OADI 2105 - Transatlantic Grand Strategies - America, Europe, and the Future of the West

***UPDATED for 2026/27***

This course will examine the theory and practice of grand strategy and policy planning among the great powers, such as the United States, Europe, Russia, and China, and their approaches toward world order. It will also focus on the diplomatic, economic, and military relations between the United States and Europe since the end of the Cold War and explore potential scenarios for the future of the West. Finally, it will explore ways in which the international order needs to be updated to reflect contemporary problems, interests, and distribution of power: to improve collective capacity to manage threats; to mobilize action to address shared challenges; and especially to shape updated rules of the road that govern interstate and transnational conduct in key areas. The course will be particularly useful to students interested in working in international institutions (such as the EU, NATO, and UN), foreign or defence ministries, academia, or think tanks. It will also be useful to students interested in grand strategy and its development in specific national or international contexts. Readings will focus on transatlantic strategies during the post-Cold War period, as expressed through security strategies of the U.S., EU, and NATO, as well as strategies in Russia, China, and other countries. Recommended readings will provide historical context and perspectives from some of the key U.S. and European decision-makers. The course will conclude with table-top exercises simulating hypothetical crises.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the class, students will be able to:

• Better understand and discuss the latest strategic thinking in the United States and Europe
• Gain useful knowledge of various processes of decision-making and sources of power
• Discuss and apply their knowledge to specific country case studies, including successes and failures
• Demonstrate analytical thinking and gain experience in writing policy briefs (in an international professional environment)

Professional Skills

• Research, analysis and critical thinking
• Oral and written communication skills (through oral presentations, debates, active participation and written assignments)
• Working effectively in a team (through group presentations and case study)

None.

Feedback will be provided throughout the class. During the timeframe of the class, thorough feedback will be provided to students by email, a few days after the oral presentation and a week after submission of the policy paper’s draft outline. General feedback on the final paper and class participation will be provided by email a few weeks after the end of class. Students should feel free to ask for additional feedback, if and when needed.

The evaluation of students' performance will be based on three types of assessments:

• a written paper due at the end of the course, with a draft outline due on week 4 (40%),
• a 10-15 min oral presentation conducted in groups of two (30%),
• active class participation and table-top exercises 30%

• In Class Presence: 4 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 3-4 hours a week / 36-48 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 4 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 50 hours a semester

More details about occasional supplementary readings will be given in class.