How did Europe remake itself after the catastrophe of World War II, and what does that transformation tell us about how states navigate power, identity, and crisis? This course examines the independent and coordinated efforts of Britain, France, and West Germany to adapt to the post-war global order; the creation and development of the Atlantic Alliance; Europe's relations with post-communist states following the Cold War; decolonization and the evolution of European relations with the Global South; and the movement for European integration that produced the modern European Union. We conclude by applying these historical frameworks to contemporary crises including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO's renewed relevance, and the strains of democratic backsliding within the EU itself. This course is especially timely: the questions Europe's founders struggled with in 1950 are live political questions again in 2026.
Summer 2026 B-term
Meeting:
to be arranged
SLN:
14098
Section Type:
Lecture
ASYNCHRONOUS
**
POL S MAJORS: COUNTS FOR FIELD C,
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):
Catalog Description:
Independent and coordinated efforts of Britain, France, and West Germany to adapt to the post-World War II global system. Creation and development of the Atlantic Alliance. Relations with postcommunist states. Decolonization and the evolution of relations with the Third World. The movement for European integration.
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Writing (W)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
April 25, 2026 - 1:36 am