Wahrscheinlich könnte ich die drei bis vier Leser der Achse in Australien besser persönlich einladen. Aber vielleicht gibt es ja den einen oder anderen deutschen Touristen, der sich Anfang August zufällig nach Sydney verirrt und nicht weiß, wie er hier seinen Abend verbringen soll. Unwahrscheinlich, aber nicht auszuschließen.
Nun denn, hier ist mein Vorschlag: Für den 2. August lädt das Centre for Independent Studies zu seinem jährlichen Big Ideas Forum ein. Das Thema in diesem Jahr ist ‘The Future of Europe’.
The Annual Big Ideas Forum 2010
Monday, 2 August 2010
The Future of Europe
The modern world began in Athens and Rome; is it likely to end there too?
Europe, the continent that gave the world democracy, rule of law, tolerance, universities, the Industrial Revolution, and a vast heritage in literature, music and the arts, is looking increasingly frail. Its native population is ageing rapidly. Its countries are burdened with massive amounts of public debt. Its societies are unable to integrate migrants from different cultural backgrounds and risk becoming segregated. The post-War project of European unity is struggling under a quagmire of bureaucracy imposed by the European Union, which suffers from the contempt and frustration of its citizens.
Has unification failed? Will the European Union disband? Will the common currency survive? These are some of the many uncertainties facing Europe today. Closer home, what does a declining Europe mean for Australia with our close ties to the continent? Is the European crisis a regional phenomenon or does it foreshadow greater troubles for the West?
An impressive line-up of international experts will explore and expand on these issues:
* Henryk M. Broder – Polish-born German journalist for Der Spiegel; noted polemicist with interests in German identity, Judaism and Islam in Europe
* Professor Frank Furedi – Hungarian-born British sociologist and professor at the University of Kent; author of Therapy Culture, Where Have all the Intellectuals Gone? and Politics of Fear
* Dr Oliver Marc Hartwich – German-born economist and research fellow with The Centre for Independent Studies; media commentator and Business Spectator columnist on European affairs
* Johan Norberg – Swedish writer and free-market scholar with the Cato Institute who focuses on economics, globalisation and individual liberty. Author In Defense of Global Capitalism and Financial Fiasco: How America’s Infatuation with Homeownership and Easy Money Created the Economic Crisis.
Venue:
Grand Lodge
Sydney Masonic Centre (SMC)
66 Goulburn Street, Sydney 2000
New South Wales
Australia
+61 2 9284 2888
The SMC is located a short walk from both Museum and Central stations, and parking is available diagonally opposite the venue at Wilson Parking.
Time:
6:30pm - please assist us by being seated promptly
Cost:
Members - $27.50 inc. GST
Non-Members - $33 inc. GST
Bookings:
Reservations are essential. Places must be paid for in advance. Seats are transferable but non-refundable. We expect interest in this event to be high so please book early to avoid disappointment.
For booking enquiries, please email bookings@cis.org.au, or call +61 2 9438 4377.
For event enquiries, please email events@cis.org.au, or call +61 2 9438 4377.
