The United States emerged as the most powerful nation after WW II, and it soon became pre-occupied with developing a strategy to confront a new enemy – communism – and its foremost proponent – the Soviet Union. Central to this post-war geopolitical strategy was a close relationship with Western Europe, which was put into action via the Marshall Plan, NATO and other institutions such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The United States also supported European integration from early on as a means to accelerate its economic and political recovery from WW II. However, despite the strong incentives to cooperate, relations between the US and Western Europe have not always been smooth.
Timetable
Semester II, see timetables.
Method of Instruction
Research Seminar; attendance is compulsory ( see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).
Course objectives
This course will look at the fundamental interests and values that lie behind the so-called ‘Atlantic Community’, and follow how particular foreign policies have affected this over time. It will look at US foreign policy, questions of security, and wider issues concerning the ways and means by which an ‘Atlantic Community ’ could be constructed e.g. through cultural relations. In doing so it will ask the student to consider how the world has changed since 1945, and whether the idea of an ‘Atlantic Community’ is still relevant today.
Required reading
*Lundestad, Geir. The United States and Western Europe since 1945. Oxford, 2005.
Examination
*Entry test *Research paper (approx. 7500 words) *Presentation
Information
With the tutor: g.scott-smith@zeeland.nl
Blackboard/webpage
No.
Overview
The first weeks of the seminar will cover an introduction to the main themes and periodisation of the topic of study. In the following weeks, students will work on a number of case studies, leading to both a presentation and a written paper.
Application Courses, Seminars and Exams
MA course enrolment forms can be downloaded here.