A Guest lecture by Dr Manfred Kohler on 13 March 2012 at 13h at BSIS
The European Union is not a state, but a political union” is a famous quote by Simon Hix, one of the major experts on the European Union. The European Union is nevertheless a political system with federal structures that are continuously evolving. This lecture will first outline some federal structures, like those of Switzerland, India and the United States, in order to outline the strengths and weaknesses any federal structure is confronted with, including the European Union. What are the federal structures which keep so many people under one roof for so long?
The lecture will then go on to show that the European Union is something completely new, which cannot be compared to the old European ideas of unity. The European integration process has indeed been really successful. Why is this so? We will look at some European Integration theories to understand why Europe united after the Second World War. However, the European Union is facing many pressures in the current Euro Crisis or sovereign debt crisis. What are those pressures and what do they mean for the future European integration process? Is the crisis a chance for Europe or the first sign of collapse?
Last but not least, this lecture will draw attention to some national pathologies – especially the German and British ones – which might threaten or endanger European integration. What does it mean for the European Union if Germany considers itself the paymaster of Europe, and what does the somehow contradictory British focus on national sovereignty mean for the EU? The lecture shall provide some answers to all these questions and hopefully spark interesting discussions.
Attendance is free, but it would be helpful to confirm your attendance to bsis@kent.ac.uk.