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Learning about Possible Futures: How Foresight Analysis improves governance and emergency preparedness

Dr Valentina Amuso (UCL) and Dr Lieve Van Woensel (EPRS) consider how policymakers can best approach technological change through contextual awareness, stakeholders involvement, and a multidisciplinary approach Continue reading Learning about Possible Futures: How Foresight Analysis improves governance and emergency preparedness

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Affairs in Berlin: Harold in Germany, Vita in Love

Kathryn Batchelor, Professor of Translation Studies and Director of UCL Centre for Translation Studies, reflects on the significance of a new exhibition at Sissinghurst Castle Garden bringing British-German friendship firmly into view through an exploration of the Sissinghurst Castle Garden library. Continue reading Affairs in Berlin: Harold in Germany, Vita in Love

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Between empire and democracy: the complex legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev

Una Bergmane explores the complex and competing legacies of Mikhail Gorbachev, particularly in the Baltic states, and the incompatibility he encountered between the democratisation of Soviet society and the preservation of the Soviet empire.  Continue reading Between empire and democracy: the complex legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev

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Which multipolar partner: Russia or Europe? China’s Ukraine dilemma

Richard McMahon explores Chinese narratives of political relations between Russia, Europe and the US and how they frame Russia’s war on Ukraine. This article draws on Dr McMahon’s research on Chinese scholarly representations of the EU. Continue reading Which multipolar partner: Russia or Europe? China’s Ukraine dilemma

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The Values of Europe (Mini-series): A UCL student perspective

UCL SSEES student Freya Proudman underlines the power of young people in upholding and revitalising European values with new life and enthusiasm and calls for youth activism and civic participation to be meaningfully supported. Continue reading The Values of Europe (Mini-series): A UCL student perspective

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The Values of Europe (Mini-series): Promoting and Defending European Values

Dr Mart Kuldkepp highlights the values that European institutions have promoted on a national and international stage, and argues that in response to Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine, Europe must now be ready to defend these values by force of arms, if necessary. Continue reading The Values of Europe (Mini-series): Promoting and Defending European Values

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The Values of Europe (Mini-series): Balancing universalist and particularist influences; Navigating uniformity and flexibility

Professor Ronan McCrea argues that an understanding of the EU as a polity based exclusively on shared liberal democratic values obscures the tension between universalist and specific influences within the Union, and explores the limits of the shared values the EU can insist upon, while sustaining the integration project. Continue reading The Values of Europe (Mini-series): Balancing universalist and particularist influences; Navigating uniformity and flexibility

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The Ukrainian Refugee Crisis: Six Elements of an Effective Response

Professor Christian Dustmann and Professor Ian Preston identify six steps public policy-makers in the EU and the UK can take in response to the latest immigration wave facing Europe, based on lessons learnt from previous refugee crises. Continue reading The Ukrainian Refugee Crisis: Six Elements of an Effective Response

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UCL analyses of Russia’s war on Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 has brought war to Europe, catalysed a humanitarian and refugee crisis, and transformed the continent irrevocably. 

In response, the European Institute has collated comment pieces from academics across UCL, with expertise spanning Russian, Ukrainian and East European Studies, Political Science and International Relations, History, Political Thought and Literature.  Continue reading UCL analyses of Russia’s war on Ukraine

Illegal immigration: cracking down on smuggling makes gangs more organised – and costs migrant lives

David Suber discusses the latest UK government’s illegal migration bill, which aims to tackle the rise in small boat Channel crossings by removing anyone who arrives in the UK without permission to enter. The bill is in committee stage, but critics have argued that the focus should be on cracking down on smuggling gangs. Continue reading Illegal immigration: cracking down on smuggling makes gangs more organised – and costs migrant lives