Simone Tholens is a post-doctoral research assistant at the BORDERLANDS project within the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the European University Institute.
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Published in: Can Europe Make It?Partnership or power projection? The EU and its 'neighbourhood'The EU is advancing its image as a 'benevolent neighbour' and 'democracy promoter.' Is this a reflection of reality, or good public relations?
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Published in: openSecurityConflict at the EU's southern borders: the Sahel crisisGradually, EU systems of governance have extended into the southern Mediterranean, linking dynamics in the Sahel with European interests through its borderlands. This could be a test of the EU's foreign policy ambitions. But is the Union ready and capable to act, and if so, what is at stake?
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Published in: HomeExtending European borders? Paradoxes in Balkan politics between EU accession and statebuilding
The western Balkans are caught between internal dynamics acting to couple borders with national myth-making, and post-modern Europeanizing forces hoping to nurture cosmopolitan polities.