Russia is reported to be proactively engaging in sabotage and military provocations across Europe, while Europe retaliates with its ‘Readiness 2030 plan’ and increased spending on re-arming.
Will these measures lead to a more united Europe?
And how will the USA fit into this?
Join panellists from @univofstandrews, @StirUni, the University of Edinburgh, and @ohiou at Festival of Politics event ‘Are we at war?’ to be part of the discussion.
Friday 28 August – 6.30pm
In partnership with the Scottish Council on Global Affairs
Russia is reported to be waging a proactive campaign of sabotage, airspace incursions, cyber intrusions and military provocations right across Europe. In retaliation, Europe is re-arming with an estimated budget rise of 100 billion euros and war preparedness set out in the ‘Readiness 2030 Plan’.
Will these existing threats and challenges forge a more united Europe as it sits in the grey zone of WWIII, or will Europe splinter under pressure? And what about its NATO ally America, and President Trump’s claim on Greenland? Can, and will, Europe fight on two fronts and how ready is it for war?
Professor Kristen Harkness is the Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Strategy and teaches in the School of International Relations at the University of St. Andrews. In 2023-24, she served as the Thematic Research Lead for International Affairs and National Security with the UK Parliament.
Professor Holger Nehring is Professor of Contemporary European History at the University of Stirling. He specialises in the history of post-1945 Western Europe, in particular the history of the Cold War, the history of social movements and sub-national diplomacy. He has held visiting positions at Stanford, EHESS in Paris and the Mershon Center at Ohio State University. He co-authored the book Cold War Scotland.
Emile Chabal is Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Edinburgh, with a particular interest in the political and intellectual life of post-war Europe. His latest book is The Age of Hobsbawm: The Life of a Revolutionary Historian.
Scott Milburn is an Executive-in-Residence at Ohio University in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs where he focuses on leadership development for state and local public sectors.
Previously he held senior positions at the White House, a presidential campaign, the U.S. House and Senate, and for two Ohio governors.
‘Brexit – ten years on’ – A look back at a decade of political and economic change, and where the UK’s relationship with Europe stands today.
‘Trust in public institutions’ – How can confidence be rebuilt after major public scandals?
‘Why social media abuse towards women in politics is damaging democracy’ – Exploring how online abuse and misinformation can affect political participation and representation.
‘When does free speech become hate speech?’ – Where should the line be drawn, and what role do social media platforms play?
‘The evolution of devolution’ – How has devolution changed decision-making across the UK, and what impact has it had over the years?
‘In conversation with Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond’ – Hear from one of the UK’s most influential legal figures as she reflects on her career and discusses her latest book, With the Law on Our Side.
27-28 August
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