# International Politics (MSc)
**Source**: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/master/political-science/international-politics
**Parent**: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/bachelor/political-science/international-relations-and-organisations/after-graduation/continuing-your-studies
This master’s programme focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of armed conflict between states and within states. In addition, we explore whether and how local, national and international actors and institutions can forge cooperation, prevent political and armed conflict from emerging, and promote peaceful resolution when it occurs.
## Part of
- [Political Science (MSc)](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/master/political-science)
## Join us in shaping solutions for the conflicts and collaborations that define our world
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## Cooperation and conflict
Instances of conflict and cooperation dominate international relations. Think of interstate and intrastate wars, invasion and occupation, or (mass) protest and civil resistance in both authoritarian and democratic regimes. Yet, there are also plenty of expressions of international and regional cooperation, for example, in peacekeeping missions, concerted humanitarian action to mitigate violence and protect civilians, or intergovernmental efforts to find solutions for environmental issues.
Conflict and cooperation are studied from different angles and with various methods by political scientists. Do international institutions, such as the United Nations or the Asian Development Bank, influence the behaviour of states? Can states influence the decision made by these institutions? How do natural resources, such as oil, influence the decision to go to war? Does poor governance, and political inequality between groups lead to civil wars? Can international organizations create the conditions for peace, or is peace built from the ground up? In this master's program, an international team of social scientists will provide you with the latest insights into conflict and cooperation and acquaint you with the substantive knowledge and research tools to thoroughly address these and related questions.
## ‘A very good choice’
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## Do a second master’s at Johns Hopkins University in Bologna
This Political Science master’s specialisation has a ‘dual masters arrangement’ with Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Bologna, Italy. This allows you to earn a second degree, if you graduate from this specialisation and satisfy SAIS’s admission criteria. Then you can spend your first or second year in SAIS’ Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and may be given a full year’s credit towards this two-year research-oriented programme.
Students must apply for both programmes separately and satisfy each programme’s entry and financial requirements. A joint-thesis option is available for students enrolled in both programs. Please consult [SAIS’s admissions information](https://sais.jhu.edu/academics/degree-programs/master-degrees/master-arts-international-affairs/maia-cooperative-degree) or [contact their admissions department](mailto:sais.eu.admissions@jhu.edu). For information about the admission requirements of our programme, see the ‘Admission and application’ section on this site.
› [Why Leiden University?](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/master/political-science/international-politics/why-leiden-university)