Module description
This module explores European, American and transatlantic affairs using a variety of conceptual perspectives. It covers both contemporary and historical case studies with a focus on foreign/diplomatic and security affairs to reach a better understanding not only of the nature of European, American and transatlantic relations but also of the role of Europe in US foreign policy and the role of the US in European foreign policies. After an introduction to central structures, established practices and central theoretical themes, the module examines specific topics that are currently under-researched in transatlantic relations and specifically in transatlantic foreign/diplomatic and security affairs. As such the proposed module combines an advanced introduction to the subject matter with elements of a research seminar on topics such as "trust/distrust", "domestic and transnational networks", "the role of emotion" and/or "how is influence exerted in practice". In this context the module also provides space to consider specific research interests that students may have and offers guided individual research leading to a research essay.
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
One 4000 word essay (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
The educational aim of this module is for students to learn about the evolution, current practices and mechanics of transatlantic relations. Specifically, students will learn about five interrelated areas: European foreign policies and the role of the US in European foreign policies; US foreign policy and the role of Europe in US foreign policy; historical and contemporary case studies of transatlantic crises and disagreements; the practices and mechanics of transatlantic relations; a rigorous conceptual engagement and theorisation of transatlantic relations.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the module students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature, history and current state in the study and research of transatlantic relations as well as the role of Europe in US foreign policy and the US in European foreign policies.
- Have competence in selecting an appropriate mix of sources to critically assess the main theoretical and empirical debates in relation to transatlantic relations as well as the role of Europe in US foreign policy and the US in European foreign policies.
- Have explored transatlantic relations through a rigorous conceptual engagement with both historical and more contemporary issues;
- Have developed a comprehensive understanding of the ‘classical’ debate on transatlantic relations and institutions;
- Have developed research skills and independent thinking in exploring topics that are currently under-researched in transatlantic foreign/diplomatic and security affairs.
Teaching pattern
One 2-hour seminar, weekly
Week 1: Exploring transatlantic relations: An overview
Week 2: From NATO’s creation to the Gaullist challenge
Week 3: From the ‘Year of Europe’ to the end of the Cold War
Week 4: From ESDI to the Iraq War of 2003
Week 5: Transatlantic relations in the 21st century: Crisis or resilience?
Week 6: Power, hegemony and stability
Week 7: Order and institutions
Week 8: Communities, identities and emotions
Week 9: Leadership, governance and networks
Week 10: The future of the transatlantic relations
Note that this teaching schedule is provisional and subject to change.
Suggested reading list
- Lundestad, Geir (2003): The United States and Western Europe since 1945, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Webber, Mark and Hyde-Price, Adrian (2015): Theorising NATO: New perspectives on the Atlantic alliance. London: Routledge.
Recommended introductory readings
- Hanhimäki, Jussi M. et al. (2012): Transatlantic Relations since 1945: An introduction, London: Routledge.
- Lundestad, Geir (1998): ‘Empire’ by Integration: The United States and European Integration, 1945-1997, Oxford: Oxford University Press.