The University of Nairobi (UoN) has taken a significant step toward strengthening international diplomacy education with the introduction of a new academic module: Comparative Studies of the European Union and the African Union. Hosted by the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS), the module is designed to deepen students’ understanding of two of the world’s most influential supranational organizations and to foster enhanced educational ties between Europe, Africa, and the broader international community.
What the module covers
The new program focuses on comparative analyses of the European Union and the African Union, tracing their institutional architectures, decision-making processes, policy agendas, and the ways in which each organization engages with member states, regional partners, and global actors. Students will explore topics such as governance structures, foreign policy coordination, trade and development strategies, security cooperation, climate diplomacy, migration policies, and the role of regional integration in global governance.
Course design and learning objectives
IDIS designed the module to blend theoretical grounding with practical, real-world applications. The curriculum includes case studies, simulations, and research projects that encourage critical thinking about how EU-AU dynamics shape peacekeeping operations, trade agreements, and joint development initiatives. By examining case studies from recent EU-AU collaborations, learners will gain insights into negotiation tactics, coalition-building, and how external actors influence regional outcomes.
Aimed at diverse learners, the module welcomes undergraduate majors across social sciences, law, political science, economics, and international relations, as well as graduate students seeking specialized knowledge in diplomatic studies. The program aligns with Nairobi’s growing status as a hub for diplomacy education and reflects a broader trend in African universities expanding global-facing curricula.
Why this matters for students and the region
The EU and AU are pivotal players in global diplomacy, development finance, and regional stability. By offering a dedicated comparative module, UoN provides students with a structured pathway to understand how these bodies interact with member states, international organizations, and the private sector. The course prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, think tanks, and multinational corporations that operate across Europe and Africa.
Beyond student training, the module signals stronger academic collaboration between the University of Nairobi and partners across continents. The initiative may pave the way for joint seminars, faculty exchanges, and research partnerships that enrich curricula and broaden opportunities for field research in EU and AU member states.
Faculty and resources
IDIS has brought together a team of scholars with expertise in international law, regional security, development policy, and comparative politics to guide the module. The teaching approach emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for guest lectures from diplomats, researchers, and practitioners who work within EU and AU institutions. The university also notes that the program will leverage its existing network of international partners to offer additional reading materials, study tours, and collaborative projects.
Expected outcomes and future prospects
As students engage with the content, the program aims to produce graduates who can analyze and translate complex EU-AU interactions into practical strategies for policy, diplomacy, and development. Long-term, UoN envisions expanding the module into a broader diploma or master’s specialization that could facilitate more formal exchanges, fellowships, and joint research agendas. In a global context where diplomacy education is increasingly cross-border, the EU-AU studies module stands to become a model for regional universities seeking to enhance their international profile.
Conclusion
The launch of the Comparative Studies of the European Union and the African Union at the University of Nairobi marks a meaningful advance in diplomatic education. By equipping students with nuanced understanding of EU-AU relations, the program supports Nairobi’s ambition to be a regional leader in international studies while contributing to a more interconnected and knowledgeable generation of globally minded professionals.
