EU Futures

In this episode, Ines Garcia de la Puente talks about the massive societal changes the EU has undergone in the past 25 years. She emphasizes the importance of literature in influencing the development of children, describing how reading teaches people to be open minded to different experiences and cultures. Garcia de la Puente discusses the role of artists in connecting Europeans across geographical and historic boundaries, arguing that multilingualism should be at the core of children's education in order to promote transcultural awareness and communication between countries. She ends by highlighting the need for adequate investment into education systems and praises teachers for stimulating interest in academic and artistic pursuits among European youths. [Date of interview: May 5, 2017]

In this episode, Prof. Graham Wilson talks to Olya Yordanyan about the resilience of the European Union in the face of Brexit and other challenges, given the wave of antipathy towards EU institutions, not only in countries where it might be expected such as Greece, but also in northern Europe. He describes how attitudes toward Europe have changed over the years, the locus of European identity, and the impact of Brexit, among other things. [Date of interview: May 4, 2017]

In this episode, Erik Goldstein discusses the diverse history of European countries and the need to support the organic convergence of the various forms and ideas of democracy across the EU member states into a single coherent project. He talks about the security threats facing the EU and the need for a reorganization of military commitments and a stronger Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Goldstein explains how the EU was designed for only six states and the structural reforms necessary to promote a more collaborative Europe at the national, regional, and supranational levels. [Date of interview: May 4, 2017]

In this episode, German journalist Christian Feld and current Nieman Fellow at Harvard University highlights the role of journalists in facilitating a dialogue that exposes threats to democracy in an era of “disinformation” and “fake news.” He argues that that Europeans would have more trust in the EU if the project was perceived as helping citizens, who are not interested in democracy as an abstract concept. Feld talks about the need for journalists to educate both themselves and their audiences about the digital world (including AI, big data, machine learning, and social media platforms) in order to diminish the power of echo chambers and to stimulate conversations in which groups can listen to one another and collectively create solutions, despite their differences in opinion.

In this episode, William Keylor talks to Olya Yordanyan about the emerging future in Europe. He focusses on the role of France, both from a historical and a contemporary perspective, and offers an analysis of the long-term implications of the upcoming French presidential election. He explains how economic strains and a concomitant identity crisis=are the contributing to the rise of populist movements in Europe, and warns of the dangers represented by political parties claiming to be the “voice of the people.” Keylor also discusses the threat of Russia and the future of transatlantic security and the EU's common security and defense policy (CSDP). He ends on a positive note, arguing that we must remain optimistic and celebrate the massive achievements of the European project since the end of WW II. [Date of interview: April 20, 2017]

In this episode, Spanish politician Joaquín Almunia speaks about the centrality of integration to the European project of “peace, democratic values, human rights, and freedoms” and the need for Member States to come together if they are going to face the challenges of the 21st Century. He explains that while Brexit poses difficulties, the EU will continue the integration process at both the national and supranational levels. Almunia speaks about the failure of European politicians to explain the complexity of the problems and the types of solutions necessary to overcome the present crises to their citizens, and how as a result they are to blame for the rise of populist candidates, who offer criticism rather than viable alternatives. He ends by describing his belief that the EU should not be compared to the United States, as European countries have a diversity of languages, experiences, and history, making integration a much more daunting endeavor. [Date of interview: April 13, 2017]

In this episode, Cornel Ban speaks about the long-term implications of Brexit and the need for Europe to return to something resembling post-war paradigm in which employment and measures to reduce social inequalities formed the core of European economic policy. He then weighs the costs and benefits of a two-speed Europe, while condemning the blame-shifting among EU Member States onto debtor states and countries located at the periphery of Europe, as well as the emergence of new divisions in Europe in place of the former East-West divide. Ban ends by sharing his hope that Europeans remain optimistic and rediscover Europe's traditional strengths of community, environmental sustainability, and progressive urbanism. His vision for Europe is a truly inspiring one, making this podcast well worth a listen. [Date of interview: April 12, 2017]

In this episode, Betsy Carter describes her belief that current changes in the direction of the European project present an opportunity to not only increase the legitimacy of the EU but also to offer Member States an opportunity to implement policies that complement their own institutions. She then explains how the EU is based upon a “vision of visionaries” rather than the needs and concerns of European citizens, which have gone unheard, and she condemned far right politicians for moving Europe toward a past that never truly existed. “The future is open,” is Carter's closing remark, as she articulates her hope for a Europe in which diversity is celebrated and economic regulations are rolled back to allow comparative advantages for individual Member States. [Date of interview: April 10, 2017]

IIn this episode, Olya Yordanyan talks to German sociologist Wolfgang Streeck about his bleak vision of the emerging future in Europe and the reasons for his pessimism. He explains how the “one size fits all” approach in the EU and EMU has failed, adding, “groups hoping for the restoration of national autonomy are a democratic reaction of despair with international regime that neglects broad range of interests present in these peoples.” Questioning the optimal scale of governance in a globalized economy, Streeck ends by emphasizing the importance of restructuring the current monetary regime as well as the need for innovative solutions in order to stabilize the world economy in the short run. [Date of interview: April 4, 2017]

In this episode, Alisa Sopova spoke about the way war is reported and documented in the self-proclaimed DPR and LPR versus the rest of Ukraine. She explained her frustration with the Ukrainian media calling the Eastern territories "Mordor” or “black holes”, and talked about her personal decision to avoid the increasingly prevalent tactics of an information war by adhering to classic, objective journalism. Sopova expressed her belief that reconciliation could occur if people on both sides of the conflict were able to communicate and realize the similarities between their traumatic experiences. Speaking about the future, the journalist described her desire for Russia to recognize Ukraine as a sovereign state and for the EU to see Ukraine as an example of what happens when populist politicians successfully rewrite the public narrative and promote the polarization of populations. [Date of interview: April 3, 2017]

In this episode, Robert Socha focused on the growing income gap in Europe and the United States, and the disconnection between elites and average citizens. Talking about his childhood in communist Poland, Socha expressed his love for the democratic, borderless European project and his pride in his home country advancing since the fall of the Iron Curtain. He admitted, "the EU is not a perfect place – it is often too bureaucratic, lacks vision, too distant to ordinary people,” but ended the conversation by explaining his belief that European identity is based upon a shared past, but that the continent's complicated history has taught Europeans the necessity of communication. [Date of interview: April 3, 2017]

In this episode, Isabel Schayani explained how she transformed a Facebook page into a platform for communicating directly with migrants, describing how her WDR project offers news, education, and entertainment for refugees entering Germany. The discussion moved toward a conversation about the situation facing asylum-seekers in Europe, as Schayani condemned the treatment of refugees in Eastern Europe and how she believes journalists are in the unique position to teach Europeans to avoid xenophobic assumptions and help migrants orient themselves once settled in the EU. She ended by emphasizing the global dimension of migration in the 21st century and the need for Europeans to provide adequate information about legal channels of entry to refugees trapped on the periphery of the EU. [Date of interview: April 3, 2017]

In this episode, Dr. Jacqueline Cramer discusses her belief that EU Member States can pursue common goals at 'different speeds', allowing countries to act as frontrunners in fields such as sustainability and circular economic practices. Cramer emphasized the need for Brussels to reconnect with and engage citizens in order to foster a community of Europeans within an increasingly globalized world. She emphasized the threat of populism, arguing that “democracy is the key of European culture - it should be nourished all the time in order to show what the enormous merits are of our democracy." Cramer ended by commenting on the strength of diversity and the need for Europeans to find a balance between national identity and common EU values of democracy and socioeconomic stability. [Date of interview: March 6, 2017]

In this episode, architects Bernard Dubois and Pol Esteve talk about the turning point Europe faces today, specifically highlighting the imbalances between the supranational institutions of the EU and the national-based governments. Given their backgrounds growing up in Catalonia and Belgium, the two men agreed that there are many schisms in Europe - at the EU, national, and regional levels - but that integration can occur as a result of finding commonalities beyond geographical borders. They emphasized the radical modernization of Europe and role of younger generations in participating in the European project. They concluded that artists in Europe should promote a better understanding of EU institutions, promote transparency, and defending human rights and diversity. [Date of interview: March 5, 2017] Photo Bernard Dubois: Valextra

In this episode, Olya Yordanyan talks to Alberto Alemanno about European democracy and how citizens might engage politically to regain some power and influence over their own futures. They discuss Alemanno's new book, Lobbying for Change: Find Your Voice to Create a Better Society, as well as the recent white paper on the future of Europe, and the threat to democracy presented by the populist parties. [Date of interview: March 5, 2017]

In this episode Olya Yordanyan talks to Dutch politician Esther de Lange, Vice-Chair of the European People's Party (EPP) in the European Parliament. De Lange focuses on the big challenges Europe faces, challenges she believes will require cooperation across borders. She stresses the need for Europe to reinvent itself: “We need a different Europe in the 21st century than we did in the 1950s and 60s.” The debate now, she says, is about global issues and Europe's role in the world. Europe, she says, is stronger together. But people need a ”smart Europe.“ And Europe needs to find more ways to engage citizens at the local and supranational levels. The lack of leadership paralyzes citizens, she adds. [Date of interview: March 4, 2017]

In this episode, Olya Yordanyan and Sandra Porcar talk to Aleksandra Sojka, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Political Science, University of Granada, Spain, about political situation in Europe. Sojka discusses the disconnect between European institutions - at both the EU and national levels - and European citizens. She attributes the rise of populist parties to the growing perception of European citizens that they have been denied any say in their political future, stressing the need for policies that address citizens' concerns. She describes the disappointment of many in Central and Eastern Europe, who have not experienced personally the benefits of enlargement. [Date of interview: March 3, 2017]

In this episode of the EU Futures podcast, Markus K. Brunnermeier, Edwards S. Sanford Professor of Economics at Princeton University and author of The Euro and the Battle of Ideas (Princeton University Press, 2016), discusses the fundamental differences between the economic policies in France and Germany, presenting their ideological bases and historical contexts. Brunnermeier thinks that the European Union is capable of overcoming the challenges it faces if common ground could be found between the French and German positions. He is hopeful about the future of Europe, and the Eurozone, but believes that Europe needs a common vision and a big goal that can be only achieved together.

In this episode, Olya Yordanyan and Toria Rainey talk to Chandler Rosenberger, Chair of the International and Global Studies Program at Brandeis University, about the emerging future in Europe. The conversation focusses on the different political cultures in Europe, different conceptions of nationalism, and the relationship between nationalism and democracy. Rosenberger shares his concern over the re-emergence in some states of an undemocratic and ethnic nationalism many thought had been put to rest after the “return to Europe” of the formerly communist nations of Eastern Europe. He describes the need to rethink the cultural and intellectual roots of the European project in order to reawaken a sense of Europe that people will want to belong to. The more successful politicians are in capturing the imagination of citizens, the more healthier the future of Europe will be. [Date of interview: February 28, 2017]

In this episode our visiting researcher Sandra Porcar talks to José María Beneyto about the emergence of populism in Europe and what it means for Europe's future. Beneyto discusses the need for European politicians to address citizens' concerns without acquiescing to populist demands. Globalization, he says, has exacerbated feelings of abandonment and anonymity among citizens who long for the security that comes from a sense of embeddedness in culture and in community. He ends with a positive note on the future of the continent, by considering the fact that traditionally Europe has used crises as opportunities and has historically regenerated itself based on the unity of its peoples. José María Beneyto is an academic, an international lawyer, a politician and a writer. He is a visiting professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and a professor of European Law and Politics, International Relations and International Law, a Jean Monnet Chair ad personam of the EU and the Director of the Institute for European Studies in Madrid. He has published extensively on European Union, he has been practicing law over twenty years, and he was also a Civil Servant of the European Institutions and an advisor to the European Parliament, the European Convention, the OCDE and the World Bank. [Date of interview: February 27, 2017]

In this episode, Olya Yordanyan talks to Eva Hausteiner [@evahausteiner], political theorist, intellectual historian, and author of "Greater than Rome" (Campus 2015), about the opening of new future(s) for Europe in the aftermath of recent crises. There is, Hausteiner says, despite the narrative of lack of alternatives, a renewed interest on the part of European citizens in revitalizing the European project. We are at a crossroads where multiple futures are possible. Hausteiner also talks about her research on federalism and her interest in competing conceptions of federalism, arguing that the EU is already a federal association. [Date of interview: February 23, 2017]

In this episode Olya Yordanyan talks to Emile Chabal [@emile_chabal], Chancellor's Fellow in History at the University of Edinburgh, about the uncertainty in Europe and about how to redefine the European project in a way that addresses people's disillusion and dissatisfaction with current political arrangements. Chabal contrasts the highly individualized conception of "choice" that emerged under neoliberalism with the collective choice on which Europe's future depends. [Date of interview: February 23, 2017]

In this episode, Olya Yordanyan talks to German journalist Georg Diez about emerging forms of democracy and his own work to develop platforms in order to promote democratic discourse and to connect citizens around the globe to the promise of the future, something lost in light of recent institutional failures. Diez emphasizes the importance of citizen involvement, and even effort, for democracies to function. [Date of interview: February 15, 2017]

In this episode, Felix Krawatzek draws on his research on how ideas about the future come into the play in the present in order to describe current trends in Europe, notably, the recent deviation in wake of the Brexit vote, from a linear path of "ever closer union." He shares his belief that European citizens remain committed to - and ready to defend - liberal values. It is therefore important for the EU, as the institutional embodiment of "Europe", to reassert its commitment to values and principles versus what Krawatzek calls "deals", referring to the sorts of metrics that characterized the Brexit debate. [Date of interview: February 13, 2017]

In this episode, Olya Yordanyan talks to Erik Jones about the idea of "Europe" and why it has losing currency in the face of populist challenges . He describes the failure of European democracy and the need for a compelling vision that to counter the rising nationalism that is keeping Europe mired in the present. He expresses his admiration for the single currency, among other accomplishments of the EU, but admits the need for Europe to communicate better, not only with its own citizens, but with its neighbors. If Europe does not rise to the challenge, he says, it will create an outsized role for the United States, with unfortunate consequences we are already seeing. [Date of interview: February 10, 2017]

In this episode, German political scientist Florian Böller talks to Olya Yordanyan about the emerging future in Europe. The problems facing Europe, he explains, cannot be solved at the level of the nation state, so it is imperative for Europe to move beyond its current crises and to rebuild trust in European institutions. He describes the the election of Trump in the United States as an opportunity for Europe to assume a larger role in world affairs. [Date of interview: February 6, 2017]

In this episode, Prof. Sofia Perez talks to Toria Rainey about the state of democracy in Europe and some of the reasons behind the emergence of far right and "new left" populism. She explains the causes of the fiscal instability plaguing Europe and the current disagreements over the best way forward for Europe: deeper integration or re-establishment of national sovereignty. [Date of interview: February 1, 2017]

In this episode, Bruce Leimsidor talks to our program assistant Toria Rainey about the emerging future in Europe with a focus on the refugee crisis. Leimsidor explains the importance of differentiating refugees from other migrants to avoid political backlash. From the sociopolitical arrangements in France, to Angela Merkel’s Germany, and from the future of Italy, from Sweden’s growing democratic party, Leimsidor unpacks the immense role the migrant crisis plays in envisioning the future of Europe. [Date of interview: December 1, 2016]

n this episode, Ruxandra Paul uses her background in cyber politics and transnational flows of both information and ideas to explain the importance of migration patterns as they pertain to the future of Europe. Paul explains the need for easily traversable borders to allow for access to employment opportunities across country borders, something she deems a facet of the European lifestyle. From coping with transnational issues like terrorism to figuring out how to meet expectations when it comes to democracy, Paul discusses the details of navigating the sociopolitical future of Europe. [Date of interview: December 8, 2016]

In this episode, Peter Verovšek shares his opinion on the importance of the EU in age of globalization and uncertainty. He discusses the future of the European Common Security and Defense Policies, in addition to stressing the necessity for a deepening institutions related to the banking system and social policies to counterbalance the rise of populist candidates in European elections. [Date of interview: December 6, 2016]

In this episode, Dr. Kaija Schilde shares her understanding of the migration crisis in Europe as a result of political unresponsiveness. She explains the poor state of democracy in the EU and cites a need for an increased ability for citizens to demand transparency of politicians and institutions. Additionally, Dr. Schilde speaks about impact of Donald Trump's election on the populist movements in Europe, and the internal security crisis of the EU. [Date of interview: November 29, 2016]

In this episode, Nicholas Prevelakis, discusses the structural elements of the crises facing Europe - the lingering Eurozone crisis, the refugee crisis, and Brexit - and shares his thoughts on the prospects for democratic politics in the European Union, given the association of democracy with the nation state, in particular among older generations. He talks about the upcoming constitutional referendum in Italy and the presidential elections in France and the role of citizens in shaping the future of Europe, among several other topics. [Date of interview: November 21, 2016]

In this episode, Olya Yordanyan talks to Yascha Mounk about the emerging future in Europe and the deep crisis of liberal democracy playing out around the world from India to the United States. Mounk attributes the rise of populist forces to the erosion of the preconditions for liberal democracy. What we are seeing, as a result, are “illiberal democracies" on the one hand, and "undemocratic liberalism" on the other. The question Mounk raises is whether civil society is strong enough to resist or whether these pendulum swings are the new normal. He stresses the need to protect and further the rights of minorities without succumbing to the sort of "identity politics" that can alienate the majority. Yascha Mounk is a Lecturer on Political Theory at Harvard University's Government Department, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Transatlantic Academy of the German Marshall Fund, and a Nonresident Fellow at New America's Political Reform Program. [Date of interview: October 31, 2016]

In this episode, Sandra Porcar talks to Cristina Ares, Professor of Political Science at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Dr. Ares's research concerns the role of regions in the EU. She shares her understanding of the future as something that is always being created and in which citizens may participate. She expresses some worry about the current tensions between EU member states, and in particular, between national governments and the EU, and stresses the need for a renewed focus on solidarity and a renewed commitment to the European social model. [Date of interview: October 27, 2016]

In this episode, Sandra Porcar talks to Ermal Frasheri, Growth Lab Fellow at the Center for International Development at Harvard University. Ermal's current research focuses on socio-economic development and regional integration processes in the Balkans. Ermal describes what he believes are the two rifts defining present day Europe, namely, the Eurozone crisis and the emergence of gap between the richer north and poorer south and the migrant crisis which is forcing European nations to re-examine their core values. These rifts are exacerbated by tensions in the Balkans, Turkey and Ukraine. The rifts persist, Ermal suggests, because the problems facing Europe are transnational in nature, while remedies remain national, or reliant on national structures. [Date of interview: October 21, 2016]

Enjoy this short conversation with Austrian-Slovenian writer Maja Haderlap and our program assistant Toria Rainey. Maja describes the fluid nature of her relationship to Europe, her understanding of political Europe as a work on progress, and her hope for Europe to assume a more proactive role on the political stage. Translation assistance is provided by Tess Lewis. [Date of interview: October 13, 2016]

In this episode, Olya and Sandra talk to Marxist writer Richard Seymour. Seymour discuses the pathologies plaguing Europe owing to the crisis of capitalism and the ensuing sovereign debt crisis and the need to rethink the laws of social and economic life on which Europe is based. He talks about the importance of beginning, not with a blue-print, but in the anti-utopian style of Marx, building capacities for socialism in the present that can address some of capitalism's worst tendencies. The transition to a socialist Europe, he argues, will require the convergence of several types of power. He concludes by saying that "we need to talk about movement building, party building and how we can work with the state even when the state is working against us." [Date of interview: October 17, 2016]

In this episode, Olya and Toria talk to Ambassador Vesko Garcevic about the emerging future in Europe. Amb. Garcevic discusses what he sees as the four issues at the heart of this question, namely, the boundaries of the EU, the matter of Turkey, the EU's relationship with Russia, and lastly, the EU's relationship with the US. He talks about the need to be realistic, in particular during times of crisis, but also shares his dream of a united Europe. [Date of interview: October 14, 2016]

In this episode Italian philosopher Franco "Bifo" Berardi discusses the dangers facing Europe and the need to rethink democracy from scratch in a time of hypercomplexity and technolinguistic automatisms. (Date of Interview: September 26, 2016)

Toria Rainy talks with Dr. Gerry Alons, Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Political Science Department of the Radboud University Nijmegen, about direct vs. representative democracy in the European Union and her changed expectations with regard to Europe's future. She stresses the need to ask realistic questions when considering where do we go from here and the need to put national differences aside in the search for common solutions. (Date of interview: September 23, 2016)

German journalist Wolfgang Bauer discusses his new book, Crossing the Sea: With Syrians on the Exodus to Europe and the emerging future in Europe with our outreach coordinator Olya Yordanyan. (Date of interview: September 22, 2016)

In this episode, Barbara Boschetti, Associate Professor of Administrative Law at the Catholic University of Milan (Italy), discusses the state of democracy in the EU, distinguishing procedural democracy from ballot box democracy. She shares her optimism regarding the future of the EU, even after Brexit, which she argues may in fact strengthen federalist processes. (Date of interview: September 8, 2016)

In this episode, Toria Rainy talks to Igor Lukes, Professor of International Relations and History at Boston University about the "civilizing role" of the European Union on the European continent, the politics of hate behind some critiques of the EU's so-called "democratic deficit," and the lingering threat to Europe's future posed by Russia. (Date of interview: April 22, 2016)

In this interview Toria Rainy talks to Joe Wippl, Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies about his long career with the CIA in Europe, challenges facing the EU, notably, uneven economic growth and uneven burden sharing during the current migration crisis, and the importance of transatlantic relationship to future peace and security efforts globally. (Date of interview: March 1, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Vlad Perju, a Romanian Professor of Law at Boston College Law School, who identifies and addresses the two conflicting projects of European integration: one based upon fusion and unity, the other centered on cooperation and coordination of Member States. He talks about the challenge of European versus national law, and highlights some of the discontinuities in the goals of European integration, including the major issue of the continued existence of nation states without nationalism. Perju discusses how legal documents encapsulate the conflicting political project in the EU, and how the paradigm of the constitutionalization in Europe has two lenses (doctrinal and normative) which European lawyers must use in the reformation of European law in order to promote the active involvement of citizens in the European integration experiment. (Date of interview: May 25, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Marija Bartl, a Dutch Lecturer in Law at the University of Amsterdam, about the polarization of Member States in regards to economic policy, and the urgent need for solidarity within the European Union in the restructuring and formation of institutions to address the monetary and social crises facing Europe today. She points out the lack of true democracy in Europe, and emphasizes the necessary establishment of a public sphere where citizens can Europeanize issues, coordinate appropriate responses, and reconsider commitments to each other to join in an open discourse about the Common Market. Bartl also discusses the mobilization of Europeans, across political and national boundaries, against the proposed TTIP, and how public demonstrations represent the power citizens have when committed to the principles of solidarity in actively influencing policy making decisions at the European level. (Date of interview: May 17, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Sara Poli, an Italian Professor of European and International Law at the University of Pisa, about the uncertainty within the European Union today. She discusses the question of Member States retaining sovereign powers while simultaneously addressing the need for a common response to major security challenges caused by the migration crisis. Poli speaks on the volatility in the European periphery of the Middle East and Northern African, and the need for the EU to emphasize solidarity with one another and involve themselves in conflict resolution efforts in the Neighborhood. (Date of interview: May 17, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Loukas Tsoukalis, Professor of European integration at the University of Athens, about the simultaneous challenges facing the EU, specifically discussing the problems caused by the fiscal crisis. He explains the dysfunctionality of the monetary union, emphasizing the impacts of its ineffectual and illegitimate practices on ordinary citizens and the political repercussions we can see today. Tsoukalis also discusses the question of Europe’s future given its tendency toward soft power underneath the protection of the United States ‘umbrella’ and the need to address the causes of growing populist movements across Europe. (Date of interview: May 3, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Guila-Clara Kessous, a French artist and human rights activist, about the future of European identity. She talks about the need within the EU to promote a common European culture and deeper citizen participation in defining “Europeanness”. Kessous discusses the importance of fostering a feeling of belonging for Europeans, emphasizing how citizens need to feel proud of being a part of the emerging European identity in addition to their national historical roots. (Date of interview: April 28, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Maria Cristina Nisco, a Research Fellow in English language and linguistics at the University of Naples L’Orientale, about the impacts of the current migration crisis. She discusses the geographical and political inequalities between EU Member States located at the periphery and emphasizes the clashes between national and European interests. Nisco speaks about the gap between European texts and European case law, commenting on the trend of Member States avoiding the burden of migrants rather than working to integrate and protect asylum seekers. (Date of interview: April 26, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with José Ignacio Torreblanca, the Editorial Director of El Pais, about the polarization and divergence of European politics. Torreblanca explains how the economic crisis mutated into a political and social integration crisis, leading to the trend of emerging tensions along various dividing lines in Europe. He also discusses the exhaustion of the European model and the frustration of many European citizens with the current system and condition of the EU. (Date of interview: April 20, 2016)