Delegates will fly into Melbourne from their nearest capital city to have some social time, a pre-event dinner, collect any last-minute necessities, and make sure we’re all ready to fly to Europe the following day.

We begin with the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire, exploring the significant role and place of Istanbul to demonstrate how a single city can reflect the ebb and flow of vast civilisations.

Our exploration of Athens would reveal the foundational elements of Western democracy and philosophy, allowing us to understand the rise of classical empires and the complexities of their decline.

In Rome, we will meticulously examine the architectural and administrative remnants of the Roman Empire, tracing its expansion, consolidation, and eventual fragmentation.

Berlin offers a unique perspective on the destructive power of modern imperial ambitions and their catastrophic collapse, from the German Empire through Nazi Germany.

Our visits in The Hague will highlight attempts to establish international legal frameworks and institutions in the aftermath of imperial conflicts, showcasing efforts to prevent future global dominance, including the focus on the role of the UN and its role in modern diplomacy.

In Geneva, we will study the emergence of international diplomacy and organisations like the League of Nations and the United Nations, born from the desire to manage global power dynamics after imperial eras.

Paris provides insight into the rise and fall of French imperial power, from Napoleon’s ambitions to the colonial empire, and its lasting cultural and political impact.

In London, we would explore the heart of the British Empire, understanding its immense global reach, the mechanisms of its control, and the processes of its decolonisation.

Our time in Dublin would focus on the experience of a nation under imperial rule and its struggle for independence, offering a vital perspective on the human cost and eventual decline of empires.