Debates on Europe Sofia: The Fear of Shrinking Numbers

Political scientist Ivan Krastev was one of the first to point to demography as a major driving force in contemporary European politics, from re-nationalization to failing support for democratic reform. In Alek Popov's novel Mission: Turan, the demographic angst is treated with an ironic twist as an expedition sets out to Central Asia to find alleged proto-Bulgarians, who can be recruited to compensate for the dwindling population back home. Absurd? Perhaps. But where exactly goes the line between literary satire and political reality? Two of Bulgaria's brightest minds and wittiest intellectuals discuss an issue at the centre of the life stories of many Europeans. 

Featuring: Ivan Krastev (BG) and Alek Popov (BG) 

Moderator: Bilyana Kourtasheva (BG) 

Events are in English and Bulgarian with simultaneous translation.