Ulrich Beck
Sociologist Ulrich Beck, (b. 1944) is one of Germany's most well-known thinkers. He teaches in Munich, London and at Harvard. Having famously launched the concept of the "Risk society", his writings deal with globalisation and social change.
Updated: 14 July 2010
Is the EU turning into an empire ruled by Germany? For German sociologist Ulrich Beck, we should take advantage of this widespread and much discussed fear to establish a new organisation for the Union, based on a real community of citizens. 
The European common currency is in trouble, several EU countries are facing mountains of debt and solidarity within the bloc is declining. It is European youth, in particular, who have drawn the short stick. Closer cooperation is the only way forward. 
For sociologist Ulrich Beck, a federal Europe or a union of nation states are outmoded either/or options. It's time now to give the project a cosmopolitan dimension, more open, and more democratic. 
No-one knows how long it will take before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill will be capped. Reason for which we ought to turn to the sun and start an energy revolution, argues German sociologist Ulrich Beck.