The course provides students with the analytical tools to understand the theoretical foundations of International Relations through the study of major classical and contemporary approaches — realism, idealism, liberalism, constructivism and critical theories. Students explore different levels of analysis and examine how the major conflicts of the twentieth century shaped the evolution of the discipline. The course strengthens the ability to compare theoretical perspectives, interpret international phenomena from multiple viewpoints, and critically assess the explanatory value of key paradigms for understanding the contemporary international system.