DAFF 25A65 - Europe's Foreign and Security Policies

The seminar will offer an overview of Europe’s foreign and security policies since the end of the Cold War, with a focus on political, strategic and foreign policy issues. The course will combine historic understanding and political analyses of the main challenges faced by the European Union and its members. We will analyse Europe’s diplomatic tools, its grand strategy, its power (hard and soft) or lack thereof, its neighbourhood policies and its changing position in a multipolar world. Often considered as a mere civilian project and a geopolitical dwarf, the Union is fast becoming a security actor. It has to be: a major war is being fought at its borders and, as ever, it seems largely powerless to shape its security landscape without the assistance of the United States. Yet the traditional arsenal of our democracies has fundamentally redefined its role in the international system. This has major consequences on Europe’s security and responsibilities.

Have a basic knowledge of International Relations and of the European Union Institutions.

• Oral Presentation (30%) : Each week, two or three students will be responsible for presenting arguments about an empirical question, listed at the end of each class.
• Op-Ed paper (20%) : You will have to write two editorial columns as if they were articles for a national newspaper. Further details will be given at the start of the semester.
• Final Essay (40%): The objective is to make you think about a contemporary issue dealing with European Security. You will have a week to complete the essay, using open sources and materials from the course.
• Participation 10%

To reach its objective, the seminar must be interactive. Participation is thus essential.