Lecture: Professor Patrick O’Neil

European Disunion: Populism, Nationalism, and the Crisis of European Integration

In recent years the European Union has faced growing “Euroskepticism,” as many Europeans have lost faith in the institution as an embodiment of peace and prosperity.  Economic and demographic challenges have both called into question “Europe” as a political and social identity. This is coupled with rising nationalism and populism, as seen in the recent UK referendum to leave the EU.  Is European integration over, and is this a threat to democracy and development?

Patrick O’Neil is Professor of Politics and Government at the University of Puget Sound.  His area of research focuses on authoritarianism and democratization, and has conducted research in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.  He is the author of Revolution from Within
The Hungarian Socialist Workers’ Party and the Collapse of Communism, and Essentials of Comparative Politics, currently in its fifth edition.