Foundations of International Relations – Power, War and Peace

The entire history of international relations exists somewhere between the parameters of war and peace. Fundamental to both war and peace is the concept of power: the capacity of one actor to make another do something out of the ordinary.

For-credit subject

This experience can provide credit towards a university subject. Contact us to find out how students can complete five experiences and apply for credit for one 10cp subject into a Bond University undergraduate degree and obtain two points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education.

  • This course is delivered via three interactive online modules and an in-person, five-hour practical workshop. Learning at your own pace, you will discover the intertwined nature of power, war, and peace, which will ultimately provide you with a foundational understanding of the modern international relations system. 

    This course is delivered via three online modules: 

    • The Power and the State
    • The War
    • The Peace

    Students will also complete a five-hour practical workshop about the virtue of a just war. 

    Designed for: High school students in Years 11 and 12 

    Delivery: On campus/online

    Learning time: A total of 25 hours of learning, consisting of: 

    • 8 hours of online modules on the Bond Learner platform
    • 5 hours face-to-face on campus (Gold Coast and Brisbane locations)
    • 12 hours of additional readings and assessment 

    Cost: $50

    Location: Bond University Gold Coast campus

  • May dates

    Online course start date: Wednesday, 14 May, 2025

    Practical workshop date: Saturday, 24 May, 2025

    Registrations close: Wednesday, 14 May, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

    July/August dates

    Online course start date: Monday, 21 July, 2025

    Practical workshop date: Saturday, 2 August, 2025

    Registrations close: Saturday, 19 July, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

  • Students interested in understanding the dynamics of international relations should take this course. It’s ideal for those who want to explore the balance between war and peace and delve into the concept of power—the ability of one actor to influence another’s actions. This course is perfect for anyone curious about how power shapes global interactions and decisions.

    • Identify the causes of war and how the modern state conceptualises power within the international relations system.
    • Identify alternate points of view regarding the concept of peace. 
    • Reflect on the way global problems can affect individuals differently.

This course is delivered via three interactive online modules and an in-person, five-hour practical workshop. Learning at your own pace, you will discover the intertwined nature of power, war, and peace, which will ultimately provide you with a foundational understanding of the modern international relations system. 

This course is delivered via three online modules: 

  • The Power and the State
  • The War
  • The Peace

Students will also complete a five-hour practical workshop about the virtue of a just war. 

Designed for: High school students in Years 11 and 12 

Delivery: On campus/online

Learning time: A total of 25 hours of learning, consisting of: 

  • 8 hours of online modules on the Bond Learner platform
  • 5 hours face-to-face on campus (Gold Coast and Brisbane locations)
  • 12 hours of additional readings and assessment 

Cost: $50

Location: Bond University Gold Coast campus

High School study areas

Modern History

Meet your educator

Assistant Professor Mark Dinnen

Dr Mark Dinnen is Assistant Professor of International Relations at Bond University. His teaching responsibilities include Introduction to International Relations, Geopolitics, Australian Public & Foreign Policy, and The United Nations. After co-creating a simulation software platform, the Global Strategic Operation Centre, Mark was awarded a seed grant from the Australian Office of Learning and Teaching. The grant allowed Dr Dinnen to lead a team of academics investigating the role of Model United Nations Conferences in developing employability skills in learners and the potential for technology to intensify that development.

Dr Dinnen is the founder and coordinator of the Bond University Model UN Program (BondMUNs), which led him to be recognised with the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning through Sustained Innovation and an Award for Teaching Excellence Citation from the Australian Awards for University Teaching. The program is also responsible for planning and executing the annual Bond University High School Model United Nations Conference.

Explore other Learn for Credit courses

  • IR, Politics and arts

    Literature and Philosophy for Global Challenges

    Problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication are skills that define strong and capable leaders. Students will immerse themselves in the study of psychology and how human nature impacts the ability for world leaders to tackle global problems.

    Explore
  • Commerce

    Money Talks

    Financial decision making is a core life skill, essential for a comfortable lifestyle. This course is designed to provide you with basic tools and knowledge to assist you in navigating life financially.

    Explore
  • Comms and creative media

    Creative Writing

    In this course, you will harness your creative flair and passion for writing. Develop your writing skills by exploring a range of approaches, styles, and genres to help you find and tell compelling stories.

    Explore
  • Law

    Criminal Law and Procedure

    A career in law can be intellectually challenging, personally fulfilling, and financially rewarding. Learning from Assistant Professor Dr Matthew Raj, you will be immersed in the study of criminal law throughout this course.

    Explore
  • Law

    Talk Your Way to the Top

    This course is designed to equip you with the essential communication skills necessary to excel in professional and personal environments.

    Explore
  • Law

    Cybercrime and Cybersecurity

    Delve into the minds of a cybercriminal by learning the fundamentals of cybercrime including what motivates those who commit cyber attacks.

    Explore
  • Law

    Climate Law

    Learn more about climate change from a legal perspective, and build an understanding of how you can advocate for real change from a legal perspective, in this for-credit course for high school students.

    Explore
  • Social sciences

    Research and Statistics in Psychology

    Across all science fields, including psychology, research and effective use of statistics is what helps us to make sense of the world. In this immersive and interactive course, learn more about utilising research and stats through a psychology lens.

    Explore
  • Psychology

    Positive Psychology

    Are you ready to unlock the secrets to a happier, more fulfilling life? This course will introduce students to the principles and concepts of positive psychology and how they relate to wellbeing.

    Explore
Previous Next

Secure your spot

Register for May
By browsing this site you accept that cookies are used to improve and personalise our services to you for a better experience on our website and for social activity. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to our use of cookies statement
I Agree