Purpose and Vision

Teaching International Relations is more than delivering content or curating syllabuses; it is a transformative process of igniting intellectual curiosity and fostering critical engagement.

In a world shaped by global complexity, systemic inequalities, and political fragmentation, the classroom becomes a vital space for equipping students with analytical tools to challenge dominant paradigms, navigate uncertainty, and envisage innovative futures.

TeachIR is dedicated to inspiring excellence in the teaching of International Relations by sharing diverse pedagogical insights, fostering critical and reflective dialogue, and supporting a global community of educators committed to transformative learning.

The project envisions a scholarly culture in which teaching is valued not as a secondary task, but as a meaningful and intellectually generative endeavour; one that empowers students to make sense of the world and engage with it purposefully.

By showcasing the craft of teaching through in-depth interviews, practical resources, and expert guidance, TeachIR seeks to cultivate a vibrant, pluralistic, and forward-looking culture of pedagogical practice in political and international studies.

Discover the art of teaching from leading educators through scholarly interviews, authentic resources, and their expert insights.

A Commitment to Pedagogical Excellence

TeachIR explores how International Relations is taught across diverse institutional, regional, and pedagogical contexts. It is grounded in the conviction that teaching is not secondary to research but a vital arena of intellectual labour where ideas are shaped, challenged, and transmitted to future generations.

At its core, TeachIR views teaching as an act of intellectual care, a commitment to rendering complex theories accessible, nurturing critical thinking, and enabling students to engage meaningfully with contemporary political challenges.

The initiative recognises the classroom as a transformative arena, where perspectives, assumptions, and analytical capacities are reshaped.

Three Central Tenets

Pedagogical Reflection
Effective teaching demands thoughtful reflection. TeachIR fosters a space where scholars articulate their teaching philosophies, share classroom experiences, and critically examine the intellectual and ethical dimensions of their pedagogical practice.

Pluralism and Accessibility
TeachIR champions pluralistic approaches to teaching International Relations, embracing diverse perspectives from canonical texts to emerging theories. It promotes inclusive, accessible teaching strategies to empower students of varied backgrounds and learning needs.

Community and Knowledge Sharing
TeachIR cultivates a global community of educators dedicated to refining the craft of teaching. Through scholarly interviews, sample syllabi, and curated resources, it encourages open dialogue and collective advancement of pedagogical excellence.

Rather than prescribing rigid models, TeachIR serves as an initiative for dialogue, treating teaching as a vital scholarly endeavour that merits creativity, rigour, and intellectual care.

Themes

International Relations encompasses a wide range of themes shaping global interactions.
Key topics include:

• International Relations Theory
• International Security
• International Political Economy
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Global Governance and International Organisations
• Geopolitics and Strategic Studies
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Diplomacy and Negotiation
• International Law
• Teaching Research Methods

Interview Process: Capturing Pedagogical Insights

TeachIR explores teaching International Relations through scholarly interviews tailored to each educator’s profile, interests, and teaching context. Conducted in writing, interviews provide educators with the opportunity to reflect deeply on their pedagogical approaches, ensuring thoughtful and authentic responses.

Interviews typically address:

• Teaching Philosophies and Strategies: Core beliefs and classroom practices that shape effective pedagogy.
• Key Texts and Theories: Reflections on foundational and emerging concepts in International Relations.
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Examples of assignments, syllabi, or simulations that enhance student engagement.
• Decolonisation and Interdisciplinarity: Approaches to inclusive, diverse, and cross-disciplinary curricula.
• Digital Tools: Integration of technology to enrich teaching and learning.
• Guidance for Future Educators: Insights and advice for the next generation of teachers and students.

Apply to Be Featured

Although TeachIR’s interview selection is predominantly by invitation (90%), educators eager to contribute pedagogical insights on International Relations can contact us to explore opportunities for inclusion in the series.

Meet the Founder

A supreme principle of teaching is to ignite curiosity that leads to purposeful research, resulting in discoveries that bring meaning. (Martin Zubko)