Admission requirements
This course is designed for the minor Global Affairs. It is not possible to follow single courses of this minor. You need to be enrolled in Usis for the minor to be accepted to this course. There are 100 places open for registration, on a first come first serve basis, where LDE students are given priority.
This course is also open for inbound exchange students if they wish to take the entire minor Global Affairs. Exchange students must be admitted by the FGGA International Office prior to the start of the minor; priority will be given to direct exchange partners of FGGA. For more information about the application procedure for exchange students, please contact the FGGA International Office
Description
The course is aimed at introducing participants to European security institutions, with a particular focus on the EU and NATO, their processes, instruments and tools to safeguard peace and security in the wider European space. It examines the formation, shape and conduct of European security policies, including institutions’ design and how these institutions unfold in practice.
The challenges Europe faces have undergone considerable transformations in the 21st century. These challenges range from rising alternative governance models, foreign interference, hybrid conflicts to the return of nuclear threat. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine accelerated the transition to a new world order, which is marked by growing contestation between emerging power centers, declining multilateral organisations and increasing polarisation among actors in the international arena. In this more competitive, less secure geopolitical environment, the promotion of peace and security continues to be fundamental goals of European institutions. Against the backdrop of such a rapidly changing security environment, several key questions will be examined in this course: What do we mean by the “world in transition” or “new world order”? How do the main European security institutions work? In what ways do they cope with these complex and multidimensional challenges? What are the strategies of European security institutions in countering emerging challenges to peace and security? How effective are they at responding to the new realities of the international order? How do these institutions cooperate with each other? And, most importantly, how is European security diplomacy “actually” done, produced and conducted?
Overall, the main objective of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the conduct and politics of peace and security in Europe with a focus on the EU and NATO. Hence, it will introduce students to the way security-related decisions are taken and European security diplomacy is “actually” done and implemented in Europe. In doing so the course supports participants in the further development of their academic and practical skills, including academic reasoning, writing and designing policy responses to face security challenges to Europe.
The course is structured in two broad parts:
The first part establishes the fundamentals of European peace and security in a changing geopolitical environment. Here, we will examine not only the essential features of the changing security context, but also the actors, frameworks and instruments of European security institutions. The purpose in the first part of the course is:
analysing and explaining the main parameters of “change” in a world in transition;
understanding how European security institutions (the EU and NATO) perceive new and emerging security challenges in a comparative perspective;
mapping the actors who practice European security diplomacy and the institutions through which they act. For instance, we will be looking at and inside the European External Action Service or the work of the North Atlantic Council.
The second part analyses the practices of European security institutions with a focus on the EU and NATO. Here, we will discuss the contemporary practices that make up the EU’s and NATO’s approach to security and peace, including their policies and how these policies are implemented. We will take a look at either geographically focused (e.g. the 'neighbourhood', EU-Turkey relations) or thematically organized (e.g. the EU and the autocratic challenge, NATO-EU relations, self-defence or disinformation in Europe) topical issues in European security. At least one session will be dedicated to the practice/conduct of European security diplomacy. During this session, participants will receive first-hand information from security policy practitioners on how to make theory more relevant to policy makers in security studies; how they can make security-related theoretical knowledge accessible to policy makers; and how they can build their career in European or international security institutions. Therefore, the purpose in this second part is:
examining the European Union's and NATO’s contribution to the promotion of peace and security internationally, through these institutions’ various policies.
learning and critically analyzing major contemporary issues that are on the agenda of European security institutions, namely NATO and the EU; and understanding how these two organizations cooperate;
applying theoretical knowledge to the distinct empirical realities;
starting to develop a toolbox for strategic thinking and designing policy advice to policy-makers at national, European or international security institutions.
Weekly sessions combine lecture, in-class discussion, case studies and practical exercises on a topical issue, such as simulation games or group activities.
Course objectives
Upon successful completion of the course participants will have:
developed their empirical and analytical grasp of the core contemporary aspects of European security;
mastered the functioning of European security institutions (NATO and the EU), their tools and decision-making processes in responding to the new and emerging security challenges;
broadened their understandings of current issues in European security;
advanced their capacity to critically reflect upon problems related to European security and peace, and engage with the academic literature in the topics examined during the course;
enhanced practical skills, including English academic writing, oral presentation, primary source analysis, and research;
developed professional skills to work in security institutions at national, European or institutional levels, such as strategic thinking, developing policy advice, drafting strategic documents.
Students are highly recommended to follow closely and regularly current affairs in European politics.
Timetable
On the right side of programme front page of the studyguide you will find links to the website and timetables, uSis and Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
The course is made up of 7 sessions. The course is designed as a highly dynamic and participatory course. Each session will combine theory (lecture) and practice (in-class discussions, simulation game, group exercises, etc.). Guest lectures on topical issues and encounters with security practitioners might be organised.
Active participation in lectures, discussions and exercises is required in order to obtain a grade. One lecture may be missed. Being absent more than once without acceptable excuse may likely lead to expulsion from the course.
The total study load for this course is 140 hours, consisting of:
21 hours for attending lectures
119 hours studying the compulsory literature, working on assignments and preparing in-class activities/exercises in advance
Assessment method
Mid-term assignment
30% of total grade
Re-sit not possible
Grade must be compensated
Final assignment
70% of total grade
Re-sit possible
Re-sit will take the same form
Grade must be 5.50 or higher to pass the course
Students will also be permitted to re-sit the 75% final exam if they have a calculated overall course grade lower than 5.50 or with permission of the Board of Examiners. There is no re-sit for the mid-term, which needs to be compensated.
Late hand in penalty: 0,5 minus per day, and after seven days we do not accept papers any longer.
In the case of written assessment methods, the examiner can always initiate a follow-up conversation with the student to establish whether the learning objectives have been met.
The Course and Examination Regulation of Security Studies and the Rules and Regulation of the Board of Examiners of the Institute of Security and Global Affairs apply.
Reading list
TBA on Brightspace.
Registration
Contact
globalaffairs@fgga.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
All sessions will be in English.
Essays need to be written in English.
This course takes place in The Hague.
Please note that the re-sits of this minor will be organised in January.