As this second installment in our series of interactive videoconferences this year, Conversations in Europe, the EUCE/ESC will bring experts together via remote connection to discuss the range and level of European influence in the Middle East. Europe has, until recently, been an attractive model for countries in democratization, because of the non-threatening, non-military way Europe—and the EU in particular—attracted adherents. Almost two years after the Arab Spring, does Europe retain any influence, any ability to influence events?

Professor Tal Sadeh, Head of the Hartog School of Government and Policy at Tel Aviv University, will discuss the effects of monetary union on supranational identity in Europe.

The struggle between Russia and Great Britain over Central Asia in the nineteenth century was the original "great game." But in the past quarter century, a new "great game" has emerged, pitting America against a newly aggressive Russia and a resource-hungry China, all struggling for influence over one of the volatile areas in the world. In Great Games, Local Rules, Alexander Cooley, one of America's most respected Central Asia experts, explores the dynamics of the new competition over the region since 9/11.

This intensive, interdisciplinary one-credit course explores how current thematic factors interact to influence Russia’s position today and into the future. The topics covered include political and economic transformations; changes in public policy involving health, education, and the recent elections; and pressing contemporary issues of global importance such as energy policy, international trade, and Russia’s position on the war on terror.

Professor of History at Marquette University, Timothy McMahon will use this lecture to build upon a question that framed his book, Grand Opportunity: The Gaelic Revival and Irish Society. Inspired by a from a quotation from a revivalist who wondered whether his fellow revivalists recognized the grand opportunity that their work presented to them, Dr. McMahon uses this as a starting point for a reflection on the legacies of that earlier revival the state of the language today, particularly in the light of Ireland's relationship to Europe.

A panel discussion of Irish migration since the 18th century with specific focus on the Irish experience in Pittsburgh. Featured panelists are Irish historians at Universities in the Pittsburgh region. James Lamb, Honorary Consul of Ireland will chair the discussion.

Visiting Scholar Dusan Soltes (visiting at the IBC from July 3-15, 2012) and five graduate students from Political Science and GSPIA discussed careers, politics, the UN, and the EU over lunch. Soltes is a professor at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia and specializes in FDI and the global financial crisis.

From September 10-14, 2012 the EUCE/ESC will host Irish Studies Week. The activities will include a video conference, center lectures on Gaelic Revivals, The Irish in Pittsburgh, the Idea of Poverty in Ireland, and Irish Culture. Please check back for a full list of programs.

On November 2, 2012 the EUCE/ESC will host the 8th Annual Jean Monnet Symposium on the French Elections, the new French government, and its implications for the European Union. Lunch will be served from 12-1 and pre-registration is required for this portion of the program. To RSVP, please contact Karen Lautanen at kal70@pitt.edu.

Samples of panelists' relevant works can be accessed and downloaded at the EUCE/ESC website.

Schedule of Events:

11:30 am: Assemble at the Gold Room, University Club, 2nd Floor; check-in