Latin America on the Global Chessboard: North–South Relations and Their Challenges 3305-ALGS-01
The course focuses on the position of Latin America in the global system of international relations, with special emphasis on North–South relations. It explores both historical and contemporary conditions of these relations, their influence on the development of foreign policies in the region, and the consequences of globalization for Latin American societies and economies. Special attention will be devoted to the dynamics of relations with the United States, the European Union, China, and other global actors. Students will become familiar with core concepts and theories of international relations as well as the main political, social, and economic processes shaping Latin America’s global role.
Sample Course Topics (15 sessions):
Introduction to international relations and North–South relations,
Systematization of international relations theories,
Assumptions of neorealism, neoliberalism, structuralism (neo-Marxism), postcolonialism, and core-periphery relations in the context of Latin America and North–South dynamics,
Geopolitics in Latin America,
Identification of key issues in Latin America,
The rise of Chinese influence in Latin America: South–South relations,
Latin America’s relations with Europe: cooperation and tensions,
Regional integration in Latin America: MERCOSUR, ALBA, and other organizations,
Brazil’s international relations: the role of a regional leader,
Foreign policy of Argentina, Chile, and Mexico: diverse approaches in the region,
Latin America and climate change: policies and international challenges,
Security in Latin America: threats and international cooperation,
The role of Latin America in international organizations: e.g., UN, OAS, G20,
Analysis of Latin America and the Caribbean in the global economy in the context of Susan Strange’s concept of “structural power,”
Social movements and resistance to global hegemony,
The future of international relations in Latin America: perspectives and challenges.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands
K_W11 – has structured knowledge of Latin America's position in the global system of international relations, including historical and contemporary North–South dynamics.
K_W12 – knows the basic theories of international relations (e.g., realism, structuralism, postcolonialism) and is able to apply them in analyzing the situation of Latin America.
K_W13 – understands the significance of globalization processes, geopolitics, and regional cooperation for the political, social, and economic situation of Latin America.
Skills: the graduate is able to
K_U11 – analyze key social, political, and economic issues in Latin America using knowledge from international relations and Hispanic studies.
K_U12 – independently acquire and select information from various sources (academic, journalistic, institutional) on the situation in Latin America and formulate logical conclusions.
K_U13 – prepare and deliver oral or written analyses in Spanish on topics related to international relations in the context of Latin America.
Social competences: the graduate is ready to
K_K05 – think critically about global and regional processes, including the assessment of asymmetric relations between the Global North and South.
K_K06 – actively participate in discussions on contemporary challenges facing Latin America and its international relations, with respect for differing perspectives.
K_K07 – demonstrate openness and interest in global issues, especially those concerning Latin America, while considering intercultural aspects.
Assessment criteria
Methods: Interactive lecture, case studies, analysis of primary documents and academic articles, group work, moderated discussions, individual and team projects, student oral presentations
The assessment is based on the presentation (40%), activity (20%), and participation in the final assessment-project (40%).
Attendance is mandatory, 2 unexcused absences are allowed.
Guidelines on the use of Artificial Intelligence tools: https://dokumenty.uw.edu.pl/dziennik/DURK/Lists/Dziennik/Attachments/134/DURK.2023.98.UURK.98.pdf
Bibliography
Czaputowicz, J. (2022). Teorie stosunków międzynarodowych. Warszawa. Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.
Katz, C. (2024). América Latina en la encrucijada global. Buenos Aires. Batalla de Ideas.
Sanahuja, J. A., & Rodríguez Díaz, J. D. (2024). La Unión Europea y América Latina en el interregno: Límites y retos de una asociación necesaria. “Development Cooperation Review”. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/126487412/La_Uni%C3%B3n_Europea_y_Am%C3%A9rica_Latina_en_el_interregno_l%C3%ADmites_y_retos_de_una_asociaci%C3%B3n_necesaria
Hirst, Mónica; Russell, Roberto; Sanjuan, Ana María y Tokatlian, Juan Gabriel. «América Latina y el Sur Global en tiempos sin hegemonías». Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacionals, n.º 136 (abril de 2024), p. 133-156. DOI: doi.org/10.24241/rcai.2024.136.1.133
Solarz, M. W. (2012). Północ-Południe : anatomia globalnego podziału świata. Warszawa : Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: