11: Transatlantic relations

From the failure to ratify the Kyoto accords to the invasion of Iraq, splits in European and US policy have come to dominate the news of the past decade. This seminar will go beyond the headlines to examine to what extent these differences reflect core disputes or a temporary phase of Transatlantic relations. Beginning with a brief historical overview European-US relations, topics to be considered will include the decline of US hegemony and the place of EUrope/Europe in the New Order; shared transatlantic values, culture and institutions; the environment as an example of differing policy approaches; common security issues and the roles of NATO and European Security and Defense Policy; and foreign policy perspectives toward Russian and Chinese relations.

Proposed Seminar Topics

15.8.: Past and Present: Assessing the Contemporary State of Transatlantic Relations
16.8.: The End of US Hegemony? The Place of Europe in the New Order
17.8.: Common Values and Institutions: Is There a shared Transatlantic Culture?
18.8.: Differences in Policy Outcomes: Re-shaping the Environment
19.8.: Common and Differing Security Interests: From NATO and ESDP to Kosovo and Afghanistan
20.8.: Relating to the World: Differences in Foreign Policy toward Russia, China, and Globalization