International Politics: Levels of Analysis
What you'll learn
- Speak about most problems of international politics like a confident expert even if they have never studied Politics or International Relations at a university.
- Educate others about how to properly understand and analyse issues like Donald Trump's foreign policy, Brexit or Islamic terrorism.
- Build complex arguments using theories and concepts such as system level, anarchy, balance of power, realism, liberalism, norms and values and many more.
- Critically assess the value of the daily news they read and watch.
Requirements
- The course is designed for all study levels and therefore does not require prior education in Politics or International Relations.
- I speak slowly throughout the course which helps non-native English speaking students. Remember you can accelerate the pace of video lectures in settings.
- No upfront reading is necessary. In the course, students will learn about some of the most influential books on each topic.
Description
Master International Politics: A Deep Dive into the Levels of Analysis
Frustrated by oversimplified news stories? Wonder why foreign policy decisions are so complex—and so often flawed? Tired of feeling like there’s more going on than what you see in the headlines?
Gain the knowledge and analytical tools to finally understand international politics on a deeper level. This course on “International Politics: Levels of Analysis” will teach you how to think critically, analyze expertly, and discuss confidently. Whether you’re an aspiring analyst, an avid reader of world news, or simply curious about the mechanics of global affairs, this course will make you the go-to person for insightful discussions on world politics.
Why This Course Is Essential
International politics is too often reduced to “big headlines” that gloss over the layers of decision-making behind every major event. Complex factors such as group biases, bureaucratic interests, and the “silent forces” that shape policy are rarely addressed. Without a deeper understanding of these elements, you’re left with a one-dimensional view of global affairs.
With this course, you’ll learn to go beyond the surface of news stories and break down international politics using the powerful “Levels of Analysis” framework.
What You’ll Get in This Course
This comprehensive course provides state-of-the-art, research-based instruction through easy-to-follow video lectures, hands-on exercises, and practical tools that make international politics accessible and fascinating. By enrolling, you gain access to:
Course Features and Resources
Printable Handouts & Study Guides: Key slides and study materials to reinforce each section.
Multiple Choice Quizzes: Test your understanding and track your progress with quizzes after each topic.
Practice Activities: Each concept is followed by an exercise to solidify your learning.
Recommended Reading List: Get book suggestions to deepen your knowledge even further.
What You’ll Learn: Levels of Analysis & Core Concepts in International Politics
This course will take you on an in-depth exploration of the Levels of Analysis framework, equipping you with practical skills and a robust understanding of international political dynamics.
1. Speak with Confidence on Current Global Events
Understand the underlying theories and concepts behind issues like Brexit, Islamic terrorism, and U.S. foreign policy. You’ll be able to dissect the details and offer insights beyond what typical news stories cover.
2. The “Levels of Analysis” Framework
Discover how the individual, state, and system levels impact foreign policy. Identify gaps in media coverage and recognize the hidden layers that influence world affairs.
3. The Fundamentals of Three Core International Relations Theories
Get an introduction to Realism, Liberalism, and Social Constructivism, the foundational theories that shape international relations. Learn how to apply these theories in real discussions and debates to strengthen your arguments and recognize these principles in political narratives.
4. Essential Concepts for Impactful Analysis
Master key terms like “anarchy,” “balance of power,” and “norms,” and concepts such as bureaucratic behavior and cognitive biases. These are the tools that allow seasoned analysts to dissect foreign policy with insight and precision.
5. Real-Life Case Studies
Engage with case studies on some of the most pressing international issues, including Brexit and U.S. foreign policy under Trump. See how the concepts you learn apply to real-world situations and learn how to use this framework in analyzing future events.
6. The Silent Forces Shaping Policy: Bias and Bureaucracy
Discover how group biases—like simplification, consistency, and estimation biases—influence foreign policy decisions, often leading to unexpected and even disastrous outcomes. Understand why seemingly “boring” factors like bureaucratic dynamics hold tremendous sway over decision-making.
7. University-Level Material for Your Personal or Professional Development
From insightful blog posts to high-impact articles, elevate your written and verbal analysis with university-level expertise. Your ability to discuss international politics will stand out, whether in an academic setting, professional sphere, or everyday conversations.
8. How to Apply Your Knowledge Instantly
Gain practical tips for applying what you’ve learned in written and verbal discussions on international politics. Use word-for-word examples and practice exercises that empower you to discuss complex topics like an expert.
Why Learn International Politics from a Levels of Analysis Perspective?
Most people skim the surface of international news without ever understanding the deeper forces at play. With the “Levels of Analysis” framework, you’ll be equipped to see past one-dimensional stories and engage with the actual mechanics of global politics. Your insights will impress friends, colleagues, or even university professors.
This course will arm you with the “insider’s view” on how politics truly works—behind the scenes, beyond the headlines, and across borders.
Start Your Journey to Becoming a Knowledgeable Global Analyst
Are you ready to become the person in your circle who truly understands international politics? Stop feeling sidelined by the complexities of global affairs. With this course, you’ll gain the expertise to approach international politics with clarity, depth, and confidence.
Enroll today and take your first step toward mastering the complexities of international politics through the Levels of Analysis framework!
Become an Expert in International Politics
My Promise to You
I promise that the tuition in this course is of the highest quality, based on genuine university-level teaching and research. It is presented in a highly-accessible and engaging way, designed specifically for those who do not have prior university degree in Politics or International Relations.
I invite you to send me a message if you have any questions about the content of this course.
From My Students:
"The course was very informative and helpful, and I will apply the knowledge I gain. The lecturer was incredibly fantastic. He explain all the concepts and the definitions of all the topics."
"Dr. Zwolski truly has teaching skills. He is a straightforward professor and his videos are both interesting and valuable."
"The course is really informative and provides a very in-depth analysis of several complex topics which otherwise would have been quite difficult to understand. The simplified analysis of various important speeches too help me understand the thinking patterns of a country's culture, thus making future moves more predictable. Overall, this course is totally worth the money and is really good irrespective of your geopolitical knowledge/prior exposure."
"The instructor is a good lecturer. Interesting material presented clearly and concisely."
"I'm just a 14 year old high school student who loves to know about current affairs and global conflicts. Mr. Zwolski's course helped me to understand the origins and key concepts of "Geopolitics" without having any university degree or any experiences in this field."
"I really enjoy listening this guy's lecture. I could sit for hours listening to him lecture and learning new things about International Relations."
"The lectures have been made very simple to understand! Kamil is doing an amazing job!"
"Crisp and clear videos, to the point, can be watched easily on the mobile phone."
"Wow! If your reading the comments and debating on whether or not to take this course,TAKE IT! If you read The Economist, Forbes, taking classes on International relations, or stationed on a foreign base, this class is for you! After this you should be able to decipher mainstream media news outlets! Semper Fi!"
"I applied to do M.A in International Relations and this course helped me to pass the interview examination as i don't have any back ground in the subject."
Who this course is for:
- Individuals interested in the problems of international politics, particularly those who regularly watch the news, read newspapers or follow on-line media.
- Commentators, bloggers and journalists covering international politics.
- Students of Politics and International Relations who want to consolidate their knowledge and improve their grades.
- Policy practitioners who want to improve their analytical skills and better understand the context of their policy activities.
Instructor
I am a full-time, award-winning academic teacher working at a leading UK university. I specialise in Geopolitics, International Relations and Power Skills such as Critical Thinking and Decision-Making.
I published 3 books, numerous articles in prestigious, high-ranking journals and have an international experience of working for the European Union in Brussels and sharing my expertise with top think-tanks, including International Institute for Strategic Studies in Washington D.C.
I am also a best-selling author on Udemy with over 12k students. My online courses are meant to equip you with knowledge and skills to understand and speak about International Politics and Geopolitics with confidence. They are also meant to help you master the Critical Reasoning skills so that you think better and make smarter decisions.