6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 6021215FNW for working students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
The Course provides an introductory overview of the European Union’s (EU) security and defence policy and the complex decision-making and institutionalization policies that define it, emphasis being given to the EU’s counter-terrorism strategies. The Course examines the theoretical, institutional, and global dimensions of the European security and defence integration and the challenges and opportunities faced by the EU as it enhances its global security role and its engagement in countering terrorist threats at home and abroad. Terrorism has advanced from a peripheral threat on the margins of international affairs to being regarded as a high strategic priority to the EU. Globalization and new technologies have exacerbated the impact and reach of terrorism, and the EU and states worldwide have been devoting unprecedented resources to tackle its root causes and combating its effects. The Course is organized around the main concepts used to study the European security and defence architecture and governance, the EU’s global strategy and power status, the latest advancements in defence capacity-building, and the EU-NATO dynamics. In particular, the Course will explore how the EU frames and operationalizes its security and counter-terrorism in the context of emerging security threats. It will also highlight how cutting-edge cyber and drone technologies are giving rise to or countering new forms of hybrid threats, special consideration being given to the EU’s normative position and practical measures in this regard.
The Course will comprise of seven interactive lectures, each consisting of an introductory lecture covering the main themes of the respective session, followed by a potential short guest lecture from an invited expert. Emphasis is given to student-driven discussions concerning the various points raised by the lectures and the assigned cumpulsory readings. Students are invited to engage critically with the reading material for each lecture, prepare questions, and make constructive and informed contributions to class debates. Two online tutorial will require students to consult online resources, identify recent policy issues, and evaluate relevant developments related to the Course’s main topics.
The aim of this Course is to provide students with introductory knowledge in one of the most dynamic areas of the European integration process, i.e. European security and counter-terrorism. The Course is set to equip students with relevant conceptual tools to critically examine and engage with the finer nuances of the EU’s own-brand of security making. The Course will enable students to develop their own standpoint with regard to these dimensions and the pros and cons of the policy and institutionalization processes of European security and defence. As well, students will gain experience in assessing and evaluating the EU’s security and counter-terrorism strategies from theoretical, policy and institutional perspectives. Students will explore the role of the EU in this strategic field and in relation to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), including the dilemmas and trade-offs between different tactics, by identifying theoretical and policy problems, choosing appropriate analytical tools, and examining current issues.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of European Integration: Track 2: European Economy - European External Relations and Security Policy
Master of European Integration: Track 5: European External Relations and Security Policy - Migration and Europe
Master of European Integration: Track 6: European Environmental Governance - European External Relations and Security Policy