module specification

This module examines Europe's relations with the rest of the world since 1989. International relations theory is used to explain the processes involved in the construction of a New World Order

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The module aims to familiarise students with contrasting perspectives on the transformations in Europe’s interactions with the rest of the world since the collapse of the Soviet Bloc. Various theoretical perspectives drawn from international relations theory, from European integration theory and from international political economy are deployed to cast light on some of the major structural features of  Europe’s changing international relations. The principal regional axes of Europe’s relations that are covered in this module are those with the United States, with Eastern Europe, with East Asia and with the South.

The syllabus focuses principally on theoretical debates and research on the relations of Western Europe and the EU with other parts of the world. It begins by exploring how contrasting European integration theories present the nature and dynamics of the EU. It then draws upon international relations theories to offer contrasting perspectives on the political-military relations of Europe with other regions; and it also draws upon international political economy to offer contrasting perspectives on Europe’s interactions with other parts of the world in that field.

The module draws mainly on the disciplines of international relations theory and international political economy but it does not presuppose prior study in these disciplines. It seeks to enable students to enter debates within each of the disciplines by making the intra-disciplinary debates as far as possible accessible to non-specialists. The principal regional axes of Europe’s relations are those with the United States, with Eastern Europe, with East Asia and with the South.

The main methods of teaching and learning are those of lectures and student-led seminars as well as the research students carry out for their coursework and tutorials to assist them in this research.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to

1.demonstrate a sound grasp of  contrasting theoretical perspectives on  at least one major structural feature of  Europe’s international relations.
2. Enhance their social science analytical skills, and increase their ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
3. Critically analyse and key policy issues and processes in the external relations of the EU as an entity and of its leading member states.

One essay of 5000 words is the sole element of assessment. Students receive formative assessment feedback on a seminar presentation in which they articulate their essay plan and research strategy, and then further formative assessment on draft sections and outlines. Summative assessment takes the form of a written evaluation and grade.

Mark Leonard, Why Europe Will Run the Twenty-First Century (Fourth Estate, 2004)
John McCormick, The European Superpower (Palgrave Macmillan, 2007)
Robert Kagan, Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order  (Atlantic Books, 2003)
Walter Laqueur, The last days of Europe: Epitaph for an Old Continent (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press, 2007
Mark Leonard, Why Europe Will Run the Twenty-First Century (Fourth Estate, 2004)
K. Dawisha and B. Parrott, The Consolidation of Democracy in East-Central Europe, 1997.
M. Dauderstädt et al, Troubled Transition, Social Democracy in East Central Europe, 1999.
M Keating and J McGarry (eds) Minority Nationalism and the Changing International Order, Oxford University Press, 2001.
Roman Szporluk (ed) National Identity and Ethnicity in Russia and the new states of Eurasia , ME Sharpe, 1994.