Brussels, Belgium, is quickly becoming the capital of Europe. Founded in the 10th Century as a fortress town by Charlemagne’s grandson, Brussels has developed into the heart of European integration and hosts the major institutions of the European Union. The European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Council and a second seat of the European Parliament are all in Brussels proper, while the North Atlantic Treaty Organization maintains a suburban headquarters.
The University of Alabama Belgium Program takes advantage of this extraordinarily large concentration of international institutions by providing a set of courses that examines American-EU relations, the nature of federalism and sovereignty within the states of Europe, and the history and effects of conflict on the continent and the world. Indeed, the locale provides a rare opportunity for a decidedly “hands on” approach to studying international politics in action.
Faculty name: Douglas Gibler
Faculty Email: dmgibler@ua.edu