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About this talk

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the future appeared to be bright for Europe as it pursued ambitious strategies of deepening (Monetary Union) and widening (Enlargement). New states transitioned to democracy and market economy, while Russia appeared to be interested in closer cooperation. Today, Europe is buffeted by a series of crises, including the most lethal war in Europe since the Second World War launched by Russia. The future of the continent appears highly uncertain and contested both internationally with the return of geopolitical rivalries and among states with populist visions of the future challenging mainstream parties. What can history teach us about the material and ideational forces, conditions and actors that shape responses to these crises and longer-term futures? Are we experiencing a moment of profound transition towards a new (dis-) order? How much scope is there for European political agency, creativity, and struggle to articulate mobilising visions and ideas of Europe's future and shape its future in more desirable ways? The inaugural keynote speech by Professor Garton Ash will be followed by responses and discussion among three accomplished historians with deep and varied expertise of key periods of European history, the evolution and impact of geopolitical crises, and the role of changing ideas. The event coincides with the launch of Professor Garton Ash's new book Europe in 7 ½ Chapters.

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