Conferences

Each year, CES hosts several conferences that convene leading academics, policymakers, and doctoral students with an interest in European history, politics, economics, and transatlantic relations.

Past Conferences

13 results

Conference | German American Conference – November 12-13, 2021

Friday, November 12, 2021

9:00am-7:00pm

For more than ten years, the German American Conference at Harvard University has been the largest student-run conference in North America. Join the 2021 German American Conference – The Future of Problem Solving from October 21-24, 2021 for sessions with leading experts and policymakers that will engage audiences with the most pressing issues facing both sides of the Atlantic.

In addition to a full agenda of panel discussions, this year's conference will feature a film series, podcasts, and an art gallery exhibit. All sessions will be run virtually. For more information on the conference, follow the links below.

This conference is free and open to all members of the Harvard community and beyond. Registration is required. To RSVP click here.

Conference | Conference After Merkel, Now What? Analyzing Germany’s 2021 Elections

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

1:00pm-2:30pm

On September 26, 2021, German voters will go to the polls to elect the members of the 20th Bundestag, the federal parliament. Predictions are that the new government will be a two- or three-party coalition that will replace the 16-year chancellorship of Angela Merkel, who is stepping down.

In this seminar, three renowned German experts will reflect on the results in relation to the future of Germany and Europe. What are the implications of the vote for Germany's economic and foreign policy? How has the balance of power shifted among German political parties? What do the German results portend for its European partners and for the global community?

Note: This event requires registration. Please RSVP here.

Conference | Virtual Open House 2021

Thursday, September 23, 2021

12:00pm-1:00pm

Join us to launch the new academic year at our virtual open house!

As a student or scholar interested in Europe, this will be an opportunity to:

  • meet our Directors, faculty, staff, fellows, students, and other Europhiles.
  • learn about CES programs, including seminars with eminent European scholars and practitioners of public policy, as well as grants, internships, and the Secondary Field in European History, Politics, and Societies.
  • find out how you can get involved and stay connected.

We look forward to seeing you!

This virtual event requires registration. Please RSVP here.

Conference | Combating Racism in Europe: What Role do Legislators Play?

Thursday, May 06, 2021

10:15am-11:15am

When George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis last year, Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrations erupted across the United States and Europe. From Berlin to Barcelona, demonstrators not only condemned police violence and systemic racism in the United States, but also in their own countries. Across Europe, these events rekindled long-brewing debates about colonial legacies, the nature of racism, and legislative changes to address past wrongs and protect citizens with minority backgrounds. Many politicians who advocate on these issues have faced hostile backlash and racist attacks.

Her Excellency Christiane Taubira, Minister of Justice of France (2012-2016), and Aminata Touré, Vice President of the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament in Germany, will share their experiences and challenges of working on issues of race in their respective countries. Taubira will speak about her activism that eventually led to “Taubira’s Law” (Act 2001-434). Passed by the French Parliament on May 21, 2001, the law recognizes the Atlantic slave trade and slavery as a crime against humanity in France. As the first Afro-German vice president of a parliament in Germany, Touré will highlight her experiences and engagement in an initiative to remove the term ‘race’ from the country’s constitution.

To RSVP for this Zoom event, please register here.

Conference | The European Union’s Relations with China and Turkey

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

12:30pm-1:30pm

The partnerships of the European Union (EU) with Turkey and China are among the most consequential, challenging, and complex external partnerships for the EU. They are ridden by many of the thorniest issues ranging from immigration, security, and human rights, to trade, economics, and technical standardization. Tackling these issues is complicated by the overlay of geopolitical competition.

This seminar will provide an opportunity to assess the status of these relationships, explore future prospects, and reflect on the implications of different scenarios for the EU, Eurasia, and the world.

Note: This event requires registration. Please click here to register.