Workshop

The European Political Order: State-less but Democratic and Just?

WP 1 - Theoretical Framework

Oslo, 30 September-1 October 2010

Organised by ARENA - Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo

This workshop is part of WP 1 – Theoretical Framework. The aim is to critically discuss new theoretical developments in political theory regarding the transnationalisation of the democratic state and to refer them to the three RECON models. The workshop is launched with an open lecture by Prof. Jean L. Cohen at the University of Oslo.

Practical information

Download workshop programme (pdf)

Open lecture by Prof. Jean Cohen Constitutionalism Beyond the State: Myth or Necessity? Professor Jean L. Cohen Nell and Herbert M. Singer Professor of Contemporary Civilization, Columbia University New York Thursday 30 September, 10:15-12:00 ARENA – Centre for European Studies, in cooperation with The Research Programme on Democracy, is pleased to announce the lecture ‘Constitutionalism beyond the state: Myth or necessity?’ by Jean L. Cohen. Prof. Cohen visits Oslo to participate in the RECON workshop 'The European political order: State-less but democratic and just?' organized by ARENA. Read more. Abstract: The emergence of global governance and global laws that directly affect individuals and regulate the conduct of states toward their own citizens raise questions about the basic hierarchy of authority among states, regional bodies and global institutions. The legitimacy of global law and governance is particularly contested when they have constitutionalism- and democracy-eviscerating effects. In this lecture, Prof. Cohen asks what kind of constitutionalism is appropriate beyond the state, and what the relation among distinct and competing legal orders should be. She argues in favour of a human rights-oriented constitutionalism, which would require a reform of the global political system. Full abstract and paper can be downloaded here. Venue: Undervisningsrom 2, Georg Sverdrups hus (University library). No registration required.
Workshop programme Restricted to invited guests Venue: ARENA - Centre for European Studies. Where to find us
Thursday 30 September
14:00-14:15	Introduction Erik O. Eriksen and John Erik Fossum ARENA, University of Oslo
14:15-15:45	Transnational justice and democracy Rainer Forst Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Comment: Kjartan Koch-Mikalsen , Norwegian University of Science and Technology
15:45-16:00	Coffee break
16:00-17:30	The state between facts and norms. A reflection on the analysis of the concept of the state Daniel Gaus ARENA, University of Oslo Comment: Cathrine Holst, ARENA, University of Oslo
19:30	Dinner
Friday 1 October
09:30-11:00	Democratic authority beyond coercion. The idea of formal statehood Rainer Schmalz-Bruns University of Hanover Comment: John Erik Fossum, ARENA, University of Oslo
11:00-11:15	Coffee break
11:15-12:45	On the political theory of the European Union - a rights-based state-less government Erik O. Eriksen ARENA, University of Oslo Comment: Jean Cohen, Columbia University

For more information, please contact Daniel Gaus (ARENA)