States within the international system are rarely self-contained units and are repeatedly confronted with situations that easily transgress their managing capabilities. In order to cope with these situations, states tend to cooperate with other actors through institutions. Common examples include the creation of institutions like the EU, the WTO, or even contractual frameworks like the Paris Climate Agreement. An important role have regionalized forms of cooperation that are usually defined by shared geographic, cultural, or historic characteristics and eventually lead to various forms of integration. This seminar focuses on regionalized integration processes and institutions in the Baltic Sea Region. Here, we will discuss the different forms of integration processes, actors, and sources of conflict. Main emphasis will be placed on the European Union (EU), the Nordic Council, and the Baltic Assembly as important institutional actors. Furthermore, we will discuss the role of Russia as main regional power and current issue areas like Nord Stream 1 & 2 and the concerns about increased Russian aggressiveness.
- Dozent/in: Martin Kerntopf