Understanding the European Union: Secret Superpower or Continental Cacophony?

The course explores the transformation of contemporary Europe by the European Union and examines competing political visions for the EU's future. After surveying the historical context and dynamics which have led European nation-states to engage in a unique experiment in integration, the focus turns to topical issues shaping European politics: from the response to migration and attitudes towards migrants, to the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the cultural politics of identity experienced by contemporary Europeans. The course also examines the UK?s complicated relationship with European integration: late to join the club and the first-ever member to leave, what lay behind "Brexit" and what it means for the future of the EU and UK. Classroom activities, lectures and field studies provide the opportunity to explore European current affairs through the media and use London as a vantage point to analyze the dynamics of globalization and inter-dependence.