This seminar examines the EU’s security and defence affairs in the context of the EU’s international relations; Europe in regional and global security; and various issues related to Europe’s search for its role and place in twenty-first century world politics.

Topics to be covered, among others, will include the emergence and evolution of EU security and defence affairs; the causes, drivers, and hindrances of European integration in the areas of foreign, security and defence; the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP); matters of Europe as part of the north Atlantic world and transatlantic relations; issues of the EU becoming an international political actor; and dealing with an assertive Russia and its war in Ukraine. The course concludes with taking stock and looking ahead regarding possible futures, scenarios, key challenges, and the possible roles that Europe may or may not play in the twenty-first century world politics to come.

The course syllabus combines several “classic” statements on European politics and international affairs with some of the most interesting recent statements, including a number or particularly pertinent original documents and texts; scholarly articles; as well as policy and opinion pieces.