Join us for the BISA/BFPG Undergraduate Network's inaugural event in Edinburgh!
Scotland has long played a distinctive and influential role on the international stage, shaped by its history, values, and global connections. This event will explore how Scotland contributes to foreign policy today - from diplomacy and trade to climate leadership and cultural influence - and consider what its future role in an evolving world might look like.
This promises to be an exciting panel discussion given the upcoming May 2026 Holyrood elections, the ever present question of the Trident nuclear submarines and increasing geo-political tensions. Adam Al-kateb (Scottish activist and Candidate for the Scottish Green Party), Evie Aspinall (Director of the British Foreign Policy Group), and Anthony Salamone (Managing Director of European Merchants), will discuss Scotland’s role in foreign policy, moderated by Professor Juliet Kaarbo (University of St Andrews).
The discussion( 4.30-6pm) will be followed by a networking reception (6-7.30pm).
If you are a current BISA/BFPG Undergraduate Network member attendance, at this event is included with your membership - just complete the registration form so we know you are coming.
Non-members are also welcome to attend the event. Either join the Undergraduate Network for just £10.50 for a whole year - which gives you access to the whole UGN event programme for the duration of your membership - or register and pay a one-off £3.50 fee for this lecture.
Space is limited to please register and complete any payment needed as soon as possible to secure your attendance.
Speakers
- Adam Al-khateb is candidate for the Scottish Green Party, standing in the May 2026 Scottish Parliament elections in the Lothian regional list. Al-khateb is an Edinburgh-born activist and co-convener of the Green's Palestine Solidarity Group. Al-khateb studied Energy and Environmental Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University.
- Evie Aspinall is the Director of the British Foreign Policy Group. Her primary research interests are domestic consent for foreign policy, the UK’s role in the world and challenges posed by the UK’s strategic rivals. Evie holds a BA from the University of Cambridge and an MSc from King’s College London. She has previously worked at UN Women UK and the Future Leaders Network and was formerly the UK Head Delegate to the Youth7, the G7’s official youth engagement group. She also served as President of Cambridge University Students’ Union. She is a regular commentator in the media on issues pertinent to UK foreign policy.
- Anthony Salamone FRSA is a political scientist, analyst and thinker. He has contributed extensively to the debates on Scotland’s role in the world, both on its European and international relations as part of the UK, and on the prospects of Scottish EU membership and foreign policy under independence. Anthony is Founder and Managing Director of European Merchants, the Scottish political analysis firm in Edinburgh. Among his previous roles, he was adviser in the Scottish Centre on European Relations; Founding Managing Editor of European Futures, the University of Edinburgh academic blog; and Founding President of the Edinburgh University European Union Society. His media appearances include BBC News, the Financial Times, The Economist, CNN, and Bloomberg.
Moderator
- Juliet Kaarbo is Professor in the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews. She co-founded and is the Executive Director of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs. Her research focuses on leader personality, foreign policy decision making, group dynamics, parliaments and parties, and national roles and has appeared in numerous high-ranking journals such as International Affairs, International Studies Quarterly, European Journal of International Relations, International Studies Review, Political Psychology, European Political Science Review, and Foreign Policy Analysis.