EU4D4 Half Unit
European Defence and Security
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Spyridon Economides
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in European and International Politics and Policy, MSc in European and International Politics and Policy (LSE and Bocconi) and MSc in European and International Politics and Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
Priority is given to students studying on European Institute programmes, where regulations permit.
Outside option requests will be considered if space remains.
To apply for a place, ALL students should submit a statement via LSE for You by 12 noon on Friday of week 2, outlining your specific reasons for applying, how it will benefit your academic/career goals, and how you meet any necessary pre-requisites (maximum 200 words).
The first round of offers will be made from 12-noon on Friday 26 September. The final deadline for applications is 12-noon of Friday of Autumn Term week 2.
For queries contact: ei@lse.ac.uk
Course content
This course examines the role of defence and security issues in European integration. It traces the evolution and nature of decision-making with respect to European defence initiatives, and examines the structures and institutions of EU defence and security. It also seeks to understand the relationship between foreign policy and security/defence policy in the EU especially in the context of transatlantic relations, and NATO, and the EU's wider international role. The course examines defence and security issues in European integration, as well as addressing the question of defence and European identity, the relationship between European defence and the national objectives of Member-States, the link between collective defence and collective security, and the role of defence in the EU's evolution as a civilian, normative and global actor in international relations. The course also examines the relationship between NATO and European security concerns, and more contemporary developments with regard to provisions for crisis management and conflict prevention.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Essay (2000 words)
Indicative reading
- Anne Deighton (Ed), Western European Union: Defence Security Integration;
- Andrew Cottey, Security in the New Europe;
- Jolyon Howorth, Security and Defence Policy in the European Union;
- Simon Duke, The Elusive Quest for European Security;
- From EDC to CFSP;
- Paul Gebhard, The United States and European Security;
- Heather Grabbe, The Sharp Edges of Europe;
- Francois Heisbourg et al, European Defence: Making it Work;
- Sean Kay, Nato and the Future of European Security;
- G Rees Wyn, The Western European Union at the Crossroads;
- Stanley Sloan, The United States and European Defence;
- Panos Tsakaloyannis, The European Union as a Security Community (1996).
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
The summative assessment will take the form of an e-exam in the Spring Term. E-exams are assessments run under invigilated exam conditions on campus. Students will complete the assessment using software downloaded to their personal laptops.
Key facts
Department: European Institute
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
Keywords: Europe, Defence, Security, EU, Foreign Policy
Total students 2024/25: Unavailable
Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.