John Emerson

The Future of Europe: Is Liberal Democracy in Trouble?

Alec Russell, John Emerson, David Landsman, Lord Mandelson, Alexander Stubb, Peter Mandelson

Former high-ranking officials including Peter Mandelson, Alexander Stubb, and John Emerson convened under moderator Alec Russell to analyze the drivers of global populism and the strategic challenges facing European integration. The panelists examined critical issues such as the reliability of polling ahead of the French election, the internal fractures threatening the Alternative for Germany, and the long-term economic consequences of the United Kingdom's departure from the Single Market. Ultimately, the group urged a shift from traditional defense of the status quo toward pragmatic reforms that address income inequality and reposition the EU as a global power block capable of balancing US and Chinese influence.