Polarization and Partnership: American Politics and Transatlantic Relations

This course examines how polarization in U.S. politics shapes the evolving partnership between America and Europe. It explores how partisan conflict, populism, and institutional fragmentation influence transatlantic cooperation on climate policy, energy security, technology regulation, and defense. Combining perspectives from comparative and international politics, students analyze the tensions and opportunities defining contemporary transatlantic relations. Through theory-driven readings, discussions, and a final individual research paper, the course encourages critical reflection on how domestic divides and global uncertainty affect multilateral cooperation, trust, and the future of the transatlantic alliance.