In partnership with the European Union Centers for Excellence at the University of Colorado-Boulder, the new Center for the Study of Europe and the World (CSEW) hosted a talk by former Ambassador to Germany John Kornblum and a panel on the Euro crisis in its launch last week.

With the aim of promoting reflection, research and policy analysis on Eurocentric issues, CSEW will host a variety of conferences, workshops and policy papers over the coming year.

In the midst of the Eurozone crisis, the study of Europe has never been more important, according to the co-founders of the center Dr. Martin Rhodes and Dr. Rachel Epstein. Ambassador Kornblum spoke to the importance of Europe even as leaders debate the future of the European Union.

“This battle over the future of Europe is very fundamental for the United States because it will determine the shape of our European partner, and define the future of a zone of functioning democracies,” said Kornblum.

Noting the relationship between economic crisis and problems of democratization, Epstein called on Hungary as an example of recent autocratic moves. She warned that this could be a trend for other newly democratic Eastern European states.

Ambassador, and Dean of the Josef Korbel School, Christopher R. Hill moderated the panel, noting the importance of launching a Center for this region.

“The Center is in very good hands with Rachel and Martin and reflects on the quality of the University of Denver,” said Hill.

The events coincided with the launch of the CSEW website. 

-Sarah Crozier, MA Candidate, International Development
Josef Korbel School of International Studies