This course focuses on the political systems and cultures of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. First, the student is introduced to the EU, its historical development and institutional design. Implications of deepening European integration on international relations theory and state sovereignty are explored indepth. After this introductory block, students will get an overview of European state politics and look at several country case studies, both for current and aspiring member states of the EU. Themes that run through each case study include how history affects political culture and institutional design within European states, and how these differing cultures and systems have been assimilated into, or conflicted with, an increasingly centralized EU. Concepts learned in the course will be applied to discussion of current challenges facing the EU and its Member States. The course culminates with a study of Transatlantic security issues. Students will explore possibilities for cooperation or role competition between the military forces of the EU and NATO, with a focus on the influence of the US on the European continent.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Each cadet will write a research paper on a topic of their choice. In addition, each cadet will lead the discussion on one lesson.
