This course aims to strengthen students' theoretical understanding and empirical knowledge of European politics and international relations. Lectures cover a wide range of key thematic issues such as nation-building, war and state formation, the emergence of democracy, the relationship between religion and state, capitalist development and the welfare state, political institutions, populism, as well as the process of regional integration and international relations. The focus of the course is twofold. First, these themes will be analyzed with a strong comparative focus that allows students to contextualize and understand European experiences in the light of broader theoretical and disciplinary debates. Second, by exposure to illustrations featuring various European cases and a presentation assignment, students will widen their knowledge of the history, society and politics of specific European countries. The knowledge acquired in this course will help students conceptualize and critically evaluate contemporary political dynamics in Europe and elsewhere.