The Periphery as Centre & Centre as Periphery - Seminar recap
On February 20, 2025 the OHPA hosted a seminar with Dr. Alexander Clarkson, German and European Studies Lecturer for the European and International Studies Department at King’s College London. His talk, the Periphery as Centre and Centre as Periphery: Political Climate and the European Borderlands in 2025, discussed the intricate dynamics of European Union (EU) expansion and its implications for neighboring states, particularly focusing on the Eastern Mediterranean region. It highlights how the EU's regulatory frameworks influence the economic systems of countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Tunisia, compelling them to align with EU standards even before formal accession. Dr. Clarkson emphasized the EU's role as a hegemonic market actor, where states can gain significant leverage through their relationships with the EU, thus altering their internal political landscapes.
The speaker also addressed the concept of "de-peripheralization," where EU membership offers smaller states a voice in decision-making processes, contrasting with the centralist tendencies of Russia. The discussion included the challenges faced by states like Hungary and the complexities of navigating EU politics, especially in light of rising nationalist sentiments. Additionally, Dr. Clarkson noted the importance of borders in shaping political relationships and the potential vulnerabilities that arise when states lack full EU membership. Overall, the talk underscores the ongoing evolution of the EU as a political entity and its impact on regional stability and governance.
The full talk as well as the subsequent discussion is available to view on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/jyyf1XzXMk0