IR200: International Organisations: The Challenges of Global Governance in a Divided World

International organisations are created and expected to provide solutions whenever governments face transnational challenges, such as international and civil wars, humanitarian emergencies, flows of refugees, outbreaks of infectious diseases, climate change, financial market instability, sovereign debt crises, trade protectionism, and the development of poorer countries.

But their role in world politics is controversial. Some perceive them as effective and legitimate alternatives to unilateral state policies. Others regard them as fig leaves for the exercise of power by dominant states. Others yet are regularly disappointed by the gap between the lofty aspirations and their actual performance in addressing global problems, and want to know the causes of that gap.

While some commentators tend to lump all international organizations together, in reality the functioning, power, and effectiveness of international organisations differ widely – across organisations, issues, regions, and over time.

Prerequisites: Candidates must have passed at least one university-level course in the social sciences (politics, sociology, economics, history, law). 

Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One examination (75%) and one essay (25%)

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course will be of interest to those who wish to become, or professionals who already are, officials in international organisations and governments, journalists, critical citizens, scholars, decision-makers in companies, NGOs and the increasing range of careers that involve frequent interaction with international organisations, and critical citizens.

A key aim of the course is to understand differences in International Organisations and their implications for the solution of transnational problems.

The goal of the course is to provide participants with a comprehensive toolbox that will allow them to perform sophisticated analyses of international organisations and the opportunity to see these analytical tools applied to several of the most important IOs operating today, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank, the World Health Organisation and the International Criminal Court.

Students will complete the course with a deeper understanding of both similarities and differences between international organisations and of their effective contribution to the governance of global issues.

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.