The Jean Monnet Network on Challenges to Multiculturalism and Multilateralism in Europe and Southeast Asia – Policy Research and Debate (CMM Policy R&D) is a network comprising the EU Centre in Singapore (supported by NUS, NTU and SMU), Universitas Indonesia, University of Malaya and Maastricht University. The two broad research themes that the Network has chosen to focus on – Multiculturalism and
Multilateralism, centre around the issue of managing diversities within societies in Europe and Southeast Asia, and between nations and regional organisations in the international society. On the broad theme of “Multiculturalism”, the Network would explore issues related to challenges to social cohesion in European and Southeast Asian societies brought about by increasing diversities as a result of migration and the rise of identity politics, political polarization and radicalisation. Is multiculturalism the answer to managing these diversities and what should be the essence and specificities of “multiculturalism” that can be sustained. On the broad theme of “Multilateralism” the Network seeks to review the current decision-making practices in the EU and ASEAN and how the principle of multilateralism is understood within these regional organisations and their member states. More importantly, the Network hopes to revive the debates on whether and how “multilateralism” can be made effective in the current political climate with the changing global and regional order. Besides research and publications, the Network will also organise Summer Programme for the students, as well as, Workshops and Seminars to generate debates and dialogue on these issues.
