The comparative history of the legal concepts of "state" and "sovereignty" in Europe, the US, Russia and China and the current contestation about their meaning (216.649)

Every Tuesday from 7.10.25

16:45-18:15

SR 15.23

This course offers a unique opportunity to consider the parallel development of concepts such as state, empire and civilization in four different political cultures, namely Europe, the USA, Russia and China. Although seemingly self-explanatory and universal in nature, these terms have undergone a unique evolutionary process in each of the regions studied, affecting modern political discourse and, very often, the international political strategies of these countries. In the context of the current shift in international geopolitics towards multilateralism, it is essential to understand the basic units of political thought, which appear similar but remain unique in different parts of the world and need to be examined. The course provides an excursion into the history of ideas in the countries studied and then offers a comprehensive analysis of current political ideas about the notion of 'state' in Europe, the USA, Russia and China.

You will learn how political ideas have influenced each other across regions - and how their political and legal legitimisation works. This will sharpen your understanding of how power is created, maintained and changes.

You will be guided by key questions:

• How is a political entity defined?

• Where is the boundary between person and institution?

• How do individuals and groups categorise themselves in forms of autonomy and integration?

By the end of the course, you will be able to critically compare the current policies of Europe, the USA, Russia and China - and form an informed judgement about their similarities and differences.