The future of Europe is not about Europe
More autocracies, less gender equality and growing anti-liberal sentiment. These are just some of the developments Professor Sarah Wolff will highlight in her inaugural lecture on the future of Europe. ‘The liberal world order as we know it in the West is at stake.’
Wolff is clear about one thing, ‘I can’t predict the future. Science fiction was never my thing.’ When this Professor of International Studies and Global Politics talks about the future of Europe she is talking about the present future – the future as we see it now. ‘For me, it’s about how we construct an image of the future, how that is done in social interactions, political discourse and the media. Because when we talk about the future, we are centring on some players rather than others. Who is talking about minorities or women’s rights? Who has the opportunity to shape the future? And what competing worldviews play a role?’
Different flavours
The future of Europe is not about Europe, says Wolff. ‘Geopolitics are important once again, now Russia and China also want a share of the pie. That causes apprehension in Europe. The liberal world order we thought was unshakeable is at stake. Liberalism is being questioned in Europe and the rest of the world and we are seeing a return to identity politics, sovereignity and traditional hierarchies. No, the European political ideology is not the only flavour out there.’
‘We should use diversity to help us understand the world.’
That makes it important for Europe to take a more pluriform perspective. ‘The current world order is transforming’, says Wolff. ‘So we need self-reflection, to learn more about present futures and how these are given shape in other parts of the world. Diversity can help us understand the rest of the world.’ A changing world and the constant development of the liberal world order does not necessarily mean its end, says Wolff. ‘It could be an opportunity for further development, for maturing.’
More stories, more voices
Wolff sees opportunities for new players. ‘There are so many parties that we are not yet comfortable with having a full share of the power: NGOs, civil society, businesses and religious players too. In some countries, religious actors are part of the day-to-day administration but European secularism often makes us think that religion and governance cannot go hand in hand.’ Such convictions are the crux of the matter, says Wolff. ‘If we in Europe really do think we have the best model, based on centuries of European philosophy and history, how can we convince others of that? And if we do not succeed, does this mean liberalism is too narrow? Should we not include many more voices and stories? I believe that the future of Europe has to be human.’
‘The future of Europe has to be human.’
The rise of ‘illiberalism’ and geopolitical unrest are not the lightest of fare. But immersing herself in them does not make Wolff pessimistic. ‘I am in a privileged position as an academic: my work provides a perspective. I have the space to think outside the box and to look at the long term. My contact with driven students keeps me hopeful about the future and my interactions with policymakers challenge me to be innovative. It keeps me sharp and critical and gives me the feeling that I can make a modest contribution to a better world.’
Sarah Wolff will give her inaugural lecture The Global Future(s) of Europe on Friday 29 November at 16.00 hours.
Text: Julie de Graaf
Image: Pexels