Description
The European Union (EU) has the most comprehensive system globally to combat climate change. In this course, we will explore how climate policy evolved, first as part of the broader EU environmental policy and second on its own. We will continue by analyzing the ways the European climate diplomacy is performed, to whom it is addressed, and to what extent it is successful. Then, a presentation of the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law will follow, exploring how they have strengthened the institutional framework for European climate policy and diplomacy. A series of examples will be utilized in order for the students to acquire practical knowledge of how European climate policy and diplomacy operate, such as the attempt of the EU to develop a climate policy in shipping and aviation, as well as its presence in the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The course will be taught through the lens of theoretical approaches to policymaking and diplomacy/negotiation. During the course, a broader discussion of why the EU has decided to focus so intensively on combating climate change, as well as how recent developments indicate a distancing from its stated goals, will take place.
Course objectives
On completing the course, students will be able to:
Understand and critically assess climate policies and diplomacy, with a special emphasis on the EU.
Understand and critically assess the mechanisms of (climate) policymaking and diplomacy.
Map and evaluate the climate action of the EU, both internally and externally.
Conduct high-quality policy briefs and earn the basic skills of negotiating.
Mode of instruction
Seminars, two sessions per week. Attendance is mandatory.
Assessment method
Grades are based on:
In-class participation (20%)
In-class quiz (25%)
In-class oral assessment (preparation will take place in class) (30%)
Policy brief [word limit: 800-1000] (25%)
Detailed instructions will be given during the lectures regarding the assessment method.
Reading list
The syllabus, containing the reading list will at Brightspace before the start of the course. The literature not available on e-library, will be uploaded at Brightspace.
Timetable
See ‘My Timetable’
Registration
See 'General Information'
Contact
Dr George Dikaios (g.dikaios@fsw.leidenuniv.nl)