’Europe in a new age of power politics’

Press invitation - PACT lecture by journalist Robert D Kaplan in Gothic Hall of Brussels City Hall, 29 May, 18. Thursday 25 May 2023 -Jonathan Holslag, professor of political science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), will host renowned journalist and geopolitics expert Robert D Kaplan on Monday 29 May, to give a public lecture on Europe in a new age of power politics. The event is organised in the context of PACT, the Caroline Pauwels Academy of Critical Thinking, through which VUB aims to encourage critical thinking and create connections between diverse viewpoints. Europe is a beleaguered continent. To the east, it is struggling with the war in Ukraine and has to reckon with other assertive regional powers, as well as the rise of China. To the south, it faces growing instability in Africa, unprecedented numbers of refugees and a continued rise of armed groups. And in the west, its main strategic partner is increasingly determined to rebuild its economic strength, possibly at the expense of Europe, and is increasingly outspoken about its expectations of Europe given its rivalry with China During a lecture at Brussels City Hall, renowned journalist and expert in geopolitics Robert D Kaplan wonders whether the EU can maintain its position in this new age of power politics, and suggests how Europe can better deal with these various geopolitical fronts.