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For the PhD programmes, please find more information here.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Energy economics

Year 2 | Elective course (GRAD-E1378 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Policy Analysis Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective | 7. Portfolio Elective | 5. Security & Sustainability Concentration Elective
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Lion Hirth

Abstract

Energy economics is an introduction to the technology and economics of energy systems, power markets and electricity networks. The economics of wind and solar energy, the cornerstone of low-carbon energy systems, lie at the heart of this course. After a crash course in power plant technology and electricity systems engineering, we will discuss the drivers of cost of electricity, with a particular focus on renewable energy and the cost revolution that has made wind and solar energy cost-competitive with fossil fuels. We will then develop tools to assess the economic value of electricity. Students will learn methods to derive an optimal long-term electricity generation mix and to evaluate the economics of wind and solar energy. We will study the “market value” of renewable energy, understand why it drops as deployment increases and discuss the (unsettling) implications for the long-term economics of renewables. But we will also discuss how the transformation of the energy system, in particular the rise of batteries and green hydrogen, helps mitigate the value drop. We will also study electricity markets, power grids, locational pricing and the rise of “prosumers”.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

Enforcing environmental policy: A global comparative perspective

Year 2 | Elective course (E1352 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Management & Organisation Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Kai Wegrich

Abstract

Implementation is the crucial stage of policymaking and in environmental policy in particular, the gap between policies, laws and regulations on the one hand and the reality on the ground is wide. Implementation gaps and enforcement deficits are a global phenomenon and this course explores the causes, consequences and potential for improving implementation from a global comparative perspective. The course first introduces the political, societal and administrative causes of implementation failure - and success. Secondly, on the basis of existing scholarship on the politics of enforcing environmental, labour and consumer protection policy, in Latin America and Asia in particular, students will carry out their own (small) case studies on (environmental) policy enforcement. Key elements of comparative case study research design will be introduced and applied by you in empirical mini-projects. Guest speakers will provide insights into select aspects of global environmental policy.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

Erosion and resilience of democracy

Year 2 | Elective course (E1364 , 6 credits )
Module: 6. Portfolio Elective

Abstract

Illiberalism and authoritarianism have become major threats to democracy across the globe. The titles of the 2019 editions of the reports of the major democracy research institutes are therefore rather gloomy, from 'Democracy facing global challenges' and 'Democracy in retreat' to 'Polarisation and repression increase'. In 2019, a third of the world’s citizens lived in countries where the quality of liberal-democratic institutions had declined over the previous 10 years. The decline even strongly affected well-established democracies such as the United States. Semi-democratic right-wing populist parties had also been on the rise in many countries by 2019.

The main contemporary challenge to democracy is not sudden regime breakdown in the form of military coups or regime collapses as they occurred in 1989, but it is a gradual demise after illiberal or authoritarian-leaning political leaders come to power in elections. These trends towards illiberalisation and autocratisation are eroding our democracies from within.

Nevertheless, these trends are not unstoppable. In many European countries, in Canada and New Zealand, democratic institutions continue to be strong. Democratic political parties still win elections. Nevertheless, we have empirical evidence that citizens’ belief in the legitimacy of these institutions is continuing to decline. Therefore, we need to draw our attention to questions which help us to recognise the institutions and practices which strengthen or weaken the democratic quality of political regimes in our times. In the course we want to work on both concepts – 'democratic erosion' and 'democratic resilience' – and apply them to empirical cases and countries. 

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Espionage and diplomacy: Strategic intelligence as a factor in IR

Year 2 | Elective course (E1253 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Security & Sustainability Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective | 7. Portfolio Elective | 5. International Security Concentration Elective
Instructors: Dr. Gil Murciano

Abstract

Intelligence and espionage affairs are often treated as intriguing yet anecdotal parts of diplomatic history. Nevertheless, a closer look at key junctures of international relations in the last two centuries exposes the central role strategic intelligence plays in international politics. The fate of nations has often been decided on the basis of their ability to gather, understand and act upon information about the international system that surrounds them. In addition, the world of strategic intelligence provides a distinctive setting for international interaction. From the joint efforts to decipher the enigma codes during the Second World War, the espionage competitions of the Cold War, to the current contexts of the “war on terror” and cyber-espionage, intelligence affairs have been both a key arena for international conflict as well as a platform for international co-operation. In the last two decades, the political importance of discussing intelligence’s role in foreign policy is underscored by the moral and practical dilemmas the practice of global espionage presents to political leaders in democratic societies. Dilemmas about the methods and scope of intelligence gathering often reflect on the delicate balance between civil liberties and national security, as well as demonstrate the strategic interface between technological capabilities and global power.

The course examines the role of strategic intelligence as a distinct component in the process of foreign policymaking by focusing on two distinct dimensions. First, it focuses on intelligence as a source of information shaping the national leadership’s policy choices. We will explore the manner in which intelligence information and assessments influence the strategic decision-making process of leaders and nations. From Pearl-Harbor, the Berlin 1961 Crisis and to the 9/11 attacks, we will analyse the interface between the intelligence analyst and the political leader and its effect on strategic choices nations make in times of conflict and peace. Second, the course investigates the political usage of intelligence as an instrument of influence in international relations. We will investigate how nations utilise covert information and intelligence capacities as active means to promote their foreign policy goals. We will examine the practices of disinformation and deception operations and allocate specific emphasis to the key developments in the field of Cyber Warfare.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Ethics and economics

Year 2 | Elective course (E1230 , 6 credits )
Module: 6. Portfolio Elective | 7. Portfolio Elective
Instructors: Chrysostomos Mantzavinos

Abstract

The objective of the course is to foster ethical reflection on a variety of economic issues by examining problems from economic life and by analyzing (and possibly) solving them with the help of moral philosophy. Participants will be trained in the use of relevant terminology and will develop their skills in advancing and assessing arguments with respect to moral issues and ethical dilemmas emerging in markets and other contexts of social interaction.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

The EU in the world

Year 2 | Elective course (E1160 , 6 credits )
Module: 6. Portfolio Elective
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Markus Jachtenfuchs

Abstract

The prevalent impression that the EU is plagued by several deep crises mainly relates to its domestic politics. For many pro-European actors, a more united EU is the only way of avoiding marginalisation by rising powers in a rapidly changing world. Much of the political discourse on the EU in the world thus refers to political long-term goals rather than current realities, especially in the field of military action. On the other hand, the EU was and is a very powerful actor in many areas and its powers are increasing. As a matter of fact, EU power varies strongly across issues.

The course will look at this topic from several angles. First, it will look at the actual role played by the EU in various policy fields and in relation to specific actors in order to see the strength, weaknesses and consequences of EU action in different issues. Second, it will look at current shortcomings of a stronger EU action and plans to address them in order to contrast rhetoric with reality and to get a realistic image of what is achievable. Topics range from digital sovereignty and ideas about a ‘normative power' to policy-specific plans in security or democracy promotion. It is a cross-cutting theme, which is how EU external relations work in practice. The course does not require major knowledge about the EU. It is suitable for students with a broad interest in world politics.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

European business law and corporate criminal liability

Year 2 | Elective course (E1349 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Finance & Trade Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective

Abstract

The European Union is the biggest market in the world. It is also the most advanced example of regional integration based on economy. The course aims at giving students a good understanding of the mechanisms of the European Union internal market, highlighting the regulatory framework. Understanding the law principles governing private and business relations and transactions, including corporate crimes committed in the exclusive interest of legal entities, is key to understand the economic context in which individuals and firms operate in the EU. In the light of the above, the course aims at giving an insight into European business law and will particularly focus on internal market, competition law and company law of the EU; at the same time the course aims to provide a knowledge of the general framework within the European Union Member States of the system of liability of private and public law bodies for offences committed by their top management and directors when they act in the course of their duties and in the exclusive interest of the company or public service. This course does not study the historical and political aspects of the European Union integration, although these aspects remain slightly present in the study of the EU regulatory framework.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Field experiments and policy evaluation in education

Year 2 | Elective course (GRAD-E1383 , 6 credits )
Module: 6. Portfolio Elective | 5. Policy Analysis Concentration Elective | 3. Economics II | 2. Economics II/Statistics II | 7. Portfolio Elective
Instructors: Mira Fischer

Abstract

This course introduces students to the economic, quantitative analysis of education programs and policies. Substantial public funds are invested in education systems from pre-school to universities and there is broad agreement that skills that allow individuals to successfully participate in society and the labor market are among the most important outcomes by which the success of education systems is measured. The promotion of equitable societies is thought of as one of the central goals of public education systems, which is why researchers direct a lot of attention not only to the average effectiveness but also to the distributional effects of education programs and policies. Yet, there is great heterogeneity among different countries when it comes to measuring the effectiveness and distributional effects of their policies.


This course will teach methods for field experiments and study design that aim at identifying the causal effects of programs and policies. It will do so by covering a broad set of education related topics and by including a small research project that students will work on in groups during the term.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

From preferences to policy: Understanding and measuring positions of voters, parties and legislators

Year 2 | Elective course (E1376 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Policy Analysis Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective

Abstract

The course focuses on the comparative analysis of political preferences and positions of voters, parties and legislators over time and across countries. We analyse issue attention and positions on issues such as European integration, environmental policy, trade liberalisation or morality policies, as well as latent dimensions (e.g., left-right) that structure political competition. The course is divided into three sections: Firstly, we consider public opinion and voter preferences; secondly, we study party positions; thirdly, we focus on legislator positions. Each part introduces and critically evaluates different data source measuring positions, based, for example, on surveys, party manifestos or voting behaviour. We will work with the data in class, putting it into perspective and testing insights from the literature while drawing on examples from different countries across the globe. The course investigates how preferences at the different levels can be explained and how they are linked. In this process we will explore how representation, responsiveness and accountability, as well as party competition, shape the translation of public preferences into policy output.

This course is for 2nd year MIA and MPP students only.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Global environmental politics

Year 2 | Elective course (E1369 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Security & Sustainability Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective | 7. Portfolio Elective
Instructors: Harry Bauer

Abstract

This course introduces students to concepts and issues in the study of global environmental politics (GEP) placing some emphasis on the political economy of environmental protection. The course begins by outlining perspectives on why (global) environmental problems arise, and how and under what conditions they can be solved. It then explores processes of international environmental governance: problem identification/policy formulation, designing and negotiating multilateral environmental regimes and implementing and enforcing international environmental law and policy. Illustrations from the politics of climate change, ozone depletion, air pollution, whaling, hazardous wastes, mercury politics, deforestation and biodiversity will be used to further the understanding of these processes. We will ask questions such as: What factors help countries negotiate treaties to solve problems? What types of rules work best? What role do non-state actors play? How can we evaluate whether a treaty has been effective or successful? What are the obstacles to effective environmental agreements?
We then turn to recent issues and debates in global environmental politics by analysing examples of non-state global environmental governance, assessing the contentious link between international trade and environmental degradation, exploring the interrelationship between economic development and environmental quality and examining the link between environmental change, violent conflict and human security.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Governance in areas of limited statehood

Year 2 | Elective course (E1118 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Security & Sustainability Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective | 7. Portfolio Elective | 5. Human Rights & Global Governance Concentration Elective
Instructors: Dr. Gregor Walter-Drop

Abstract

Most states are more or less far away from the "Weberian ideal type" of bureaucratic rule. Such "limited statehood" is not an exception, it is the rule and more likely than not, it is here to stay. In a nutshell, the course explores the consequences that this condition has for understanding and influencing governance – understood as the provision of collective goods such as security, welfare, education, public health, a clean environment, etc. Most of the contemporary discourse on governance takes certain core elements of an ideal type of statehood for granted. Particularly prominent among those are an effective monopoly of the legitimate use of force and/or the ability to implement and enforce political decisions. Often overlooked by mainstream research, however, is that in most parts of the world these assumptions do not hold. In most developing countries and transition states and even within OECD member states, control over the use of force is at least incomplete, and/or the state’s ability to implement and enforce political decisions is limited. Under such conditions, governance faces particular challenges and works differently to the way it does in standard models. The course starts by analytically separating governance from statehood, which allows us to analyse various modes of governance within and beyond the parameters of statehood. Regarding cases, we will draw on numerous examples of governance from countries of the Southern hemisphere while covering a broad range of policy problems – from education and water supply via health services to disaster relief and peace mediation.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy Master of Data Science for Public Policy

People management for the public good

Year 2 | Elective course (GRAD-E1387 , 6 credits )
Module: 5. Management & Organisation Concentration Elective | 6. Portfolio Elective | 6. Governance & Management Elective | 7. Portfolio Elective
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hammerschmid

Abstract

Managing personnel or Human Resource Management (HRM) is a central function of any organisation and can be defined as the effective use of human capital in an organisation through the management of people-related activities. It involves aspects such as staff planning, recruitment and selection, compensation and motivation, training and development, performance appraisals as well as values and leadership development. This course gives an introduction into the scope, key concepts and current challenges of HRM in a public sector context. It takes a practical view that integrates the contributions of the behavioural sciences with the technical aspects of implementing the HR function in the ‘real world’. Specific HR techniques (as well as broader behavioural aspects such as team or group dynamics) are discussed in a balanced way and from diverse viewpoints, in order to avoid non-critical and/or mechanical interpretations of their meaning and utility. Students learn to understand HRM policies and techniques and how they relate to organisational performance. The course gives an overview of practical challenges and experiences with various HR functions and issues such as job analysis, job profiles, recruitment and selection, motivation, performance appraisals as well as training and development.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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