PhD program
International Relations

International Relations

QUALIFICATION

  • Scientific and pedagogical direction - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

MODEL OF GRADUATING STUDENT

Graduates of this program will be able to show:
1 To interpret key ideas of modern international political paradigms based on systemic analysis of current IR issues using modern information technologies; to forecast development of international situations and trends of contemporary world politics.
2 To synthesize modern knowledge about International relations, make comparative and interdisciplinary analysis of global development’s complex tendencies in connection with globalization and integration and use them at teaching IR disciplines at HEI.
3 To apply methodology of modern regional and global security theories and concepts at analysis of new factors global security and armed conflicts; to formulate independently ideas of overcoming new challenges and threats to international security.
4 To identify differences in approaches of academic schools’ representatives towards studies of modern problems of geopolitical situation in CA; critically analyze foreign policy positions of leading actors and use them for analysis of specific situations, risks, opportunities and challenges in region of CA.
5 To critically assess and analyze main tendencies of modern World order formation, transformation of International organizations and International conflict management practices in order to develop recommendations during professional work for analytical, expert fields and public service.
6 To critically evaluate results of researches, modern theories, new tendencies of international-political processes and synthesize new and theory based approaches to study urgent issues of IR using comparative analysis, scenario and prognostic analysis and other methods of analysis.
7 To evaluate critically scientific theories and concepts of integration processes, to generate knowledge about concepts and approaches used in studies of integration institutions work practice in order to prepare practical recommendations for government and non-government structures if frame of professional work.
8 To generalize results of comparative analysis of great powers’ interests dynamics using knowledge complex about modern geopolitical processes in CA, to carry out scenario and prognostic analysis of geopolitical situation’s evolution in CA and formulate recommendations in frame of professional work.
9 To interpret general theoretical approaches during analysis of International organizations’ role as IR regulation mechanism, to have skills of independent analysis of International organizations development and transformation and use them to propose recommendations for appropriate agencies.
10 To develop independently research program, to formulate original research problems on urgent issues of IR, global, regional and national development aimed at solution of problems of practical importance in expert-analytic and scientific-educational work.
11 To carry out research in accordance with scientific program, to adapt knowledge about current IR issues using newest information and analytical technologies and present research results in form PhD thesis.
12 To provide well reasoned results of analytical and research work in IR field in form of thesis, scientific reports, articles including peer-reviewed journals, to contribute original research about IR into development of Kazakhstan’s science.

Program passport

Speciality Name
International Relations
Speciality Code
8D03105
Faculty
International Relations

disciplines

Academic writing
  • Number of credits - 2
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - The goal of the discipline is to develop in doctoral students the ability to substantiate a chosen topic, formulate a research problem, draw up a plan and structure of work, prepare a review of sources, write scientific texts at the level of modern standards of modern international social sciences. The course develops the ability to use scientific, methodological and methodological knowledge in the field of publishing scientific works in foreign journals with impact factor, publications of KKSON and others

Actual issues of World politics
  • Number of credits - 5
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - The aim of the discipline is to develop the ability to analyze the most important problems of world politics. The course cultivates the ability to compare and evaluate processes and phenomena in world politics, apply theoretical knowledge acquired in practice by analyzing specific issues in international relations. The discipline is aimed at mastering modern research methods in world politics and developing the ability to analyze the key trends in its development

Actual Problems of International Relations
  • Number of credits - 5
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline: to create ability to analyze important issues of modern international relations. During the study of course, PhD students should be competent in: - analyse the global issues of present time, manoeuvre empirical data and the current state of international issues; - analyze the main directions and trends of international relations development; - analyze, compare and evaluate processes and phenomena in world politics, understand their causes and essence; - apply research methods of international relations and world politics; - apply the obtained theoretical knowledge in practice, analyzing the specific problems of international relations. During the study of the discipline PhD students will learn following aspects: various theoretical schools and political traditions of studying the problems of international relations; processes and phenomena in world politics, understand their causes and essence; world order problems, the main parameters of today’s’ international relations system, global trends in world politics, the problem of security and disarmament in IR; international terrorism as a global problem; threats and challenges to stability and security in various regions; the problem of protection and ensuring human rights; migration processes in today’s IR; problems of ensuring energy security in contemporary IR; environmental security.

Integration theory and practice in contemporary IR
  • Number of credits - 5
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline - to create ability to systematize main theoretical and practical approaches of integration in different regions of the world. Course shapes skills to analyze the basic conceptual approaches. Discipline is aimed at studying nature and dynamics of integration processes in different parts of the world.

PhD thesis writing and defence
  • Number of credits - 12
  • Type of control - Докторская диссертация
  • Description - The main purpose of "PhD thesis writing and defence": of a doctoral dissertation is the formation of the doctoral students' ability to disclose the content of research work for the defense of the thesis. During the study of course, doctoral student's should be competent in: 1. to substantiate the content of new scientifically grounded theoretical and experimental results that allow to solve a theoretical or applied problem or are a major achievement in the development of specific scientific directions; 2. explain the assessment of the completeness of the solutions to the tasks assigned, according to the specifics of the professional sphere of activity; 3. they can analyze alternative solutions for solving research and practical problems and assess the prospects for implementing these options; 4. apply the skills of writing scientific texts and presenting them in the form of scientific publications and presentations. 5. to plan and structure the scientific search, clearly highlight the research problem, develop a plan / program and methods for its study, formalize, in accordance with the requirements of the State Educational Establishment, the scientific and qualification work in the form of a thesis for a scientific degree Doctor of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) on specialty «8D07502 – Standardization and certification (by industry)». During the study of the discipline doctoral student will learn following aspects: Registration of documents for presentation of the thesis for defense. Information card of the dissertation and registration-registration card (in the format Visio 2003). Extract from the minutes of the meeting of the institution, in which the preliminary defense of the thesis took place. Cover letter to the Higher Attestation Commission. Expert conclusion on the possibility of publishing the author's abstract. Expert opinion on the possibility of publishing a dissertation. Minutes of the meeting of the counting commission. Bulletin for voting. A shorthand record of the meeting of the dissertational council. List of scientific papers. Response of the official opponent. A review of the leading organization. The recall of the scientific adviser.

Scientific Research methods
  • Number of credits - 3
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - The purpose of the discipline is to form the ability to carry out independent scientific creative work in the field of social Sciences of international profile, to use the methods of scientific knowledge when conducting research in the field of international relations and regional studies, world economics and international law. The course develops the ability to work with theoretical and applied literature, analyze current events, search for and process scientific information, formalize scientific results

Data for 2021-2024 years

disciplines

Comparative Studies in International Relations
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline: to create ability to use of comparative methods in studying of IR modern system. During the study of course, PhD students should be competent in: - to shape view of current system of international relations as a historically developed and developing reality; - to understand the modern theories of international relations and foreign policy practice in the context of comparative analysis; - to apply comparative methods to the analysis of international relations; - to be able to work with both theoretical and special literature and analyze current events; - to master the basic elements of building forecast for the further development of international processes. During the study of the discipline PhD students will learn following aspects: the content and basic concepts of modern theories of international relations; the main stages of the development of IR theories: prevailed theories at every stage; the comparative methods in the study of international relations; the problem of the active unit in the analysis of international relations the discussions about actors of international relations; the causes of the increased interdependence of the world; the emergence and strengthening of the influence of new actors on world politics; issues of war and peace as the basic problem of international relations; morality and law in the theory of international relations; mechanisms for foreign policy decision- making; theories and concepts: foreign policy practice and international relations field.

Great powers’ interests in Central Asia
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline: to create ability to analyze main directions of foreign policy of great powers in Central Asian. During the study of course, PhD students should be competent in: - be able to analyse the general trends of the geopolitical situation in Central Asia; - systematic understanding of the interests of the great powers in Central Asia and their geopolitical position; - has a comprehensive understanding of most influential theories and methods in IR to the analysis of the interests of the major powers in the Central Asian region, - critically evaluate features of their foreign policy concepts and methods of their implementation; - can estimate and use the methods and practices of researches of the experience of the analysis of development scenarios of the geopolitical situation in Central Asia. During the study of the discipline PhD students will learn following aspects: the concepts and theories of foreign policy of the great powers in the Central Asian region; the strategic concepts of the great powers in relation to the Central Asian countries; the basic steps of the great powers in Central Asia policy; the tools and techniques of the great powers in Central Asia policy; the further evolution of the interests of the major powers in Central Asia and their impact on the sustainable development of the Central Asian states; Russia's strategic interests in Central Asia; tools and methods of Russian policy in Central Asia; CA China's foreign policy concept; US Policy in Central Asia after 2001; bilateral relations between the US and Central Asian countries; the US plan for a "Greater Central Asia"; the CA value to the EU's foreign policy; EU Strategy for Central Asia; India's strategic interests in Central Asia.

International organizations and International governance: Applied analysis
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline: to form the ability to analyze the role of international organizations as regulatory mechanisms in the modern system IR. Course forms the abilities to analyze methodology of a research of activity of international organizations and methods of their organizational activity in terms of world politics, to assess critically debates on issues global governance

International security and sustainable development
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim of the course is to develop the ability to analyse global issues of security and sustainable development. Course develops the ability to have a systemic understanding of the relationship between international security and sustainable development. Discipline is aimed at the development of critical thinking, study of research methodology within the framework of modern paradigms of international security issues, sustainable development challenges and global security

IR and information analytical technologies
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline - to create ability to use of information and analytical technologies in the study of IR. Course builds the abilities to apply the skills of information and analytical technologies in the study of international relations and to forecast further development of international processes.

The scenario and expected analysis of balance of forces in a geopolitical environment of CA
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline - to create ability to analyze geopolitical interests of the main actors in CA. Course forms basic elements of development scenarios and creation of forecast of further development of the international processes. Discipline is directed to studying methods of policy of the leading powers in CA.

Violence, Conflict and Military Power in IR
  • Type of control - [RK1+MT+RK2+Exam] (100)
  • Description - Aim оf the discipline: to create ability to analyze new threats to global and regional security, including types of armed conflicts. During the study of course, PhD students should be competent in: - to analyze the new challenges and threats to global and regional security; - be able to apply the methodology of modern theories and concepts of international security in the analysis of contemporary armed conflicts; - master the skills of self-analysis of the forms and types of armed conflict; - critically evaluate the mechanisms for resolving contemporary international conflicts; - be skilled in strategic analysis of peacekeeping operations in various regions. During the study of the discipline PhD students will learn following aspects: modern theories and concepts of international security; the basic theories and concepts of contemporary armed conflicts; basic forms and types of armed conflicts at the present stage; the dynamics of major armed conflicts at the present stage; the nature and types of peacekeeping operations; the UN's global approach with regard to peacekeeping activities; the interaction of international and regional security structures in the conduct of peacekeeping operations.

Data for 2021-2024 years

INTERNSHIPS

Pedagogical
  • Type of control - Защита практики
  • Description - Formation of practical, educational-methodical skills of conducting lectures, seminars, creatively apply scientific, theoretical knowledge, practical skills in teaching activities, conduct training sessions in the disciplines of the specialty; own modern professional techniques, methods of training, use in practice the latest theoretical, methodological advances, make educational, methodological documentation.

Research
  • Type of control - Защита практики
  • Description - The purpose of the practice: gaining experience in the study of an actual scientific problem, expand the professional knowledge gained in the learning process, and developing practical skills for conducting independent scientific work. The practice is aimed at developing the skills of research, analysis and application of economic knowledge.

Data for 2021-2024 years