Looking Back at European Horizons 2023–24
By Joshua Jones, Lika Gegenava, and Abigail LaBreck
Over the past year, the European and transatlantic landscape has drastically transformed, not least with regards to democratic technology, energy & environment, and transatlantic security. As the three policy priorities that European Horizons have focused over the past twelve months, we (the Publications Team) thought it apt to conclude the academic year by taking a look back at how our members have engaged with some of the most pressing issues in these fields on Transatlantic Perspectives and our newly published peer-reviewed policy journal, The Review of European and Transatlantic Affairs (RETA) 2024. In doing so, we hope to celebrate our Fellows’ development as future transatlantic leaders and the outstanding work of the entire team at European Horizons.
Democratic Technology
In a time of rapid innovation and advancement, technology is an especially salient topic when analyzing the state of contemporary transatlantic relations. Recognizing the myriad implications of technology on the current geopolitical landscape, the writers for this year’s cycle of Transatlantic Perspectives developed various thoughtful, timely pieces exploring the intersection of technology and democracy. With 2024 poised as a critical election year, writers spoke to the role and relevance of technology, namely burgeoning AI capabilities, in fostering voter participation and civic engagement. Risks and challenges of technological innovation were also addressed through discussions of the role of spyware in government surveillance. Transatlantic approaches to technological regulation were also a prominent theme, with a particular focus on the private sector. The writers who contributed to this year’s Transatlantic Perspectives cycle provided insightful analyses on the increasingly crucial role of technology in shaping and reinforcing democratic resilience. With a finger on the pulse of technological innovation and its significance for geopolitical and transatlantic relations, the writers offered new, fresh perspectives on a number of pressing issues, contributing meaningfully to the publication in various invaluable ways.
Energy & Environment
With the continuation of the war in Ukraine and threats of climate change looming ever larger, writers explored both the immediate and existential threats faced by the transatlantic community with regard to energy and the environment. Highlighting the devastating impact of black carbon emissions on the Artic and those of cruise ships on Europe’s ports, writers emphasized the imperative for concertive initiatives to combat the relatively hidden factors contributing towards environmental degradation. In a similar vein, the successes and failures of various governments in responding to wildfires were comprehensively assessed, followed by a series of proposals for their improvement. Moving from environmental destruction to energy crises, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on international energy insecurity and the subsequent geopolitical effects, such as Franco-Swedish nuclear energy collaboration, were also particular points of discussion. Lastly, writers also took a step back to question the effective implementation of climate regulation and standards, considering litigation as a means for civil society to pressure governments, corporations, and individuals to take action.
Transatlantic Security
Faced with rising security concerns in Europe and beyond, as well as domestic political shifts and elections in more than sixty countries, the transatlantic community was posed with challenges that require robust cooperation, strategic alignment, and a commitment to the alliance. From the strategic challenges in the transatlantic response to the war in Ukraine to the rise of right-wing populism in Europe and the discussions around NATO and EU enlargement, Transatlantic Perspectives has been at the forefront of offering a space for discourse around these pressing issues. The writers for this cycle of Transatlantic Perspective brought diverse voices and experiences to the table that ensured our weekly publications offered up-to-date quality analyses of the events that unfolded in the transatlantic community. They shaped our publication to be one of the leading sources of commentary of the next generation on the global political developments.
2023–24 has been a year of great developments at European Horizons as we launched the Transatlantic Leaders Fellowship, whereby student Fellows from across Europe and North America collaborated with policy professionals and one another to think, discuss, and write about all things European and transatlantic affairs. The Fellowship, RETA, and this very blog would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment and talent of the European Horizons team. We would like to thank all our fellow Executive Board members, Fellows, university chapters, alumni, partners, and our readers, for your continued support in our mission to foster a stronger transatlantic bond and a more united Europe. We wish you a wonderful summer and rest of the year!
Joshua Jones is Publications Director at European Horizons and a recent graduate of University College London, where he studied History. His research interests include digital democracy, disinformation, and human rights.
Lika Gegenava is Deputy Publications Director and a junior at Barnard College of Columbia University, studying Political Science and Philosophy. Her research interests include democratization in Eastern Europe, regional and international security and cybersecurity.
Abigail LaBreck is a Deputy Director of Publications at European Horizons, currently pursuing a Master’s in International Governance and Diplomacy at Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs. She holds a joint BA in Government and French from Harvard College. Her research interests include transatlantic technology cooperation, US-France relations, and the role of cultural diplomacy/soft power in international relations.
