
In this video, you will learn why I’ve created this valuable course, what exactly you will learn by completing it, and I will also tell you a little bit about myself.
In this video, you will learn how this course is structured and how you can get the most out of it.
In this video, we are going to discuss why it is actually important to think theoretically when you talk about international politics. We are going to discuss the benefits of thinking in more abstract terms, instead of simply consuming the news headlines as they arrive on your smartphone.
In this video, we are going to discuss the value of thinking theoretically as opposed to the so-called common sense. Cambridge dictionary defines common sense as ‘the basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that we all need to help us live in a reasonable and safe way’. I would like to note two particular characteristics of the common sense here. First, it entails a basic level of reasoning. And second, it is about practical knowledge. Practical here means confined to our own experience of living everyday life, watching television and surfing the Internet. In that sense, we all have some common sense knowledge of international politics. The precise nature of this knowledge will differ according to our values and what we perceive to be good and desirable.
In this video, we are going to discuss the problem with the so-called facts about what’s happening in the world. When you watch the news, or you read articles on the Internet, you are mostly learning about the facts. What are the facts? The facts are descriptions, or narratives about what happened, when it happened, where it happened and who was involved.
In this video, we are going to examine this common-sense claim that facts speak for themselves. We have already discussed the problem with the facts, but I think it is important that we address this issue in a separate video, because of how widely-spread this view is.
In this video, I am going to show you how you can begin to think theoretically about any problem of international politics. And it all revolves around one question. Once you learn this question and what it means, I then want you to ask this question about every problem of international politics. The moment you ask this question, you will immediately enter another level of thinking. You will switch to a more analytical mindset, a kind of thinking that most people don’t engage in when they think and speak about problems of international politics.
In this video, we are going to apply the question we learned in the previous lesson to the crisis surrounding the North Korean nuclear program. So we are going to look at the actual problem of international politics in order to theorize this problem to get some more profound and interesting insights.
In this video, we are going to apply our master question to the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. This is to show you that you can not only theorize international security problems, but also other types of issues. The financial crisis was obviously an international economic problem, but it also had a strong political dimension, and it is certainly relevant to the study of international politics and international relations.
In this video, we are going to discuss why you should always seek the highest level of abstraction when you theorize problems of international politics.
In this video, I am going to explain how you can begin constructing your own winning theoretical arguments. You can do this by linking what we have discussed so far in this course, with the theoretical models and paradigms discussed in this section. When you do this, you will have all the ingredients to generate some really insightful and exciting theoretical arguments.
In this video, we are going to discuss one of the oldest and most important theoretical concepts in international relations – the concept of anarchy. Anarchy in the study of international relations is not exactly what you think it may be – it does not necessarily mean chaos or disorder. Sure, those conditions are always present in international politics, but this is not what anarchy is really about. So in this video, we are going to see what anarchy means specifically in international politics, and how you can adopt this concept in your theoretical arguments.
In this video, we are going to discuss one of the most popular theoretical concepts in international relations, the notion of the balance of power. You cannot have a solid understanding of international politics without understanding what balance of power is, what the different kinds of the balance of power are, and what the balance of power is supposed to achieve in international politics.
In this video, we are going to discuss the theoretical concept called security dilemma. We already mentioned this concept when speaking about the North Korean nuclear crisis. We said that the crisis could be considered an instance of the security dilemma which the North Korea, but also the United States, experience. So let’s have a closer look at what the concept means.
In this video, we are going to discuss the theoretical concept called international integration. You will notice that we are going to change the tone in this video a bit. In the previous three examples, those of anarchy, balance of power and security dilemma, the view of international politics was rather pessimistic. It appeared that international politics is filled with tension, mistrust and conflict. And indeed, this may often be the case. But there is also a lot of positive things happening in international politics, such as states working together in many different areas.
In this video, we are going to discuss a theoretical concept which has become widely popular in the last few decades – the concept of international norms. If you are unsure what international norms are, think about every time a political leader speaks about human rights or democratic standards. What exactly are human rights and democratic standards? They are examples of certain norms, which have become generally accepted by most countries as positive.
In this video, I am going to bring all the knowledge and skills you’ve learned together. You now have all the information necessary to understand and explain international politics at a much deeper and more rewarding level than most people, and also to win arguments about international politics with the help of theory.
This video helps you find interesting International Politics dimensions of this crisis. We talk about health security, securitisation, militarisation, human security, globalisation, sovereignty, geopolitics, China, USA, and more. I also explain how you can include the discussion of COVID-19 in your essays and dissertations, if this is relevant to you.
International Politics: Learn to Think Theoretically and Win Any Argument
When it comes to international politics, simply knowing the facts isn’t enough. The endless stream of headlines, tweets, and news updates might keep you informed, but it often leaves you with more questions than answers. How can you navigate the vast web of global events, shifting alliances, and complex conflicts in a way that actually makes sense? This course shows you how to do just that by teaching you how to think theoretically about international politics—transforming the way you understand world events and empowering you to engage in intelligent, informed debate.
Why Thinking Theoretically Is a Game-Changer
If you’re like most people, you might not even realize that you’re already using theories when you talk about international politics. Have you ever said a politician is "irrational" or that an organization like the UN is "ineffective"? Whether you know it or not, you’re invoking theoretical concepts, but without a firm grasp on what these ideas truly mean, you’re missing out on the full power they bring to an argument. This course will teach you how to make those theories work for you—so you can communicate with confidence, precision, and authority.
The Problem of Information Overload
In today’s information-saturated world, facts and data are everywhere. The problem isn’t lack of information; it’s making sense of it all. Headlines and quick takes can’t possibly capture the underlying forces that drive international politics. Theories, however, do. Theories organize information, allowing you to go beyond “what happened” to uncover “why it matters.” This course provides you with the tools to cut through the noise and build a deeper understanding of complex issues—from nuclear threats to economic crises.
What You Will Gain from This Course
Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply a curious learner, this course offers a practical approach to making sense of international politics. Here’s what you’ll gain:
A Proven Formula for Thinking Theoretically
Learn the exact steps to develop compelling arguments on any international issue. Once you understand this formula, you’ll be able to confidently break down complex issues into digestible parts and draw conclusions others may overlook.
How to See the “Big Picture” Beyond the Headlines
Dive beneath surface-level news to understand the deeper forces at play. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to look at world events and quickly identify the core theoretical principles, from anarchy to balance of power, that are shaping them.
The Essential Question to Ask About Any International Issue
Get equipped with one powerful question that will kick-start your theoretical thinking on any issue, helping you make sense of even the most confusing international developments.
Step-by-Step Guidance to Construct Insightful Arguments
Follow a clear, three-step approach to take any political problem and break it down in a way that’s understandable, yet deeply insightful.
Master the “Ladder of Abstraction”
Learn how to climb this essential tool to reach the highest level of understanding on any topic. The higher you go, the clearer your insights and the stronger your arguments will become.
Why This Course Matters Now More Than Ever
We’re living in times when “common sense” explanations just don’t cut it anymore. As international tensions rise and crises continue to emerge, we need people who can go beyond sound bites and think critically. This course teaches you to look at issues through a lens of theory—going beyond facts to find meaning. You’ll uncover the real driving forces behind events like the North Korean nuclear crisis and the 2008 financial collapse, allowing you to engage others with a perspective that is both informed and deeply rooted in theory.
Here’s What Else You’ll Learn:
Key Theories and Concepts of International Politics
Unlock the power of concepts like the security dilemma, international norms, and balance of power to make your arguments stronger and more accurate.
How Most People Misinterpret International Politics
Understand why relying on “common sense” often leads to errors in judgment and learn how to apply theory to correct these misunderstandings.
How to Help Others See the Bigger Picture
Whether you’re educating a friend or leading a debate, you’ll learn how to communicate complex ideas clearly, helping others become more informed and critical thinkers.
Why Facts Alone Don’t Tell the Full Story
Discover why facts without theory are incomplete and how to use theory to build a more comprehensive understanding of world events.
Transform Your Perspective—Join Today
Get ready to see international politics in a whole new way. This course is more than just a class; it’s a toolkit for anyone who wants to understand global issues with confidence and insight. With each lesson, you’ll not only deepen your knowledge but also become someone who can engage in meaningful, informed discussions about the world.
Start your journey now and become someone who not only knows the facts but truly understands what they mean.
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."