What is the role of the EU in today's politics?

The genesis of the European Union in post war Europe represented, for many, the creation of a bastion of liberality, a model for world order and a champion for integration. But within its area of influence, nationalism and de-globalisation are on the ascendant. Member country Austria's recent history-making election, in which its far-right Nazi ideology-espousing Freedom Party was victorious, is an extreme example of emblematic trends across Europe. Such trends serve to highlight the challenges the EU is facing, and its likely future.

Otago University Associate Professor, Politics, Jim Headley is currently teaching a paper on the EU. In our next Catalyst kōrero, Jim will bring his focus on the history, politics and future of the European Union to share with us.

Jim’s specialist topics are the EU, Russian foreign policy, nationalism and ethnic conflict, and international relations theory. He completed his PhD at the school of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London.

Jim intends to explore the origins of the EU. He'll cover topics such as whether European integration should be seen as a peace project, or a quest for a larger market. And while looking back at the past, Jim will also speak to the future of the EU. He will pose such questions as: is the EU a state? is it in perma-crisis? is further integration likely? will we continue to see the numbers of its member states grow?

To hear more, and have the opportunity to question Associate Professor Headley, come along to our next event which is:

• Sunday 20 October 6 to 7.30pm at The Rees Hotel Queenstown
• Registration required here to ensure your seat 
• Please bring cash for your koha which will be given to the Citizens Advice Bureau Queenstown

We are pleased to have Jim Headley off the back of his talk for U3A: Russia’s war against Ukraine: ideology, nationalism, imperialism on October 21st.