Collaborative research between Europe and the world
The EU-funded KEEENZ (Knowledge and expertise exchange Europe – New Zealand) project focused on three themes. These covered: global trade, agriculture and finance; norms importation and exportation; and identities, mutual perceptions and external visions of the EU as an authority. KEEENZ suffered an initial setback. Just days after the project's start, earthquakes devastated the New Zealand city of Christchurch, home of the project's New Zealand university partner. The event affected the University for several years, causing an accommodation crisis. Nevertheless, the project partners collaborated effectively. Study results addressed each theme. The first considered transition in post-communist Europe and its relevance to Europeanisation. Theme two detailed: the importation of EU norms; power, norms and intervention in international relations; and women in politics. The final phase investigated Asia as viewed by European public and elites, politics and the media, and perceptions of the EU-Pacific collaborative relationship. The team highlighted several research questions. Details include identity and perception across continents, gender, norm formulation and exportation, diplomacy and agriculture. Results yielded five books, 2 journal special issues, 29 journal articles and 18 book chapters, plus miscellaneous other publications and presentations. Researchers attended outreach meetings. The group also established collaboration with the Asia-Europe Foundation and an initiative to train junior diplomats in the analysis of EU policies and perceptions abroad. KEEENZ developed new insights concerning Europe's relationships with the rest of the world. The work may potentially help Europe improve such relationships.
Keywords
Collaborative research, post-communism, international relations, women in politics, KEEENZ, New Zealand
