Europe in the Age of Popular Nationalism: A Lecture by Erik Jones

The British referendum taught us that integration can go in reverse, that member states participate by choice, and that nationalism remains a potent force in European affairs. The challenge this implies extends far beyond the British choice to leave the EU. More fundamentally, it touches the willingness to participate of those countries left behind. To address this challenge, Europe’s leaders must address a wide array of country-specific complaints. They can do so effectively only if they offer a coherent vision of what Europe provides. That vision should be grounded in a value as attractive and compelling as national identity. Equality of opportunity – meaning the prospect that each country will be allowed to realize its potential and no country will be left alone to fail – is an attractive message even in an age of popular nationalism.

Erik Jones is Professor of European Studies and International Political Economy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and senior research fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford.

Moderated by Graham Wilson, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Initiative on Cities at Boston University. RSVP to edamrien@bu.edu