210065 SE BAK11: European Union and Europeanisation (2021W)

Crises are an integral part of political, social, and economic life. And yet, they change everything. In the EU, the COVID-19 crisis or the Eurocrisis have disrupted political and societal dynamics. This seminar pays particular attention to our conceptions of crises. What does the “crisis” label imply – notions of deep structural challenges, perceived urgency, or a lack of alternatives? Why is the influx of refugees considered a crisis while climate change merely demands a “green transition”? What are the technological or political tools and professional capacities that shape potential responses to crises in the EU?

In three parts, we will explore what crises are and how the EU responds to them. First, we will focus on the conceptualization of crises. The focus is the notion of crises and emergencies and the effects of such conceptualizations in the EU. Second, we will look at crisis management in the EU. We will analyse institutional and political hurdles in identifying and responding to crises. Based on theoretical concepts and empirical examples, we will evaluate response strategies, such as stigma management or differentiated integration. Third, we will dive into examples of crises together. We will decide together which crises are particularly interesting and relevant to explore, for example investigating diverging manifestations of crisis responses in facing security threats, climate change, or COVID-19.

The seminar draws on diverse theoretical perspectives, combining insights from European Studies with literature from International Relations and the Sociology of Knowledge to illustrate conceptualizations of crises and potential responses.

Due to the uncertainty of the current public health situation, this will be a hybrid course with synchronous (Webinars and discussions) and asynchronous (Moodle forum discussions, assignments, group work) elements. The class will take place mainly online but will offer three to four in-person meetings for those willing and able to come to the university. We will decide on dates for these meetings together in class. Due to the size of the room, the number of people allowed is extremely limited. Online only participation is possible and the main part of the seminar will take place online.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to introduce students to central elements of crisis in and of the EU. It further provides students with the conceptual tools and analytic skills to pursue their own projects regarding the EU and crisis management. At the end of the course, students should be able to

• identify and describe the main elements of crisis conceptualization, manifestations, and management;
• summarize and critically assess the strengths and weakness of theoretical approaches that grasp the concept of crises and related concepts, the EU’s role in conceptualizing and managing crises, and the larger effects;
• apply the insights they gained from these approaches to empirical manifestations of crisis and identify potential political, legal, and social consequences.