International Summer Seminar on Foreign Policy for students and young professionals at the University of Potsdam, 31. 8. – 4. 9. 2015
Peace and Security in Europe 1945- 1975 – 2015
Lessons from the Past and Challenges of the Future
70 years have passed since the end of World War II, and 40 years have gone by since the Helsinki Final Act was signed in a bid to ease Cold War tensions in Europe. In 2015, issues of war and peace have returned to the forefront of the international agenda and much to the dismay of policy makers, (civil) war once again rears its ugly head in Europe. Meanwhile, former and present superpowers are attempting to shape a new world order, though their efforts are called into question by less formidable, but aspiring newcomers. Geopolitics and other seemingly outdated concepts have returned to the international stage. The threatening, albeit controlled arms race of the Cold War is now taken to a whole new dimension with cyber warfare and drones, while global climate change brings about natural disasters, especially in places where poverty and famine are rampant. The tragedies which have resulted from global policy failures are manifold and their consequences weigh heavily, in Europe and beyond.
In order to counter the prevalent German foreign policy narrative of “new responsibility” (or the lack of it) skeptical, leftist voices are needed, willing to develop strategies for a more peaceful and equitable world. Therefore, the foreign policy journal “WeltTrends” and the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung host a Summer Seminar on Foreign Policy which will take place from 31 August 2015 to 4 September 2015 in Potsdam. The summer school is part of the “Potsdam Week on Foreign Policy” and will include numerous meetings and events on foreign policy and international relations, such as the 19th Potsdam Colloquium on Foreign and Security Policy.
The summer seminar will take place at the University of Potsdam and is open to both students and young professionals of various backgrounds, including political science, journalism, history, geography and economics. Young policy makers from Germany and abroad are also invited to apply. Applicants should have a strong interest in foreign policy in general and in European security in particular. During the three-day course, participants will discuss with both national and international experts and will be able to explore European security from various angles. Besides, participants will have the opportunity to meet with politicians in Berlin and Potsdam and to attend other events during the “Potsdam Week on Foreign Policy”.
Requirements: Applicants should have a keen interest in foreign policy and some basic knowledge of both international relations and European history. Good English skills are required; some knowledge of German would be an asset. There is a maximum of 20 participants, with half of the available space reserved for foreign participants. The organizers will bear the expenses for arrival and departure, accommodation, meals, course materials and travel during the course.
How to apply? Applications including a CV and a short letter of motivation (max. 200 words) should be received by June 30th 2015. All documents should be emailed to Prof. Dr. Raimund Krämer, University Potsdam: rkraemer@uni-potsdam.de.
Draft Program
Monday, 31 August 2015
Arrival
18h
Welcome and Opening
General information on the summer school and its program
Informal get together
Tuesday, 1 September 2015
10-16h Workshops
Panel I:
World order and disorder in the 21st century
Panel II:
European security: preliminary historical background and present-day problems
Panel III:
The OSCE and the prolonged crisis in Ukraine
18-20h Discussion with MPs of DIE LINKE German Bundestag, Berlin
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
10-13h Workshops
Panel I:
Germany and its stake in European security
Panel II:
Russia and European security
Panel III:
The European Security Framework: A Polish perspective
14-18h The Potsdam Agreement: History and present-day significance
(Joint participation in the conference “The Potsdam Agreement – 70 years after”)
Thursday, 3 September 2015
10-13h Workshop
Final Panel:
European security in the 21st century
14-16h Discussion with representatives of the State government
of Brandenburg, Potsdam
17-20h Joint participation in the 19th Potsdam Foreign Policy Colloquium on European Security
Friday, 4 September 2015
9-14h 19th Potsdam Foreign Policy Colloquium
Departure