The Politics of Europe

Dr. Jason Jordan
Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Relations, Drew University

Tuesday mornings 10 am-12 pm (2 hours)
May 28, June 4, June 11, (skip June 18), June 25, and July 2, 2024.

This course examines the contemporary politics of Europe with an eye toward what lessons can be learned about how democracy works and the challenges it faces.  The first part of the course explores how different institutional features of European countries produce different patterns of democratic politics.  We will examine how differences in the organization of the executive branch and electoral rules work to shape how democracies perform in often surprising and unseen ways.  The second part of the course will explore contemporary issues in European politics including the future of the European Union and the rising power of right-wing populist parties across Europe.  

Dr. Jason Jordan is a Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Relations, at Drew University   At the broadest level, his research and teaching interests center on public opinion, social welfare, and the broader political economy of Europe and other advanced capitalist democracies.  His early work explored why levels of support for the welfare state vary across countries, pointing to a number of factors including the influence of religion and so-called “policy feedback effects.”  More recently, his research examines the consequences of significant cross-national differences in the levels of political knowledge for public opinion and voting.

Classes will be held at the Florham Park Library

107 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park, NJ  07932