FULLY BOOKED: Global Conversation London: A “New Europe”: Lessons from Ancient and Modern History

The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, Professor Sir Steve Smith, invites you to attend our Global Conversation in London.

What does the evidence of the past tell us about the Europe of today – and of the future? Leading Exeter academics Professor Richard Toye (History) and Professor Elena Isayev (Classics & Ancient History) will explore the UK’s relationship with Europe from a historical, cultural and critical standpoint.

Turning first to the very definition of “Europe,” Professor Toye will reflect on Sir Winston Churchill’s famous Zurich speech of 1946, which argued “We must build a kind of United States of Europe.” Churchill’s words have been taken out of context by players on all sides of the current debate about Britain’s relationship with the EU but how might a nuanced analysis of what Churchill really meant inform and advance the debate?

One of the defining features of today is without doubt European migration. Although often regarded as a uniquely modern phenomenon, evidence from 2000 years ago shows the extent of mobility across an Ancient Europe  that had no nation states, no territorial citizenship, no borders and no maps on which to draw them. Classics expert, Professor Isayev will explain how insights from the ancient world  can shed light on our current condition.

There will be an opportunity to ask your questions directly to a panel of experts during a Q&A session. You are then invited to network with our panellists and fellow guests over refreshments.

How to book your place

This event costs £10 and refreshments will be provided.

Please note, this event is now fully booked. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email humanities-alumni@exeter.ac.uk.

For more information about the Global Conversation series, please see the Global Conversation webpage and follow @UoEGlobalConvo on Twitter for more details. If you have any questions, please contact humanities-alumni@exeter.ac.uk.

To download the guest list, please use this link.