This course examines the formation, evolution and strategic function of international alliances in an increasingly multipolar world. It considers alliances as tools of deterrence, burden-sharing and political signalling, while also addressing their internal strains and credibility challenges. Historical and contemporary examples are used to illustrate how alliances adapt—or fail to adapt—to changing threat environments.
The course also analyses the interaction between formal alliances and looser strategic groupings, including European Union and BRICS. Participants will assess alliance cohesion under pressure from domestic politics, economic asymmetries and technological change. The course equips learners with analytical frameworks to evaluate alliance durability and strategic relevance in an era of accelerated global transformation.