Watch Back: "What will 2026 bring? Europe under siege"

The latest Global Speaker Series event, "What will 2026 bring? Europe under siege", brought together Mike O'Sullivan (Author, Speaker) and Professor Andrew Cottey (Government and Politics at UCC), for a discussion chaired by Professor Theresa Reidy (Head of UCC's School of Society, Politics and Ethics) for a thought-provoking discussion.

For 2026, there is much to reflect on, and to anticipate, in the months ahead.  Artificial intelligence is set to deepen its influence across healthcare, labour markets and the fabric of society, opening new avenues for innovation even as it brings challenges to navigate.  Economic divides are likely to widen further, with some groups facing mounting precarity while others experience unprecedented gains. In the US, President Trump is embattled at home but increasingly assertive internationally – as reflected in America’s intervention in Venezuela in the first days of 2026 – creating even greater uncertainties about how the second Trump presidency may play out. And as global power dynamics continue to realign, Europe will confront decisions that could shape its strategic position for years to come.

Watch the full discussion