Outputs

Foreign security and defense policy remain key aspects of Britain's and the EU's strategies in ensuring the safety and stability of their respective regions and beyond. Their evolving relationship post-Brexit presents opportunities for continued cooperation in areas of shared interest while also allowing for independent policy decisions when necessary.  

The Centre for Britain and Europe (CBE) has worked mainly on various foreign policy issues impacting UK and Europe, in particular, the understanding the impact of security and defence policy changes stemmed from Brexit. These were delivered through briefings to parliament, assessments, and research collaborations. As a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, CBE made significant strides in collaboration with other higher educational institutions exemplified in the Jean Monnet outputs below.

In today's interconnected world, the concepts of government and governance are evolving, with a growing emphasis on collaborative and inclusive approaches to decision-making. The pursuit of good governance remains a shared aspiration, as nations seek to balance the interests of their citizens while navigating the complexities of the modern era.

In emphasising the need for improved governance, CBE assesses UK government policies in bid to understand its impact on industry and sectors such as small and medium-sized enterprises, higher education, and defence. The centre contributes to policy enhancements through briefing papers, collaborative research, and evidence for parliament.

Gender and identity are integral aspects of contemporary politics, influencing policy development, political representation, and public discourse. Acknowledging these factors is crucial for promoting inclusivity, equality, and social justice in political systems worldwide.

Gender and identity remain a significant prominence for CBE as we seek to uncover the issues of global refugee flow, feminized poverty, and gender in practice. This theme is of major interest given its importance as one of the Jean Monnet thematic pillars. Consequently, myriad of teaching materials were produced, and events organised under the theme of gender and politics.

Traditional party systems have faced challenges from populist leaders and parties, often characterized by their anti-establishment stance, appeals to nationalist sentiments, and criticism of globalization. The interaction between established parties and populist forces continues to shape the continent's political dynamics, raising questions about the future of European governance.

CBE’s interest in parties and populism reflects the evolving nature of European politics through the rise of Euroscepticism. By studying these phenomena, the Centre aims to provide valuable insights into the changing dynamics of governance, electoral politics, and public policy, ultimately contributing to a more informed and resilient democratic system in the UK and Europe as a whole. 

As energy and sustainability become increasingly intertwined, Britain and Europe are at the forefront of global efforts to mitigate environmental impacts while ensuring long-term energy security and economic growth.

The 21st century armed conflict in Europe has attracted world attention but the escalation in 2022 further exemplifies the importance of understanding the intricacies of energy security and mitigation polies. CBE researches and advocates for development of strategies and solutions that can lead to a more sustainable and resilient future for the United Kingdom, Europe, and the global community as a whole.

Local governments, businesses, and civil society actively involve a wide array of stakeholders in decision-making processes, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives for shaping policies and initiatives. This engagement extends to areas such as environmental regulation, corporate governance, and social policy. 

As a research and policy centre, CBE has a strong commitment to effective stakeholder engagement with local governments, recognizing the pivotal role that local authorities play in shaping policies, governance, and public opinion within the context of the UK's relationship with Europe. Some of the most salient works include its briefing papers, research and commissioned works in analyses and strategizing growth of local governments in the post-Covid period. A Jean Monnet event was organised in conjunction with the cross-thematic engagement with civil society.