Nationalism casts a shadow over European democracy
It is nation states that have emasculated European institutions. What is often branded as the ‘national interest’ is nothing but a justification for the pursuit of internal politics. Day after day the...
View ArticleFrancesca E.S.Montemaggi
Author: Francesca E.S. Montemaggi Francesca E.S. Montemaggi has been working in politics and public affairs in the UK and Europe. She holds a PhD in sociology of religion from Cardiff University. She...
View ArticleFrom European crisis to European democracy
European politicians are seeking to follow the moods of the public rather than to shape them. Europeans do not want Europe to fail, but Europe cannot rest solely on the actions of the German...
View ArticleBelief in the Union: solidarity with the Greeks
They think ‘Europe’ is ‘foreign affairs’. But Europe is nothing if it is not its citizens. That is why, the day before the Greek elections, a demonstration in solidarity with the Greek people will take...
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Of power and democracy: the rise and fall of Mario Monti
In November 2011, Mario Monti, an academic and former European Commissioner, was seen as the providential man to save Italy from its troubles. Now, only one year and a few months later, he is trailing...
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Six characters in search of a country - the Italian vote elsewhere in Europe
As Italy is heading to the polls on Sunday for ‘the most important election in 30 years’, the vote of Italians living abroad will partly determine the formation of the next government. How do these...
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Sowing the seeds of an Italian spring
The Italian election resulted in a deadlock with no clear winner. But while Italy is stuck between politics as usual and a sterile protest vote, the seeds of a ‘liberal revolution’ have discretely been...
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Redeeming Europe through entertainment
The Eurozone crisis has plunged southern Europeans into poverty and unemployment. It has created irreparable divisions between the north and the south of Europe. No sign of economic and political...
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Matteo Renzi: all Italy needs is to believe
For his detractors, Matteo Renzi is a new Berlusconi pursuing charisma, rather than articulate political ideas. Written off by left-wing commentators as ambitious and superficial, Italy’s youngest ever...
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Grazie Italia – a ray of hope in a distrustful Europe
This is a crucial opportunity for Italy to make its mark and counter the dogma of austerity as much as the division between so-called core countries and peripheral countries. It is an opportunity for...
View ArticleMy 350 on BREXIT: Who is going to clean up the mess of the EU referendum?
The politics of escapism won the day; yet the Leave campaign leaders are escaping from taking responsibility for the xenophobia and social divisions in the country.Since the referendum’s result,...
View ArticleMy 350 on BREXIT: The trouble with sovereignty
“Brexiteers’ sovereignty tapped into the colonial nostalgia and delusion of grandeur that is still part of its national consciousness.”The more ‘respectable’ members of the public sought to justify...
View ArticleMy 350 on BREXIT: European identity beginning
“Against all the odds, a European identity is emerging, even in Britain.”The Brexit vote is a victory for nationalist nativism; yet the reaction of Remainers is just as much one about identity, rather...
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