European Studies

Research Focuses

• Europeanization and transformation in Southeast Europe
• Governance and transition of national statehood in the European Union
• Statehood, state collapse/disintegration and nation building especially in Africa
• Comparative federalism-research

Outline of the subdivision

European Studies, located at the interface of political systems theory, comparative politics and international relations, deal with all aspects of European integration. These include historical and intellectual developments after World War II, international organizations for Europe as well as studies of individual countries, policy areas and lines of conflict. The European Union is at the center of teaching and research. Thematic focuses are the analysis of EU institutions and policies as well as the comparative examination of national political systems in the context of the EU. The process of constitutionalization and the question of democratic governance in the EU are regarded as determining factors for continued European integration. In addition, the EU is gaining increasing importance as an international actor. Therefore, further focal points of  European Studies are the EU's relations with its immediate neighbors, the Western Balkans, Russia and the countries of Eastern partnership, and Africa. European Studies contributes to the BA and MA courses in Political Science, Teacher Education, Southeast European Studies, Polish Studies, and to the degree program History and Politics of the 20^th Century.