PO 352 - Europe in the Making: Politics and Power in the European Union

The European Union is a complex and evolving political entity that plays a crucial role in international affairs. This seminar offers an interdisciplinary exploration of European integration by drawing on political theory, the history of international relations, and modern comparative politics. Far from being a linear or uncontested process, European integration remains deeply political and uneven; pro-gress varies widely across policy areas and integration can be both ambitious in vision and difficult in practice. The course critically discusses why integration succeeds in some contexts but faces resistance or stagnation in others.

Based upon a firm understanding of the EU’s origins, institutions, and policy processes, students will examine the possible future trajectories of the EU, exploring the ideas behind integration, the realities of institutional complexity, and the challenges posed by Euroscepticism, differentiated integration, and geopolitical shifts. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the functioning of the EU’s main actors, the interplay between national and supranational institutions, and current debates on the future of the European project.