The world has watched the Ukraine conflict develop on television news, in newspapers, and through other media reports from the field. But what caused this conflict? And what are the likely consequences of it, for the region, Europe and the wider world?
Three Ukraine experts will discuss these topics in a public seminar, ‘Ukraine and Europe: Gaining perspectives’, hosted by the Europe Institute at the University of Auckland on Wednesday 24 September.
Professor Robert Greenberg, the University’s Dean of Arts, has taught and published extensively in the field of Balkan studies and South Slavic languages and linguistics. He will discuss the historical contexts of Ukraine’s relations with Russia and Western Europe, and suggest how the situation in Ukraine has evolved over time, focusing on language, identity and political geography.
Associate Professor Natalia Chaban, a native of Ukraine, is the Jean Monnet Chair in European Identity and Culture and Deputy Director the National Centre for Research on Europe at the University of Canterbury.
Associate Professor Chaban has just returned from a visit to the region. As a specialist in media discourse analysis, she will elaborate on how language, identity and history are reflected and refracted in Ukraine in times of crisis. She will also discuss how public perceptions and images of Europe and the EU are shaping European Union-Ukraine relations at the moment.
Nicholas Smith, who is a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations, will present his research on EU-Russian foreign policy competition in Ukraine. He will also discuss Russia’s current and possible future moves, Ukraine’s decisions, and what responses the European Union, NATO, and world leaders are likely to make.
The Europe Institute’s director, Dr Mark Amsler, will moderate the seminar and take questions from the audience.
Join us for this European Union Centres Network Seminar
24 September 2014, 5.30-7 pm
Old Government House, University of Auckland
This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please RSVP before 22 September by email to: m.kanazawa@auckland.ac.nz
