This international conference is organised jointly by the EU-EAC Jean Monnet Network and the UN University for Peace under the thematic umbrella ‘Jean Monnet – 30 Years of Excellence in European studies’. The Jean Monnet Network ‘The European Union, Africa and China in the Global Age – Sustainable Development through Tripartite Cooperation and Regional Integration: The Case of the East African Community (EU-EAC)’ is a research and training project supported by the European Commission, which brings together academic partners and institutions from the East African countries, Europe and China. It aims at improving EU-Africa cooperation and contributing to building sustainable societies in Africa in coordination with the European Union and China.

We invite proposals that analyse aspects linked to this overarching approach.

The conference will explore particularly, though not exclusively, the following themes and their relevance for African integration:

• History of Africa-EU and Africa-China relations in a comparative perspective.
• What role for Europe and China in Africa today?
• The EU and China in the face of African regional and continental integration.
• The African Union – A partner for the EU and/or China?
• The education challenge in Africa: Erasmus, Confucius, or Mandela?
• The African Youth between past and future – Looking northwards or eastwards?
• Youth, demography and development – A trilateral approach?
• Africa from development aid to large-scale investments: how can the EU and China contribute more effectively to African industrialization?
• Comparative trade patterns Africa - EU and Africa – China.
• Africa as a potential economic bloc in the 21^st Century.
• Will China’s Belt and Road Initiative promote economic integration in Africa?
• The TFTA and the growth potential of a rising intra-African trade.
• Conflict management in Africa – A role for Europe and/or China?
• Water management in Africa.
• Minerals, rare earth and geopolitical interests.
• Sustainable development policies in Africa.
• Migrations and demography: A European obsession?
• Institution-building in Africa – Contributions from Europe and China?
• Democracy, fundamental rights and law: African, European and Chinese perspectives.
• Security issues and conflict resolution in Africa: EU and Chinese responses.
• Other foreign actors in Africa: the US, Japan, India, Russia, Turkey, Brazil…

The conference aims to have a balanced participation of both African and non-African attendants. Participation will include research scholars, analysts, policy makers and practitioners. Ample time will be devoted to engaging in debates between academics, policymakers and the audience.

Abstract proposals of 300 words maximum should be sent by 20 April 2019 (extended deadline) to Jean-Marc Trouille: j.m.l.trouille@clutterbradford.ac.uk, Samuel Ewusi: sewusi@clutterupeace.org , and Asteris Huliaras: asterishuliaras@cluttergmail.com .

A selection of best papers will be published in a special edition of Asia-Europe Journal (subject to approval).

Lunches and coffee breaks provided.
No conference fee.
Participants will need to pay for their travel, accommodation and visa costs.
Discounted accommodation package (incl. airport shuttle, breakfast, WIFI, and free access to pool, steam, sauna and fitness) will be available near to the conference venue.

For further information, please contact Prof. Jean-Marc Trouille at j.m.l.trouille@clutterbradford.ac.uk