It is a challenge to define Europe as a geographic, economic or political term. But still, the European Union (EU) is the most exciting contemporary political system being shaped, transformed and strengthened affecting the lives of vast populations. The enlargement of the EU was a major dimension of European integration and has functioned as one of EU‘s major policy tools. Currently, austerity policies and migration create challenges for unity and diversity in the wider Europe. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the EU is governed, by whom, in whose interests, and to what ends. This course explores the origins and motives behind the creation of the European Union and the wider European political project. It offers a reflection on the institutions and social forces in order to understand the trajectory of European Integration and the history of successive EU enlargements. It also analyses the political dreams and rationalities embedded in various attempts to govern Europe. Special attention will be given to the analysis of EU-Turkey relations and the EU‘s new European Neighborhood Policy, while placing the European Union within a changing international context. close

This course is co-taught with Prof. Özlem Tür from Middle East Technical University Ankara. It critically investigates the formation of the European Union and the later development of the European Neighbourhood Policy and especially focuses on the EU's role in the Eastern Mediterranean. Special attention will be also given to the analysis of EU-Turkey relations. Currently, austerity policies and migration create challenges for unity and diversity in the wider Europe. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the EU is governed, by whom, in whose interests, and to what ends. Students will have the opportunity to train their research skills and to work on small projects related to the course's theoretical and empirical concentration. The course is open for several other students from outside the German Turkish Master. close