Deputy Head of the China Division at the EU External Action Service (EEAS) Mr. George Cunningham participated as a guest lecturer for two taught modules for the Politics and IR programmes on 27/11/14.  For our Level 6 Jean Monnet Chair module on European Strategic Culture,  taught by Dr Amelia Hadfield, Mr. Cunningham gave an insightful account of the day-to-day work of the EEAS , and the foreign policy challenges currently facing the EU more generally. Additionally he advised the students on aspects of a career in diplomacy.

In the afternoon, Mr. Cunningham then chaired a simulation of a European Council meeting to decide on the EU’s policy towards China, which took place within the Level 5 taught module, EU: Power, Politics and Integration, taught by Dr John FitzGibbon. Using his many years of experience, George brought a tremendous degree of real-world diplomatic knowledge and practical information into how the EU works at the highest level.  This created a wonderful learning environment for the students to apply their knowledge of individual member states and how the process of European integration is meant to work in theory in a practical learning environment.

George Cunningham is also the Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate in the North Thanet constituency in the forthcoming general election.