OAFP 8010 - Geopolitics of Central and Southeast Europe: Economic Transitions and EU Enlargement

Two regions at crossroads of empires and armies, Central and Southeastern Europe have played critical role in European history and will be key for European future. In the first segment, the course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the current political and economic landscape in the region and its position vis-à-vis the EU through extensive historical and geopolitical analysis. It will explore the basic geopolitical starting points of the region in physical and human geography as well as historical and cultural contexts, with a particular focus on the post-war period and the transitions from centrally planned to market economies. In the second segment, we will use this overview to study the past, present enlargement processes of the EU in the region. In the last three sessions, students will be invited to simulate an EU Council accession process based on their knowledge gained throughout the first part of the course.

There are no specific prerequisites, but a basic knowledge of economics, geopolitical concepts and EU affairs is recommended.

In addition to the normal on-site sessions, two guests (two practitioners) will give two interventions on recent history and current affairs. Students will also be invited in three sessions to simulate the EU Council decision-making process on the hypothesised future accession of Balkan countries.

40 % Presentation (individual or by groups of two)

40 % Essay

20 % Class participation, including during simulation

A maximum of two to three readings per session. A reading will normally consist of an academic article, essay or a book chapter. Other readings are recommended only.