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. This block 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. This theme continues to be highlighted throughout the remainder of the course. 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, including a focus on democratization and the post-Communist legacy in Eastern Europe. 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 integrated into, or conflicted with, an increasingly centralized EU. Concepts learned in the course will be continuously applied to discussion of current challenges facing the EU and its Member States.
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.
