Europe in a global order
Samenvatting semester 2 – Silke Van Eynde
Course content
1. Introduction to the Course: Europe in a (turbulent) global order
2. How to think about order?
3. EU Foreign Policy: in between capabilities and expectations
4. EU Foreign Policy: enlargement and the war in Ukraine
5. EU-US Transatlantic Cooperation and Competition
6. EU-China Relations in a Changing International Order
7. Decentring Europe in the EU’s Development and Migration Policy
8. Europe as a Global Technology Power? Europe’s Quest for technological sovereignty
9. EU Climate Power and International Order
10. Q&A Session and exam discussed
11. The EU’s common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): A Leap Forward?
12. EU Trade Policy and the Economics-Security Nexus
, 1. Introduction: Europe in a (turbulent) Global Order
Readings:
1. Hill Smith – Vanhoonacker: an historical overview
2. Europe facing a tripel crisis: Trump’s re-election: Europe is facing a triple crisis – Trump’s
re-election is the shock therapy it needs | Chatham House – International Affairs Think
Tank
3. EU-US relations in the age of Trump II: can Europe develop an effective strategy? Part I:
EU-US relations in the age of Trump II: can Europe develop an effective strategy? Part I -
Friends of Europe
Course content
Europe as a global actor in relation to recent developments: ongoing AI-race, wars in Ukraine
and Gaza, Trumps re-election
There is a changing world order (BRICS, US) other powers that are gaining stronger positions in
sectors like AI, trade etc.
How is Europe influenced by this changing order? And how does Europe shapes this order? => in
two directions (sise of populism (turn back to democratic institutions), changing powers, wars)
AIM OF THE COURSE: (exam 100% essay questions)
,US invests billions in AI – Europe wants to keep up with them -> new chatbot. ‘AI act’
- A big fund in AI, that relies on private companies
Also response of Europe to Trump tarrifs (new trade war)
- Trump raises prices for steel and aluminium
China relaunched this model deepseek. Further ahead on technology versus US
Debate of decoupling/derisking -> deepseek is illustration of this (China own technological
platforms, not relying on US <> Europe relies a lot on US technology!!)
➔ Debate: role of Europe in AI, chips, technology: in what should we invest power to contain
more power in this turbulent world order?
, Stuns = bedwelmen
Europe is increasingly sidelines in favor of direct US Russia engagement. It raises questions
about Europe’s strategic autonomy and its ability to shape outcomes in its own neighborhood.
How should this affect EU’s foreign policy:
1) Push for EU to maintain strategic autonomy – less relying on US (investment in defense,
CSDP, etc) – also less relying on China for rare earth elements
2) More emphasis on diversifying alliances with countries like Japan, India, etc. + stronger
NATO NAVO funtioning.
3) More assertive Diplomatic role: meer opkomen voor zichzelf. Strengthening EEAS
4) Increase military and financial aid to Ukrain. Take on larger costs ENP!!!
5) Internal EU cohesion – challenge to maintain a unified foreign policy.
TEXT SUMMARIES:
1) EU-US relations in the age of Trump II: can Europe develop an effective strategy? Part I -
Friends of Europe
The article argues that the Trump II administration marks a radical break from traditional
U.S. foreign policy, with serious implications for Europe. It warns that Europe can no longer
rely on the U.S. as a stable partner and must urgently rethink its strategic posture.
Key Developments Under Trump II
• Unilateralism and unpredictability: Trump’s sweeping executive orders—ranging from
shutting down USAID to reopening Guantanamo—signal a return to aggressive,
isolationist, and nationalist policies.
• Disregard for international norms: The administration is willing to tear up
agreements, ignore alliances, and undermine multilateral institutions.
Samenvatting semester 2 – Silke Van Eynde
Course content
1. Introduction to the Course: Europe in a (turbulent) global order
2. How to think about order?
3. EU Foreign Policy: in between capabilities and expectations
4. EU Foreign Policy: enlargement and the war in Ukraine
5. EU-US Transatlantic Cooperation and Competition
6. EU-China Relations in a Changing International Order
7. Decentring Europe in the EU’s Development and Migration Policy
8. Europe as a Global Technology Power? Europe’s Quest for technological sovereignty
9. EU Climate Power and International Order
10. Q&A Session and exam discussed
11. The EU’s common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): A Leap Forward?
12. EU Trade Policy and the Economics-Security Nexus
, 1. Introduction: Europe in a (turbulent) Global Order
Readings:
1. Hill Smith – Vanhoonacker: an historical overview
2. Europe facing a tripel crisis: Trump’s re-election: Europe is facing a triple crisis – Trump’s
re-election is the shock therapy it needs | Chatham House – International Affairs Think
Tank
3. EU-US relations in the age of Trump II: can Europe develop an effective strategy? Part I:
EU-US relations in the age of Trump II: can Europe develop an effective strategy? Part I -
Friends of Europe
Course content
Europe as a global actor in relation to recent developments: ongoing AI-race, wars in Ukraine
and Gaza, Trumps re-election
There is a changing world order (BRICS, US) other powers that are gaining stronger positions in
sectors like AI, trade etc.
How is Europe influenced by this changing order? And how does Europe shapes this order? => in
two directions (sise of populism (turn back to democratic institutions), changing powers, wars)
AIM OF THE COURSE: (exam 100% essay questions)
,US invests billions in AI – Europe wants to keep up with them -> new chatbot. ‘AI act’
- A big fund in AI, that relies on private companies
Also response of Europe to Trump tarrifs (new trade war)
- Trump raises prices for steel and aluminium
China relaunched this model deepseek. Further ahead on technology versus US
Debate of decoupling/derisking -> deepseek is illustration of this (China own technological
platforms, not relying on US <> Europe relies a lot on US technology!!)
➔ Debate: role of Europe in AI, chips, technology: in what should we invest power to contain
more power in this turbulent world order?
, Stuns = bedwelmen
Europe is increasingly sidelines in favor of direct US Russia engagement. It raises questions
about Europe’s strategic autonomy and its ability to shape outcomes in its own neighborhood.
How should this affect EU’s foreign policy:
1) Push for EU to maintain strategic autonomy – less relying on US (investment in defense,
CSDP, etc) – also less relying on China for rare earth elements
2) More emphasis on diversifying alliances with countries like Japan, India, etc. + stronger
NATO NAVO funtioning.
3) More assertive Diplomatic role: meer opkomen voor zichzelf. Strengthening EEAS
4) Increase military and financial aid to Ukrain. Take on larger costs ENP!!!
5) Internal EU cohesion – challenge to maintain a unified foreign policy.
TEXT SUMMARIES:
1) EU-US relations in the age of Trump II: can Europe develop an effective strategy? Part I -
Friends of Europe
The article argues that the Trump II administration marks a radical break from traditional
U.S. foreign policy, with serious implications for Europe. It warns that Europe can no longer
rely on the U.S. as a stable partner and must urgently rethink its strategic posture.
Key Developments Under Trump II
• Unilateralism and unpredictability: Trump’s sweeping executive orders—ranging from
shutting down USAID to reopening Guantanamo—signal a return to aggressive,
isolationist, and nationalist policies.
• Disregard for international norms: The administration is willing to tear up
agreements, ignore alliances, and undermine multilateral institutions.
