JCMS Annual Review Lecture: Nationalism and War in 21st Century Europe

Speaker: Professor Siniša Malešević, Chair of Sociology, University College Dublin.

Discussant: Professor Maya Tudor, Professor of Politics and Public Policy, Oxford University; Fellow, St. Hilda's College.

Discussant: Professor Dragović-Soso, Visiting Professor at London School of Economics and Political Science and Emeritus Professor at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Chair: Dr Vesna Popovski, LSE Fellow in Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies at the European Institute. 

Europe has witnessed significant political and social turbulence over the past decade. The rise of anti-immigrant, nativist, and populist movements, the erosion of traditional political parties, widening socioeconomic disparities, and increasing polarisation have profoundly unsettled the European order. From the shock of the 2016 Brexit referendum to the seismic impact of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, recent developments have challenged long-held assumptions.

In this lecture, Professor Siniša Malešević critically examines the conventional wisdom that nationalism and war are relics of Europe’s past. Drawing on a longue durée sociological perspective, he will argue that these forces remain deeply embedded in modernity. Rather than anomalies, the resurgence of nationalism and organised violence should be understood as part of broader historical patterns shaping contemporary Europe.

The lecture will be followed by an interactive Q&A session and a networking reception, offering a valuable opportunity for scholars and students to exchange ideas and build connections.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 5 June 2025

Time:

Registration: 17:00 – 17:30 BST

Lecture: 17:30 – 19:00 BST

Reception: 19:00 – 20:00 BST

Location

The London School of Economics and Political Science
Wolfson Theatre, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE

Register to attend here: https://uaces.civiplus.net/ssp/jcms-annual-review-lecture-nationalism-and-war-21st-century-europe.