The American relationship with Europe is the cornerstone of the liberal world order that permits the U.S. to magnify its ability to address 21st century challenges in a world populated by threatening non-state actors and powerful non-democratic states. The Trans-Atlantic relationship encompasses diplomatic, security, and economic interests and has permitted both the United States and Europe to prosper. Today the relationship is threatened by nationalist, populist, and illiberal forces that weaken American leadership.

This course will include discussions of NATO, the EU, OSCE, and other international organizations as they affect issues such as terrorism, global warming, displacement of populations, trade, and pandemics. We will not ignore the elephants on the horizon, i.e., challenges to American leadership posed by China and Russia. A modest amount of reading will be encouraged to permit a common ground for discussion.