Co-sponsored by Jean Monnet European Union Center of Excellence for Populism and Political Economy, and Center for Germany & European Studies
Europe and the European Union find themselves confronted with unprecedented turmoil and uncertainty. Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine rages on, with massive economic and security implications for Europe and deep uncertainty about its resolution. China’s rise continues to pose serious economic and political challenges, raising questions about the future of Europe’s trade, financial, and security policies. At home, far right and populist parties continue to attract significant popular support, transforming the landscape of European politics in Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, and nearly every other EU member-state and raising major questions about the future of democracy and European integration.
Above all, the very foundations of the postwar international and transatlantic order are now under threat. For eight decades, close economic and ironclad military cooperation between the US and its NATO allies has been the centerpiece of European and transatlantic security and prosperity. Now, Europe finds itself an unwilling participant in a US-EU trade war and wondering whether the US remains fully committed to NATO and Article 5. EU and European leaders are now scrambling to increase defense spending and find a path forward in a world where the US is no longer be a reliable ally and partner in international economic, security, and political cooperation.
The Symposium panels bring together leading scholars and experts from across Europe, in tandem with some of the University of Wisconsin’s top scholars in political science, economics, and public policy, to try and understand this unprecedented moment of uncertainty and its political and economic causes and consequences. The symposium will engage students, faculty, and the public and highlight the crucial importance of studying and analyzing transatlantic relations in our current political moment.
Symposium Schedule
1:00: Welcome and Introduction
By Mark Copelovitch, Director of European Studies and Jean Monnet Chair
1:05-2:45: Populism, Democracy, and the Economy in Europe
What is behind the rise in public support for far right and populist parties across Europe in the last decade? To what extent is this related to the economic shocks of the last several years? Which groups and voters are most likely to support populist and far right parties, and why? What role does media coverage and social media play in these developments? How have mainstream political parties responded to the populist authoritarian challenge?
Panelists:
- Catherine de Vries, Dean for International Affairs and Professor of Political Science, Bocconi University Milan
- Stefanie Walter, Professor of International Relations and Political Economy in the Department of Political Science, University of Zurich
- Florian Foos, Associate Professor in Political Behaviour in the Department of Government, London School of Economic
- Chair: Nils Ringe, Professor, Robert F. and Sylvia T. Wagner Chair, Department of Political Science
2:45-4:15: The European Union and the Euro in the Global Economy
How are current developments in the global economy affecting Europe? How should the European Union and its members respond to Donald Trump’s tariffs and the threat of a global trade war? To what extent does the United States’ embrace of tariffs and economic nationalism present Europe with an opportunity to assume a greater leadership role in global economic governance? What are the monetary, financial, and trade consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war for the EU? What does all of this mean for European Monetary Union and the euro’s role in the global financial system?
Panelists:
- Menzie Chinn, Professor of Public Affairs and Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Manuela Moschella, Professor of Political Science, University of Bologna & Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins University SAIS-Europe
- Mark Copelovitch, Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Chair: Jon Pevehouse, Professor of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
4:30-6:00: Transatlantic Relations in Uncertain Times
Europe finds itself facing unprecedented challenges in 2025. The foundations of European security and prosperity – NATO, American hegemony, the centrality of transatlantic economic and security ties, and the absence of war on the Continent – are crumbling. If the post-WWII US-led liberal order is collapsing, it remains unclear what will replace it. How should we understand the domestic and international politics of transatlantic relations in uncertain times? What should the European Union and its members do to meet the new geopolitical, security, and economic challenges
Panelists:
- Laura von Daniels, Head of Research Division, The Americas, The German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
- Stephanie Hofmann, Professor and Joint Chair in International Relations in the Department of Political and Social Science and Robert Schuman Center of Advanced Studies and Direction of the Europe in the World research area at the Robert Schuman Center
- Moderator: Mark Copelovitch, Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
A reception of 30min in the Lee Lounge will follow the end of the event.
