Nationalism and populism in the European Union

Nationalism and war have been crucial motors of international relations, not least in Europe the birthplace of the Westphalian state system. The European Union is commonly seen as an antidote to nationalism and war in Europe; a view powerfully endorsed by the awarding of the Nobel Prize to the EU in 2012. Despite the strength of this view, recent research suggests it is possible to look at the relationship between peace and European unity differently. As a result, students in this unit will analyse the relationship between European Unity, nationalism and war since 1945, including: the founding moment of European unity at the end of the Second World War; the role of anti-colonial nationalists pushing European powers towards pro-active European policies; EU responses to the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia; the role of European secessionist movements and in the nationalist responses to the challenges posed by the EUs current crises. An unintended consequence of the logic of deeper integration has been the consolidation of a European identity amongst some elites, whilst political and popular support for the EU has weakened in the face of national-populist critiques. This populist challenge poses serious questions about the future shape of the state system in the Euro-Atlantic region and in the wider world.