History and Civilization
While often referred to as “the British Isles,” the history of Ireland, Britain, and its various people is both interlinked and diverse. Thus, far from being simply “British,” these Islands, located in the North-Western corner of Europe, encompass various cultural traditions and identities including Gaelic, English, Cornish, Ulster-Scots, Welsh, Scottish, Lallans, Ullans, Unionist, Republican, and monarchist. The history of colonialism and social struggle has also impacted on the demographics of the region, with high levels of migration to, from and within the nations, and established migrant communities in the urban centres such as London, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin.
This Working Group, based at the European University Institute in Florence, encompasses the histories, politics, and cultures of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland as well as the former British colonies and dominions. Its main, but not exclusive, focus is on the social and cultural developments, politics, and conflicts which have divided and united the region, and it aims to interrogate the complexities of its shared, fragmented and conflicted identities through research, discussion and debate.
The Working Group organises monthly lectures and informal discussions on historical, contemporary, social, and political topics relevant to the understanding of Ireland, Britain, and its former Empire.
Faculty liaison: Lucy Riall
Coordinators: Rosa Gilbert and Dieter Reinisch
“These Islands”: Ireland, Britain, and the Empire Rosa Gilbert Dieter Reinisch