Students
Political Science: European Union in a Global Order (MSc)
'This Master’s programme fully encompasses these novelties, providing a fascinating and eye-opening learning experience.' Read what Edgar Eihmanis tells about European Union in a Global Order.
My name is Edgars Eihmanis and I come from Latvia. Before European Union in a Global Order (EUGO), I did a Sociology Master’s in Comparative Labour and Organization Studies, also at University of Amsterdam. In addition, I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Riga Stradins University.
My motivation to choose this track was twofold. Firstly, I was persuaded by the increasing role EU institutions play in international affairs, both within Europe and beyond. Secondly, and more personally, with an ardent interest in European political economy, I rightly felt that this track would make a useful companion. Since the Euro crisis, the EU has come up with numerous game-changing economic governance initiatives. This Master’s programme fully encompasses these novelties, providing a fascinating and eye-opening learning experience.
As for my thesis project, I am researching the post-crisis economic governance dynamics in Latvia. Specifically, I look at three, arguably, somewhat competing governance frameworks Latvia has recently been subject to – the euro adoption target, the Balance-of-Payments programme, and the European Semester. Meanwhile, my study mates have pursued as disparate research agendas as democracy promotion the Middle East after the Arab Spring, EU’s enlargement in the Balkans, European security and the threat of terrorism, as well as the political and judicial aspects of EU’s emerging banking union – to mention just a few.
As a EUGO graduate, I can choose from a variety of possible careers. Some of my colleagues are going to Brussels to work at EU institutions or in the NGO sector as lobbyists. My plans for the near future rather concern policy making at the national level. Meanwhile, not to be forgotten that this programme might serve as a useful building block for one aiming at an academic career as well.
For me this experience has been both challenging and pleasing. While at EUGO, I’ve acquired pivotal intellectual tools, enabling me to understand European and international affairs much better than before. Particularly, I've been fond of the quality of counselling, as some of the instructors are leading figures in the respective fields of study. Frankly, looking back, I couldn't wish for more. EUGO can certainly be life-changing!