Peu. International Relations. (Specifically tailored for Indian undergraduate students).

Reference Books

• Morgenthau, Hans J. Politics Among Nations. (The definitive text for Realism).
• Burchill, Scott, et al. Theories of International Relations. (Detailed breakdown of Liberalism and Realism).
• Calvocoressi, Peter. World Politics since 1945. (Comprehensive history of the Cold War and polarity).
• Zakaria, Fareed. The Post-American World. (Great for understanding "Contemporary World Order").
• Tidwell, Alan. Conflict Resolved? A Critical Assessment of Conflict Resolution.
• Fierke, K.M. Critical Approaches to International Security. (Covers the shift from National to Human Security).
• O'Brien, Robert, and Marc Williams. Global Political Economy: Evolution and Dynamics.
• Gilpin, Robert. Global Political Economy: Understanding the International Economic Order. (The foundational text for the Bretton Woods system).
• E-IR – excellent website covering many aspects of International relations
• World Bank Open Data: Excellent for economic and demographic stats (Module 4).
• UNData: Great for human development and security metrics (Module 3).
• IMF eLibrary: For detailed international financial and trade issues.