USA in the World
Do you want to know more about Russia’s position in the international system? Join this course, where we focus on political, historical, and geopolitical developments, from the end of the Cold War to the present. Various lead experts will provide their latest insights during a series of 11 lectures at the Roetereiland campus of the UvA.
What questions can you expect?
- How have Americans reckoned with slavery and colonialism, and what insights does this offer for Europe?
- Do Donald Trump’s political successes suggest that democracy is under threat everywhere?
- What are the historical roots of the United States’ recent military action in Venezuela and war in Iran?
- Why are so many Americans angry, and who are their international counterparts?
- Can the world's biggest historical polluter become part of the climate solution?
Understand current hot topics
Leading guest speakers
Learn with UvA students
For Whom?
Professionals with an interest in the USA and it’s influence on the world. No prior knowledge needed.
Content
Admired and contested, protested and rejected—the United States of America exerts immense influence in the world as a military power, political exemplar, and cultural force.
This course offers an internationalist approach to hot topics in US history, foreign policy, politics, and culture. The topics will be addressed by an interdisciplinary team of historians, cultural analysts, international relations experts, political scientists, gender specialists, and policy practitioners.
The capstone of the course is a group project that compares representations of the United States' role in the world with the underlying realities.
Practical information
When? 2 September 2026 until 25 november2026
What time? Lectures on Wednesdays 17.30-19.30
Where? Amsterdam, Roeterseiland
Coordinator
Dr. Katy Hull
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us at keuzeonderwijs-iis@uva.nl