Asia represents a paradox for Europe in so as it is the place where increasing amounts of its economic prosperity is generated but it is also the place of great political tension. China’s rise as a regional hegemon does not sit easy in South Korea, Japan, Vietnam or Australia. The United Kingdom and France are engaged in the region, but a number of European countries still see the region as a distant concern. Can European countries such as Germany afford not to engage with Asian countries beyond a mere economic basis? What are Europe’s security interests in the region and what realistic role can Europe play?with Dr. Alessio Patalano, Department of War Studies, King's College LondonThe event will take place from 13:00 until 15:00 at the premises of the Institute for European Studies Brussels.