ATS3974 - European integration and security - 2019

War and security have been crucial motors of international relations, not least in Europe the birthplace of the Westphalian state system. The European Union is commonly seen to have been an antidote to war, ushering in an era of Kantian peace; a view powerfully endorsed by the awarding of the Nobel Prize to the EU in 2012. Despite the strength of this view, recent research suggests it is possible to look at the relationship between peace and European unity differently. In fact, European unity has been propelled by war since 1945: not just at the founding moment at the end of the Second World War (NATO, EEC, WEU), but by anti-colonial nationalists pushing European powers towards pro-active European policies, and in EU responses to the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia (OSCE, CFSP), Iraq, Libya and the challenges posed by refugee movements and global terrorism. An unintended consequence of the logic of deeper integration has been the consolidation of a European identity amongst some elites, whilst political and popular support for the EU has weakened. This last development poses serious questions about the future shape the state system in what remains a major player in regimes of global governance and security.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. identify and appraise the concepts, parameters and architecture of European security in a global context;
2. distinguish between the concepts of traditional and non-traditional security and recognise the competing paradigms in the security studies literature;
3. explain and analyse the course and dynamics of European integration since the end of the second World War;
4. integrate one set of academic literature (European integration theory and history) with another (European security);
5. undertake a research analysis of an important aspect of European integration or a major security policy area, utilising primary and secondary-source materials with written feedback.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

International relations