Module overview
It is the first time in history that we can approach the problem of European security architecture in terms of governance, rather than hegemony or the balance of power. The proliferation of European and global institutions concerned with addressing different dimensions of broadly defined security is encouraging and an indication of progress in light of the extremely violent first half of the 20th century.
At the same time, however, some of Europe’s centuries-old demons seem to have returned with vengeance (conflict with Russia) and new challenges undermine the established security order (Brexit). At the centre of these progressive and regressive developments is the EU and the ever-important problem of the nature and scope of European integration. In the field of international security, the EU has made an important, if often overlooked progress, transforming the very approach to long-term security challenges. At the same time, the security dimension of European integration is very much work in progress and, in light of the aforementioned challenges, raises some fundamental questions.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the current structures of European security governance based on how well they are suited for addressing contemporary security problems.
- Identify key theoretical debates and institutional aspects of European security governance, as well as key problems on the contemporary European security agenda.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain the contemporary and historical empirical dynamics of European security governance and relate them to theoretical debates.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply the knowledge of institutions involved in European security governance to devise strategies for addressing contemporary security problems.
Syllabus
The module may cover the following sample topics, depending on developments in European security in a given year:
International Relations Theory and European Security
European Security Governance
Peace through European Integration
The Evolution of Security Theories
The EU and International Security: CFSP/CSDP
The EU and International Security: European Commission
NATO and Transatlantic Relations
The United Nations System of Security
Russia, the West and Conflict in Ukraine
Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
Proliferation of WMDs
Climate Security
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
2 hours of lectures per week. All will be recorded and posted on Blackboard. Lectures will be delivered either face to face or online only depending upon University and Public Health England Guidance at the time. Total of 24 hours of lectures (2 hours per week X 12 weeks) per module.
Weekly student participation in online discussion boards. 1 hour per week delivered asynchronously. (1 hour X 12 weeks)
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 114 |
| Teaching | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Wilkinson, Rorden (2005). The Global Governance Reader. Abingdon: Routledge.
Zwolski, K. & Kaunert, C. (2011). The EU and Climate Security: A Case of Successful Norm Entrepreneurship?' European Security Vol 20.
Wagnsson, Charlotte, James A. Sperling and Jan Hallenberg (2009). uropean Security Governance: the European Union in a Westphalian world. Abingdon: Routledge.
Daase, Christopher and Cornelius Friesendorf (2010). Rethinking Security Governance: the Problem of Unintended Consequences. Abingdon: Routledge.
Kaunert, C. and Zwolski, K. (2013). The European Union as a Global Security Actor: A Comprehensive Analysis beyond CFSP and JHA.. Palgrave Macmillan.
Kurowska, Xymena (2011). Explaining the EU's common security and defence policy. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Krahmann, Elke (2003). ‘Conceptualizing Security Governance’, Cooperation and Conflict.
Kirchner, Emil J. and Dominiguez, Roberto (2011). The Security Governance of International Organizations. Abingdon: Routledge.
Kirchner, Emil J. and James Sperling (2007). Global Security Governance. Abingdon: Routledge.
Hoffmann, Matthew J. and Alice D. Ba (2005). Contending Perspectives on Global Governance: coherence, contestation and world order. Abingdon: Routledge.
Schroeder, Ursula C (2011). The Organization of European Security: internal and external security in transition. Abingdon: Routledge.
Webber, Mark, Stuart Croft, Jolyon Howorth, Terry Terriff and Elke Krahmann (2004). The Governance of European Security’, Review of International Studies.
Zwolski, K. (2012). ‘The EU as an International Security Actor after Lisbon: Finally a Green Light for a Holistic Approach?’, Cooperation and Conflict, vol. 47.
Toje, Asle (2010). The European union as a small power. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Zwolski, K. (2011). ‘The External Dimension of the EU’s Non-proliferation Policy: Overcoming Inter-institutional Competition’, European Foreign Affairs Review, vol. 16.
Gänzle S. and Sens, A. (2007). The Changing Politics of European Security: Europe Alone?. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Ginsberg, Roy H (2012). The European Union in global security; The politics of impact. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Kavalski, Emilian (2008). Extending the European Security Community; constructing peace in the Balkans. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Zwolski, K. (2011). ‘Unrecognised and Unwelcome? The Role of the EU in Preventing the Proliferation of CBRN Weapons, Materials and Knowledge’, Perspectives on European Politics and Society, vol. 12.
Zwolski, K. (2012). ‘The EU and a Holistic Security Approach after Lisbon: Competing Norms and the Power of the Dominant Discourse’, Journal of European Public Policy, vol. 19.
Assessment
Summative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Discussion board activity | 25% |
| Research proposal | 25% |
| Research project | 50% |
Referral
Referral assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat
Repeat assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Policy Brief Report | 50% |
| Essay | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External