Since the French Revolution, nation-states have dominated international politics. Even today, two centuries later, the hegemony of a few great powers, conference diplomacy, the dichotomy of power politics and international law remain characteristic of world politics. Nevertheless, noticeable changes have taken place. The development of a European market, expansion of European institutions, functional and sectoral intergovernmental organisations, initiatives for arbitration and supranational cooperation and, last, but not least, the emergence of international NGOs have modified the very essence of international politics.

The course ​History of International Organizations offers a historicised overview of the above developments. It provides an overview of great-power governance in the modern era, from the 19th century Concert of Europe to the United Nations today. We will examine various initiatives for intergovernmental, supranational cooperation, addressing their creation, modus operandi as well as their weaknesses and strengths. In particular, we will pay attention to the history of European integration, from the days of Jean Monnet to the Euro crisis and Brexit.