| source Lund University (X) |
level |
department Political Science (X) |
The course is mainly focused upon comparative analysis of political developments in various countries, with a special emphasis on the attainment of a well-structured, efficient, and legitimate democratic state. Attention is primarily given to three overarching themes. The first theme concerns the establishment of a state apparatus and the possibilities for improved state capacity in countries with a weak or collapsed state. The second theme concerns regime change and regime development, with a special focus on democratization and democratic consolidation. Great attention is given to problems and challenges facing the recently established democracies. The third theme concerns problems and challenges that the well established Western democracies have recently been facing. Attention is given to the relations between citizens and their elected representatives, the efforts at deepening democracy, and problems and challenges related to the process of globalisation and the emergence of multilevel democracy.
Score: 10.104799 Details | Listing | Web page
The aim of the course is to convey a theory-based understanding of European governance, that is, the political system of the EU and its processes of policy-making and to encourage independent in-depth analysis of current key issues in European governance. The course is divided into two parts: an overview of the overarching themes of the course, and a study of a particular topic, related to the student´s own interest within the themes of the course. The course presents and investigates four themes: first, the development of the European project; second, the driving forces in European governance, elaborating on theories of European integration, as well as conflicting values in European governance and channels of interest mediation; third, the institutions of the EU and the operation of the decision-making machinery, focusing on executive, legislative and judicial politics; and forth, the output of the system in the form of markets, money and regulation; enlargement, justice and home affairs.
Score: 10.104799 Details | Listing | Web page
Theoretically the course is focused on various perspectives of transnationalism and transnational activism and how these are related to processes of migration, diaspora politics and to postcolonial analysis. The course consistently analyses how these interact and affect collective and individual action at a global, national and local level. How transnational actors act and decide in a postcolonial context is of particular importance.
Score: 10.104799 Details | Listing | Web page
The overall aim of the course is to provide a theoretical and empirical orientation of different explanations and analyses of contemporary wars and attempts to achieve a more peaceful world. The course highlights theoretically how war as an institution is transformed and what consequences this alteration has on warfare, security and peace support operations in different parts of the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the interplay between normative assumptions about war and peace and how these ideas affect issues, such as legitimacy, justice and security. Moreover, the course addresses peace in practice through empirical analyses about specific peacebuilding models and peacemaking strategies in such regions as Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans. The linkage between civilian and military dimensions, and the variation of strategies among actors (states, intergovernmental, non-governmental) in peace support operations are highlighted. Through case studies, the students will be able to generate knowledge and insights about specific circumstances of war and the possibilities as well as the restraints that exist in peacemaking efforts.
Score: 10.104799 Details | Listing | Web page