Summer School 2026 <Contemporary Europe> Session 9 > Summer School at KU

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On July 8, the ninth session of the summer course, was held. The lecture examined the geopolitical implications of the Iran War and its effects on Europe’s energy security, foreign policy, and transatlantic relations. Students explored the origins of the conflict, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the ways in which disruptions to global energy flows exposed Europe’s continued dependence on maritime trade and U.S. security guarantees.

The session also analyzed the diverse responses of European states and institutions to the crisis. Students discussed how concerns over legality, domestic politics, energy prices, and regional stability shaped the policies of countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. The lecture highlighted the European Union’s emphasis on de-escalation and diplomacy, while also underscoring the limitations of a common European hard-power response.

Finally, participants considered the broader implications of the crisis for Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy. Through discussions of alliance politics, burden-sharing, and Europe’s reliance on U.S. military capabilities, students gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the European Union as it seeks to balance independence with transatlantic cooperation in an increasingly unstable international environment.