Course content

Since the early 2000s, the European Union has faced a range of crises, including the Euro crisis, the refugee crisis, the corona crisis and the energy crisis in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How has the EU managed to survive? How has the balance of power between EU institutions and member states been affected by crises? This course discusses the nature of crises, as well as crisis management, crisis exploitation, and crisis communication. We start with a critical analysis of what a ‘crisis’ really is and how it comes about, with a particular focus on how crises are constructed and managed through communication. We discuss the major crises that have struck Europe in the 21st century and how the EU dealt with it.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

• understand the nature of (a)symmetric shocks affecting Europe in recent history
• understand how crises are narrated and managed
• improve her understanding of how the European Union works

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• treat one of the themes which was discussed in instruction in an independent empirical analytical manner which is at a high international level

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars 4 hours per week. Supervision of the paper. The paper is to be an independent discussion of a topic taught in lectures, and is to consist of 20 pages. If 6 or fewer students sign up for a planned course during the first 2 teaching weeks, the course will be offered as an instructed reading course. The language of instruction is English.

Required previous knowledge

Master's degree in Political Science or equivalent.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions