Conferences and Working Groups

Exploring Frameworks for TransAtlantic Cooperation

This is a conference series for young professionals on both sides of the Atlantic which engages current themes in the Transatlantic relationship. The conference fosters discussion, bridges the transatlantic divide, and helps young professionals build personal networks among like-minded Atlanticists.

We invest heavily in teaching and mentoring students. This investment in new EU courses, workshops, and even new Masters programs such as the Transatlantic Masters Program based at UNC, has begun to pay off in the number of graduates entering the professions who have a deep and continuing interest in transatlantic relations. All too often, this interest is difficult to sustain after leaving college. Yet, these young professionals are on the cusp of exerting influence in American society and in the professions. This project seeds dialogue between young Europeans and Americans as they are becoming professionals. It will be organized by a small group of graduates from our Transatlantic Masters program under the supervision of Sarah Hutchison, TAM Student Services Director. The project will integrate graduates from our sister program, Euromasters, and other young professionals with interest.

The first meeting of the organization is scheduled for late summer 2006 in New York . Potential conference topics, such as Defense and Diplomacy, Trade and Aid, and Immigration and Jobs, represent related themes that are often seen as contradictory, but are areas with great potential for transatlantic cooperation. Conference application materials will be disseminated among alumni networks from graduate programs in international relations (such as TAM, Euromasters, SIPA, SAIS , etc), networks of young professionals, young political party organizations and government institutions. Panelists and discussants for the conference will be young professionals (culled from these networks) with expertise or experience in a particular issue area. The panels will consist of two experts with a moderator who will guide discussion and invite participation from the audience.