ATS3974 · Nationalism and populism in the European Union

Overview

Nationalism and war have been crucial motors of international relations, not least in Europe the birthplace of the Westphalian state system. The European Union is commonly seen as an antidote to nationalism and war in Europe; 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. As a result, students in this unit will analyse the relationship between European Unity, nationalism and war since 1945, including: the founding moment of European unity at the end of the Second World War; the role of anti-colonial nationalists pushing European powers towards pro-active European policies; EU responses to the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia; the role of European secessionist movements and in the nationalist responses to the challenges posed by the EUs current crises. 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 in the face of national-populist critiques. This populist challenge poses serious questions about the future shape of the state system in the Euro-Atlantic region and in the wider world.

Areas of study: International relations

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and appraise the institutional architecture of the European Union;
2. explain and analyse the course and dynamics of European integration since the end of the second World War;
3. apply International Relations theory and nationalism theory to issues of European integration;
4. analyse and evaluate a range of evidence relating to the history of post-War Europe and European integration;
5. produce a research analysis of an important aspect of European integration, utilising primary and secondary-source materials.

Workload

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. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.