• Hajrullahu Arben

This course is structured with the overall objective to provide students the knowledge necessary to analyse the most essential aspects of the EU institutional framework, EU politics and contemporary developments, as well Europeanisation and EU-Integration processes in South Eastern Europe (SEE), with a regional focus in the Western Balkans.

In part I the general purpose of this course is to provide students with analytical tools to evaluate the interaction between national and supra-national (EU) structures, democratisation, political crisis and (dis-)integration tendencies and processes in post 1989 Europe.

In part II of the course we will in case studies format investigate power relations, (dis-)integration tendencies, local and regional political antagonisms as well international actors, with a focus on the EU’s role in Western Balkans.

Empirical results show that with the end of the Cold War, former communist states are dominated by non-transparent and non-accountable political classes. Thus, (i-)liberal democracies have in many cases also resulted in captured states and societies and contested elections and political culture. The course demonstrates that multi-causal explanations are needed to elucidate relations and interactions between power politics – democracy – and (dis-)integration tendencies and processes.

During the course, students will develop the tools necessary for future independent analysis as well as how to offer applied policy advice. Moreover, this course aims to help students to deepen their understanding into transition and transformation processes in SEE as well as to develop a critical thinking about policy oriented and practical options of good governance and political transparency. Upon completion of this course students should have in-depth knowledge of:

• EU institutional framework and politics;
• Europeanisation and EU-Integration processes in SEE, focused in the Western Balkans;
• Making valid comparisons between different national and international actors and across different policy makers on the basis of empirical evidence.

Students will also develop their skills in communicating these ideas verbally and in writing in a scientific manner.

Hybrid- und Präsenzunterricht