Lecture Series / Brown Bag

European Studies Center Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Series In 2022, the Meloni government renewed plans to connect Sicily and the Italian mainland— plans that had lain dormant for more than a decade—and build the largest single-span suspension bridge in the world. What does this most recent chapter of the bridge’s story tell us about Sicily’s place in the Italian nation, in Europe, and in frameworks of integration and security? And how do the politics of this moment resonate with earlier plans to bind this notoriously “seismic” island to more “stable” ground? Bio: Dr.

European Studies Center Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Series This “lunch and learn” session will present the preliminary results of Dr. von Dirke research for her upcoming book titled "East Asian Diaspora in Germany Today." Dr. von Dirke will discuss how images of minoritized populations shape perception in today’s highly differentiated media societies. Her research aims to map the circulation of Asian clichés and stereotypes in public discourse. These stereotypes, clichés and tropes are, of course, rooted in the German colonialist project.

Sören Urbansky, Ruhr University Bochum Chair, Eastern European History Dr. Urbansky discusses the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants during the late Tsarist Empire and early Soviet Union, highlighting the racial and cultural prejudices that fueled hostilities in urban settings. His analysis explores how these early interactions shaped the experiences and perceptions of Chinese communities in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.

This panel will delve into the issue of democratic backsliding across Europe, with a particular focus on its implications for the European Union. In light of the pivotal elections of 2024, the discussion aims to explore historical contexts and shed light on emerging threats to democratic principles in the region. Panelists: Pieter de Wilde, University of Groningen His research focuses on political conflict over European integration and globalization.

Beyond the Ballot: Europe's Democratic Journey Lecture Series: As the European Union faces complex challenges, from rising populism to economic uncertainty, the role of youth in shaping its future has never been more critical. This panel brings together experts to explore how the EU can better engage its youth in democratic processes.

Beyond the Ballot: Europe's Democratic Journey: The panelists will facilitate a discussion about the history of the EU, and its efforts to increase its democratic credentials. Beginning with the first direct elections to the European Parliament (EP) in 1979 and with every Treaty reform since Maastricht, new sources of democratic legitimacy have been introduced. Yet, the notion of the EU’s democratic deficit persists, with citizens demanding greater democratic accountability of EU institutions and of the decision-making process.

This lecture, part of Uninorte's Cátedra Europa 2024 series, will feature Silvana Insignares and Professor Amparo Alcoceba from Carlos III University of Madrid. They will explore "The Role of the European Union as a Global Actor: Challenges and Strategies," with a focus on the EU's democratic clause in trade agreements.

October 1 and 3: Lecture Series Uninorte will be hosting two lectures as part of their "Cátedra Europa 2024," which this year features Italy as the guest country. October 1: Participation from the EU Delegation in Colombia, along with several Colombian and Italian academics, focusing on Cooperation for Peace in Colombia.

Moderator: Erica Edwards, University of Pittsburgh Jae-Jae Spoon, University of Pittsburgh Panelists: Tim Bale, Queen Mary University of London Diane Bolet, University of Essex Simon Hix, European University Institute