Debating Europe: Internal and External Dynamics of European Integration (DEBUE) is a multidisciplinary project funded by the European Union’s Jean Monnet scheme which aims to foster learning and informed debate on the internal and external challenges shaping European integration and driving the EU’s place in the world. DEBUE meets the need for knowledge and critical analysis of EU issues and integration at a time when fake news and misrepresentation are widespread, and democracy and the rule of law are at risk. The Head of the DEBUE project is Dr Kerry Longhurst. Recently our students participated in the recording and preparation of two podcasts that were created as part of the DEBUE project in Collegium Civitas.
Italy’s new populism: what next?
The rise of populism and nationalism has become a notable feature in a number of European states over the past few years. Reinforced by the Covid-19 pandemic, some governments resorted to less than democratic actions and policies at variance with the rule of law. Against this background, this podcast debue in on the case of Italy and provides insights and discussion on Georgia Meloni, who was elected Prime Minister in October 2022. Panelists: Milana Bagdasarian, Kadiralp Topbas, and Rita Ventura consider the extent to which Meloni and her agenda align with far-right ideologies in Italy’s past and what the effects of this might be for the country, Europe, and the future of democracy.
The future of Europe: breakdown or breakthrough?
Once again, Europe is at a crossroads. Russia’s war on Ukraine has revealed the EU’s unique characteristics as a hybrid power and has prompted a high level of solidarity amongst EU states vis a vis Ukraine. At the same time, the war reveals the limits to the EU’s hard power and raises questions about its relevance. In this podcast, Collegium Civitas students: Filip Gałązka, Tumarbike Bekitova, and Prince Wori debate the future of European integration and tackle fundamental questions to do with enlargement, migration, conflict, and external relations.
These podcasts were produced in Collegium Civitas as part of the #DEBUE project: “Debating Europe: Internal and External Dynamics of European Integration.” The project is co-funded by the European Union under Jean Monnet Programme.
