At the end of the module students should have strong research foundations on how to use the heuristic theoretical concepts of multipolarity, structural power, hegemony and regional governance/leadership.

• An in-depth advanced understanding of how the European Union works as an innovative multilevel governance system.
• An in-depth advanced understanding of issues of Regionalism in a world that is increasingly multipolar.
• An in-depth advanced understanding of the interconnexion of issues of international political economy, trade, security and international relations, feeding into an holistic view of Power and Hegemony in the current international system.
• knowledge about how the EU institutions leverage its central role within the Europe and links together with other regions in order to foster political, economic, social and cultural integration with other global major and middle powers.

This course aims at studying and analyzing the impact of the European Union’s institutions and structural power in the European context, neighboring regions and with key regions and global players – within the multipolar context in which we live in.

Students of all subjects with a strong interest in the course topic. Autónoma Academy courses are designed for graduated students. Current master’s students may participate. A course suitable for all students interested and/or familiar with International Relations, European and EU issues, Global geoeconomics and geopolitics – or passionate to learn more about the world of the XXI century and the EU’s role in it.

History of the European Union – 3 hours

• History (i) – The European integration project during the Cold War History
• History (ii) – The EU after 1992 and its institutions

International Relations Theory – 3 hours

• Theory (i) – Multipolarity and Power in a World of Regions
• Theory (ii) – Hegemony and Structural Power

European Union Institutions – 4,5 hours

• EU (i) – The functioning of the CFSP
• EU (ii) – European foreign policy and the member-states
• EU (iii) – Market Power Europe

European Union Policies – 4,5 hours

• In search of a common EU strategy?
• The EU and the European Neighbourhood Policy
• The EU and Transatlantic Alliance

External relations of the European Union with other regional blocs – 4,5 hours

• The EU and China
• The EU and the Post-Soviet Space
• The EU and Asia-Pacific
• The EU and Latin America

Alberto Cunha