This course studies the role of great powers - established and emerging powers - in shaping regional and world orders. The policies and strategies of great powers are examined as are the interactions between them. Attention is given to the theory and history of great power behaviour, the distinction between 'hard' and 'soft' conceptions of power, and the key issues confronting the great powers in contemporary global politics. The following themes and questions will be explored throughout the course: What role have great powers played in maintaining or destabilising order and justice in international society? What do we mean by 'power' and what makes one 'great': is it military strength, economic strength, or something more? How should great powers behave? What ought to be the rights and responsibilities of great powers?