Newsletter Issue 148
Europainstitut der Universität Basel | Institute for European Global Studies

We look back on an eventful and inspiring spring semester. Anthropocene expert Professor Julia Adeney Thomas joined us for the presentation and discussion of my new publication “Liquid Empire: Water and Power in the Colonial World”, visiting Professor Arindam Chakrabarti and Ralph Weber talked about their new book project, and this year’s Institute barbecue saw members of staff, students and alumni come together to toast to a milestone: the 10-year anniversary of our MA in European Global Studies. 

Our academic community and international network continue to grow. We managed to further expand our Katekisama Program through our new partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA) at the University of Tokyo. Furthermore, we are delighted to welcome Moritz von Brescius as SNSF Professor for Global History, Javier Francisco as postdoc in Global History and two new associated researchers, all enriching our research community with their own expertise and ideas. 

In this issue, you will also find all the latest news about recent publications, media appearances and conference contributions by our members. 

We wish you an enjoyable read and a lovely summer! 

Warm regards 

Corey Ross and the team of the Institute for European Global Studies
University of Basel 

News

Book Launch with Corey Ross and Julia Adeney Thomas

Corey Ross, Director of the Institute for European Global Studies, presented his new book "Liquid Empire: Water and Power in the Colonial World" (Princeton University Press, 2024) in a discussion with renowned Anthropocene-historian Julia Adeney Thomas of University of Notre Dame, Indiana.

Presentation of Book Project by Ralph Weber and Arindam Chakrabarti

Arindam Chakrabarti (Ashoka University) and Ralph Weber presented the introduction and a draft chapter on “power” of their work in progress on a selection of fundamental relations in politics. The audience comprised a small interdisciplinary group of interested researchers from the Institute itself as well as distinguished guests Markus Wild and Manuel Fasko from the Philosophy Department and political theorist Linda Ludwig from FHNW.

New Katekisama collaboration with the University of Tokyo

The international network of the Institute for European Global Studies is expanding with a new cooperation partner: the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA) at the University of Tokyo. The focus of the agreement is research collaboration within the framework of the Katekisama program.

News from our Study Programs

10-Year Anniversary of MA European Global Studies

The Institute for European Global Studies hosted its traditional barbecue in the garden of the Sandgrube, also to mark a special occasion this year: the 10th anniversary of the Master's program in European Global Studies. Close to 100 students, members of staff, alumni, and friends of the Institute came together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the evening.

Working Lunch with Palmo Brunner

Palmo Brunner gave an insightful talk at our institute's working lunch on 2 April 2025, presenting key findings from her PhD research on Tibetan diaspora mobilization. She analyzed transnational political expression in the face of growing global restrictions and sparked a lively discussion on diaspora organization and Swiss immigration policy.

Publications

New Edition of the «Tobler/Beglinger-Brevier» on the Switzerland–EU Institutional Agreement

Christa Tobler and Jacques Beglinger published an updated edition of their «Tobler/Beglinger-Brevier» (Breviary) on the Switzerland–EU negotiation package. The publication summarizes key developments and innovations in three parts: an overview of institutional issues, an in-depth analysis of these topics, and a discussion of additional elements of the package.

Article by Mpoi Hilpert on Swiss Novel Foods Regulation

Mpoi Hilpert published an article titled "Swiss Novel Foods Regulation: From Autonomous Adaptation to a Bilateral Treaty" in the Swiss Review of International and European Law Journal (SRIEL).

Media Coverage

Personalia

New SNSF-Professor: Moritz von Brescius

Moritz von Brescius has been awarded a SNSF Consolidator Grant for his project “The Battle of Materials: Commodity ‘Research and Propaganda’ and the Road to Immoderate Consumption, 1900–1980”. He joined the Institute for European Global Studies as SNSF Professor for Global History on 1 July 2025.

Researchers from the Institute for European Global Studies at Conferences

Researchers from the Institute for European Global Studies took part in conferences, specialist meetings and discussion panels. Find a selection here:

Corey Ross gave a lecture at the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Institut Freiburg titled "The Plumbing of Empire. Urban Waterworks in the Colonial World – and After".

Christa Tobler was invited as an expert at three conferences: in Vaduz, she spoke about Switzerland’s perspective on the European Economic Area (EEA); in Zurich, she analyzed the interpretation of Swiss law in conformity with European law. At the Faculty Conference 2025, which took place from 2 to 4 April at Bienenberg, she spoke about the tension between stupidity, law, and justice.

Follow us on LinkedIn!

In April, we launched our LinkedIn account—follow us to discuss, share, and stay informed about the latest updates from the Institute for European Global Studies.

Please share our newsletter!