This course is essentially about a long, mostly troubled, occasionally awkward, relationship between Turkey and the EU. It is principally designed to explore the impact of international political and economic contexts and of domestic considerations on the depth and pace of Turkey's alignment with the European integration.

Special emphasis will be placed on Turkey's attempts at political and economic transformation in pursuit of EU membership. The course is structured to reflect both the legal framework and the changing political dynamics of this uneasy relationship. The course will also discuss if Turkey's candidacy fits the established patterns of enlargement in light of previous experiences. Finally, the course will cover the alternatives to Turkey's EU membership, from both European and Turkish perspectives.