Research
Professor Austin will continue his internationally recognized research on the rule of law and transitional justice in the EU's neighbourhood, with particular attention to the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. His scholarship examines how EU rule-of-law mechanisms — including judicial reform, accountability norms, and transitional justice frameworks — shape democratic development and the daily lives of citizens in countries seeking EU membership. His work has informed debates within European institutions, including the Council of Europe, and his forthcoming biography of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha will contribute to public and academic discussion on confronting authoritarian pasts as a prerequisite for democratic consolidation. Research produced under the Chair will be disseminated through publications, conference presentations, and the dedicated Jean Monnet Chair webpage.
About Professor Robert Austin
Professor Austin is an award-winning educator and prolific scholar of Europe. He received the 2025 President's Teaching Award — the University of Toronto's highest recognition for sustained teaching excellence — as well as the 2022 Outstanding Teaching Award from the Faculty of Arts and Science and the 2020 Ranjini Ghosh Excellence in Teaching Award. He is the author of five books on the Balkans and Central Europe, has served as Associate Director of CEES since 2020, and coordinates both the undergraduate and graduate programs. He has been a visiting scholar at the University of Graz, the University of Regensburg, Central European University, and the Institute of Human Sciences in Vienna.