Kalevi Sorsa Research and Policy Days 7.-8.11.2008

Programme Working Groups Presentations

GLOBALISATION, PRIVATISATION AND CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRACY

The markets are global but democracy is still distinctively national in its character. In a world characterized by global economy, what are the limits of democratic control and policy-making? How does market pressure challenge global and national power relations? What kind of possibilities can supranational decision-making systems offer to respond to these challenges?

The first plenary session of the Kalevi Sorsa Research and Policy Days will focus on the
relationship between global capitalism and democracy. How can this relation be analysed? How is global capitalism affecting on the concept of Western democracy? How are economic forces shaping global power relations? The discussion will be opened by Vivien A. Schmidt, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration, Uwe Wissenbach coordinator for Africa-China relations at the European Commission and Jörn Griesse, Economist at D&B Country Risk Services.

The plenary session of the second day focuses on new ideas and political means to respond to the challenges posed by global economy. What kinds of roles do nation states and supranational decision-making systems as well as political parties hold in this process? The topic is introduced by Pär Nuder, member of Parliament and former Minister for Finance.

Discussions in five working groups give the possibility to analyse current trends and the implications of economic globalisation through specific issues topical in national and international politics today. The focus is on what kinds of tendencies European societies should get ready for and what kinds of changes await the international system as a whole. How should progressive forces anticipate these transformations and what means of democratic influence and regulation are available?

Organised by The Foundation for European Progressive Studies with the support of the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation.