The Hague University of Applied Science, 19 January 2018
Keynote lecture by Prof. Nico Carpentier (Uppsala University, Sweden), 18 January
After the sovereign debt crisis, the austerity responses of the powerful northern member states with its devastating results for the southern member states, the European Union finds itself confronted with old and new crisis of defining its future.
The European narrative though remains hidden under thick layers of Eurosceptic discourses, and does not provide for a straightforward paved path. Communicating the European vision is all but disrupted between the European elites and the recipients in the member states. Populist parties across Europe hail the death of the European vision. Once more, we find ourselves at crossroads. We need to choose wisely. The current cacophony of narratives of disengagement and isolationism, exemplified by the outcome of the Brexit referendum, seems to put the final dismissive stamp on a peaceful, prosperous and united Europe. It becomes clear that Europe needs a moment of reflection, and take stock of the available paths ahead in the search for a vision that could lead the way.
The aim of this conference, however, is not simply to contribute to this cacophony of voices, or to dwell on constructed narratives that lack substance and remain vague. This conference seeks to identify the reality of the European project as it is lived and perceived and sometimes feared by European citizens.
Papers are invited on the topics relating to (but not limited to:)
- The relevance of existing narratives (cosmopolitan Europe narrative, human rights narrative, shared history and goal narrative, European citizenship narrative, free trade narrative)
- The relevance of subdued narratives (working class, generational gap, North-South divide, East-West divide, minorities etc.)
- Elite vs non-elite narratives
- Rival narratives in member states and EU institutions
- The institutional narrative
- The communication of European narratives. (political communication, position of sender and recipient, malfunctioning of communication)
- Forms of new (more inclusive) dialogues
We especially welcome scholars from the fields of political science, International Relations, anthropology, sociology, history and communication.
The following information should be included in the paper proposal: 1) Title; 2) Abstract (up to 500 words); 3) Short biography (up to 200 words) 3) Contact information.
Deadline for submission: 15 September, 2017.
Contact Info: Antje Grebner – a.grebner@hhs.nl | Guido van Hengel – g.c.vanhengel@hhs.nl
