Admission requirements
Admission to the Master International Relations, track European Union Studies
Course description
During more than 60 years Germany made itself smaller than it was: economically a giant, but politically a dwarf. Responsibility for a barbaric war and the Cold War division of the country between East and West accounted for his condition. The fall of the Berlin wall and the reunification of the country already returned to Germany a somewhat more ‘normal’ size. But only the Euro crisis catapulted Germany into a new role of leadership. Since then all of Europe carefully keeps an eye on Berlin. Under German pressure the Euro regime has become much more stringent. Assistance to the countries with debt problems has been linked to obligatory return to solid public finances and to economic competitiveness. “No European solidarity without solid national financial management and economic reforms.” Will this policy of ‘austerity’ help Europe return to sustainable recovery and growth? Is the Euro turning into a ‘German’ currency? What will this ‘German’ Europe look like? And will Germany itself remain ‘European’? How will this influence the ‘balance of power’ within the European Union? Is Germany able and willing to lead Europe? Wouldn’t it need others to help her, in particular France and Poland? What would be Brussels’ role in this script, and what about that of the Netherlands? This course will deal with a crucial game developing in the heart of Europe. Germany, both a problem and a solution for Europe.
Marnix Krop participated in much of this course’s story and also met quite a few of its main actors. From 2002 till 2006 he was the Director General of European Cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He served in the Dutch embassy in Paris and was the Dutch ambassador to Warsaw (2006-2009) and Berlin (2009-2013).
Course objectives
Students will gain an understanding of the working of the European Union as a power game between nation states and their joint institutions, of the evolution of the Euro crisis and its effects on European integration, and of Germany’s changing role in this European context. Students will learn to develop their skills in interpreting and analysing both primary and secondary material, and in organizing their work and reporting on it.
Timetable
See the website.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Participation and essay.
Blackboard
Yes, see the site.
Reading list
T.b.a.
Registration
Via uSis