Why do states obey international law, and why do they break it? Why does the UN Charter ban the use of force, yet wars still happen? Why is recognition in international law often decided by politics?

Nexa Research and Training Centre is pleased to announce its intensive 1-month live online course, Theories of International Relations & Law. The course shows how power, national interest and security shape, and often limit, international law. We do not treat theory as abstract ideas. We use it to explain real events.

Instructor

Abdinasir Timoweyne, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at New Generation University and Borama University.

The 8 Lectures

1. Introduction: IR Theory for International Law
2. Realism: Power vs Law
3. Liberalism: Law, Cooperation and Institutions
4. Constructivism: Norms, Identity and Legitimacy
5. Marxism & Critical Theories: Inequality and the Global Legal Order
6. Foreign Policy and Legal Decision-Making
7. International Security and Law: War, Self-Defense and the UN Charter
8. Final Debate: Does Law Control Power, or Does Power Control Law?

Real Case Studies

• The Somaliland recognition question
• Ethiopia–Somalia relations
• Red Sea geopolitics
• Middle East conflicts
• The Ukraine war
• Great power competition (USA–China)
• Key ICJ cases and the UN system

Key Questions of the Course

• Is the world governed by power or by rules?
• Can cooperation overcome conflict?
• How do ideas and identity shape global politics?
• Can states achieve security without creating insecurity?
• Which theory best explains today’s world?

How You Will Learn

Every session includes clear concept explanation, class discussion, real-world case analysis and debate. Participants also work in groups to analyze a current international issue and present their findings. Our goal is to move you from memorization to critical thinking.

Core Readings

• Baylis, Smith & Owens – The Globalization of World Politics
• Dunne, Kurki & Smith – International Relations Theories
• Waltz – Theory of International Politics
• Mearsheimer – The Tragedy of Great Power Politics
• Wendt – Social Theory of International Politics

Course Details

• Provider: Nexa Research and Training Centre
• Start date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
• Duration: 4 weeks (8 live sessions)
• Schedule: Every Thursday and Friday, 8:00–10:00 PM (East Africa Time)
• Format: Live, interactive online classes
• Certificate: Certificate of completion for all participants who finish the course
• For: Anyone interested in international politics, including students and legal professionals

Seats are limited. Register now to keep your place »