MAEUS Student Spotlight: Ben Nathan

Ben Nathan is an EU Center Graduate Assistant and an MA student in European Union Studies who is set to graduate this May. He received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2022. Using the U.S. and China as case studies, his undergraduate thesis explored how governments utilize minority targeting propaganda campaigns for political gain. Ben's MA thesis, titled "The Asymmetrical Dynamics of Market Powers with Normatively Misaligned Partners: The EU-Israel Case Study," looked at EU-Israel relations. 

EU Center: Can you summarize your MA thesis for us in one sentence?

Ben: Exploring a trade agreement between the two entities, the thesis studied the impact of the structure of legal agreements on their contracting parties, finding that the EU may incentivize noncompliance with certain parts of its international agreements to facilitate their ratification and then use less direct means to achieve its long-term goals. 

EU Center: What was your favorite class as an MA student?

Ben: EURO 502 stood out amongst the other EURO courses due to its emphasis on the EU’s external relations, my specific area of interest in EU studies. Having taken the course twice, with two different instructors, I was given the opportunity to conduct interesting research projects and discuss fascinating articles pertaining to the EU’s foreign relations and international agreements.

EU Center: What is your favorite memory from UIUC?

Ben: Returning to campus after the COVID-19 pandemic remains one of my favorite UIUC memories. Having not seen many of my friends and peers for half a year, finally returning to Champaign was a much needed shift back to normalcy after so many months of strict lockdown protocols. 

EU Center: What about your favorite event?

Ben: Earlier this year, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovich came to campus to discuss her storied career and thoughts on the current state of Ukraine. I was given the opportunity to be one of the students who interviewed the former ambassador and am confident that the memories of that experience will remain some of the most exciting ones from my time at UIUC. 

EU Center: Do you have any advice for incoming MAEUS students?

Ben: When writing your thesis, be prepared to need to be flexible. Not everything will necessarily work happen in the manner that you want or expect it to but there is always a path forward. I was expecting to conduct interviews for my thesis research but was unable to secure them. That resulted in a drastic change in the methodological approach but in the end, the project was a success. 

EU Center: What are your post-graduation plans?

Ben: My short-term plans are somewhat up in the air. May, June, and July will be spent relaxing after five straight years of higher education. During that time, I'll hopefully secure a job somewhere for two or three years before applying to law schools and eventually becoming a practicing lawyer focusing on international law. 

The European Union Center congratulates Ben on completing his master's degree and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors. Please stay in touch!