• Offered by Department of International Relations
  • ANU College ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • Course subject International Relations
  • Areas of interest International Relations, Policy Studies, Political Sciences
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Dr Benjamin Zala
  • Mode of delivery Online or In Person
  • Offered in Second Semester 2025
    See Future Offerings

The Online class is for students enrolled in the Master of Global Securities and Strategy. Students in other programs will need permission to enrol

This course analyses key approaches, institutions, and contemporary issues in global security. The course outlines different conceptual approaches to the study of global security and introduces students to core terms and debates in security studies. A central focus is how these approaches are applied to issues such as great power competition, the prospects for cooperation under conditions of uncertainty about the future, and the balance between justice and order in addressing global security threats. The course also looks at the architecture of global security governance, including alliances, international organisations, international regimes and international law. The course also looks into contemporary global security challenges such as arms racing, environmental security, and the challenges presented by new technologies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the key theoretical and conceptual tools used to explain contemporary global security issues
  2. Understand the major empirical developments that shape the contemporary global security environment
  3. Analyse and critically examine these conceptual and empirical developments and advance their own views on these issues
  4. Employ effective writing and communication skills in the assessment of the theories and practices of global security
  5. Apply lessons from relevant historical episodes to contemporary security challenges and articulate the policy implications of applying these lessons

Other Information


The course is conducted through seminars with an emphasis on interactive teaching aimed at engaging all students in active participation.

 

Indicative Assessment

  1. Weekly online reading quiz (10) [LO 1,3]
  2. Op-ed piece (1,000 words) (25) [LO 1,3,4,5]
  3. Research Essay (2,000 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
  4. Final Examination (2,000 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time.

Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.


Inherent Requirements

Not applicable

Prescribed Texts

To be advised.

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees

Student Contribution Band:
14
Unit value:
6 units

If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

Second Semester

Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
8408 21 Jul 2025 28 Jul 2025 31 Aug 2025 24 Oct 2025 In Person N/A

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions