MONARCH GLOBAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
PhD in
International
Relations Theory
POWER · IDEAS · INTERNATIONAL ORDER
Examine the ideas behind global affairs. Contribute new perspectives on international order through sustained theoretical inquiry and individual faculty supervision.
PROGRAMME BROCHURE · SEPTEMBER 2026
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AS INQUIRY
Beyond the events.
Understand the ideas that shape them.
Why do global actors behave as they do—and which assumptions shape our understanding of power, cooperation and change?
36 or 60 months
Standard and extended pathways retain the same supervision standards and degree outcomes.
Remote, faculty-guided study
Asynchronous study without mandatory residency. Monthly entry, subject to admission, and milestone-based progression.
A distinct theoretical purpose.
The PhD in International Relations Theory investigates the theoretical foundations of global political, economic and social interaction. Candidates develop conceptual frameworks and interpretive models that deepen understanding of the international system.
Political philosophy, sociology, international political economy and historical analysis inform inquiry into the ideas, norms, identities and power structures behind global affairs.
Make an original conceptual contribution.
The emphasis is on interpretation, explanation and conceptual refinement—not simply describing events or producing operational policy accounts. Candidates engage critically with established and emerging traditions to develop an independent scholarly argument.
PLAN YOUR DOCTORAL STUDY
Programme facts
The PhD in International Relations Theory combines faculty-guided research with the flexibility of fully online, part-time study. Develop an original contribution to international relations theory while remaining active in your professional life.
| Institution | Monarch Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Department | Monarch Global Research Institute |
| Award | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations Theory |
| Study mode | Fully online, including the doctoral defence |
| Study format | Part-time |
| Standard duration | 36 months |
| Extended pathway | 60 months |
| Designed for | Experienced professionals and aspiring researchers |
| Residency | No relocation required |
| Language | English |
| Institution location | Switzerland |
Online study. Individual progress.
The programme may be completed fully online, including the doctoral defence. Candidates may select an in-person defence when offered by Monarch.
Completion depends on research progress and fulfilment of the programme’s academic requirements. Both pathways retain the same supervision standards and degree outcomes.
SHAPE YOUR SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTION
Different traditions.
Deeper questions.
Engage with realism, liberalism, constructivism, the English School, critical theory, postcolonial perspectives, feminist IR and emerging interpretive approaches.
Power and international order
Authority, hegemony, resistance and change within the international system.
Norms, identity and discourse
How ideas and shared understandings shape global actors and relationships.
Cooperation and institutions
The conceptual foundations of multilateralism and collective action.
Security and global change
Conflict, geopolitical transformation and competing interpretations of security.
Political economy and regionalism
Political authority, economic interaction and regional integration.
Ethics and responsibility
Justice, rights and the values shaping international affairs.
An independent voice in IR scholarship.
Develop theoretical mastery, interpretive research skills, global systems insight, normative reasoning and scholarly communication. Your research focus and methods are refined with faculty during proposal development.
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
From theoretical orientation
to a contribution of your own.
Sustained supervisory dialogue and formal milestones support a rigorous, original argument.
01 · Prepare
Immerse yourself in IR traditions, identify conceptual tensions and strengthen your analytical foundations.
02 · Define
Set out your theoretical problem, assumptions, scope and framework for formal proposal review.
03 · Investigate
Engage with conceptual debates and philosophical, sociological or historical foundations while developing your contribution.
04 · Synthesise
Integrate your framework, analysis and argument into an original dissertation situated within IR scholarship.
05 · Present and defend
Prepare through the Presentation Preparation Module, then present and defend your dissertation in a viva voce before the Academic Committee.
Research alongside professional life.
This doctoral program may be completed fully online, including the doctoral defence. No relocation is required. Candidates may select an in-person doctoral defence when offered by Monarch. Study is asynchronous. Optional doctoral workshops in Switzerland offer research support and scholarly exchange.
Academic dialogue, conferences and opportunities to contribute to the Monarch Research Paper Series support the development of a distinctive scholarly identity.
PROGRAMME PROFESSOR
Political philosophy.
Global perspectives.
Dr. Norman Madarasz
Programme Professor
Dr. Madarasz specialises in political philosophy, contemporary French philosophy and international geoeconomic relations. His scholarship spans ethics, economics, politics and international affairs, including BRICS+ and North–South relations.
He studied at McGill University and in Paris, earning his doctorate at Université Paris VIII under Alain Badiou. He has authored six books, published more than eighty essays and book chapters, and supervised over forty master’s and doctoral projects.
His academic career includes teaching and research across the Americas and France. He holds a Doctor of Literature from Monarch and the Chartered ABS Certified Management & Business Educator designation.
FROM MONARCH’S RESEARCH COMMUNITY
Global systems.
Distinct scholarly perspectives.
These graduates illustrate research engaging with international security and political economy. Their awarded degree titles are shown below.
Dr. Lori C. Stroud
United States / UAE
PhD in Business Research / International Relations
Drawing on extensive experience in national security, cyber operations and intelligence leadership, Dr. Stroud examined the interaction between cyber-intelligence capability, human analytic performance and organisational resilience.
Her work connects high-stakes security environments with wider questions of cyber governance, transnational risk and global systems.
Dr. Caroline Ntara
Kenya · PhD in International Business Research
Dr. Ntara’s research examined economic integration and multilateral trade gains through the East African Community Common Market Protocol.
Using documentary analysis, policy review and international business theory, she explored political commitments, institutional capacity and regional economic outcomes, identifying barriers and opportunities for EAC partner states.
PLAN YOUR DOCTORAL STUDY
Intellectual preparation.
Theoretical ambition.
Applicants hold a recognised bachelor’s or master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, International Political Economy, Political Philosophy, Sociology, History, Security Studies or a related field.
Other disciplines may be considered where applicants demonstrate significant relevant theoretical, analytical or conceptual engagement. Strong writing and readiness for independent inquiry are central; relevant professional experience is an asset but is not required.
Master-in-Passing
Candidates completing all doctoral requirements receive the M.Phil. in Research in passing upon PhD conferral.
Master-in-Exit
Candidates concluding before PhD completion may qualify for an M.Phil. through a completed five-chapter master’s thesis and the relevant academic requirements.
The standard pathway is 36 months; the extended pathway is 60 months. Both retain the same supervision standards and degree outcomes.
View current tuition information →
What idea will you take further?
Discuss your interests, academic preparation and research ambition with Monarch.
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CH-6318 Walchwil, Zug · Switzerland
umonarch.ch · administration@umonarch.ch
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