Transatlantic Webinar: The 250th Anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence

On 4 July 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, a rupture often explained through grievances over taxation without representation, fears of losing political rights and liberties, and concerns over corruption in colonial governance. Beyond these familiar narratives, the webinar explored broader dimensions, including the political thought that shaped the American Revolution and informed the decision to declare independence; the multiple meanings the Declaration had acquired for different audiences in the United States and worldwide, including its influence on anti-colonial movements, struggles against empire, secessionist claims, and debates on statehood; as well as the impact of the American democratic experience on political developments in Europe. Organised by the America Europe Fund at KU Leuven, in partnership with the College of Europe and The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the webinar featured a transatlantic conversation with Prof. Dr. Koen Lenaerts (President of the Court of Justice of the European Union), Prof. Alan Henrikson (Lee E. Dirks Professor of Diplomatic History Emeritus, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University), and Prof. David Armitage (Lloyd C. Blankfein Professor of History, Harvard University), who reflected on the historical significance and enduring global relevance of the Declaration in its 250th anniversary year.