Inaugural Lecture - Professor Emile Chabal Identity has become one of the most powerful mobilising forces in contemporary democratic politics. Since the 1970s, social movements based around race, gender, religion, language or sexuality have challenged political structures, parties, and movements. While some have argued that identity politics offers unique opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process, others have maintained that it damages the fabric of democratic politics by setting different groups against each other. In this lecture, Professor Emile Chabal steps away from the polemic to consider the history of identity politics in Europe, offering an interpretation of new forms of political mobilisation within the larger context of the transformation of European democracy since the 1970s. Professor Emile Chabal You can find out more about Professor Emile Chabal, his work, and research in his University of Edinburgh staff profile (link below). Professor Chabal's staff profile Tags Event History Inaugural Lecture Staff Jan 21 2026 17.15 - 18.30 Inaugural Lecture - Professor Emile Chabal Professor Chabal's inaugural lecture will be, 'Age of identity: Democracy and difference in contemporary Europe'. Playfair Library Hall, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL Old College Tickets (free)
Inaugural Lecture - Professor Emile Chabal Identity has become one of the most powerful mobilising forces in contemporary democratic politics. Since the 1970s, social movements based around race, gender, religion, language or sexuality have challenged political structures, parties, and movements. While some have argued that identity politics offers unique opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process, others have maintained that it damages the fabric of democratic politics by setting different groups against each other. In this lecture, Professor Emile Chabal steps away from the polemic to consider the history of identity politics in Europe, offering an interpretation of new forms of political mobilisation within the larger context of the transformation of European democracy since the 1970s. Professor Emile Chabal You can find out more about Professor Emile Chabal, his work, and research in his University of Edinburgh staff profile (link below). Professor Chabal's staff profile Tags Event History Inaugural Lecture Staff Jan 21 2026 17.15 - 18.30 Inaugural Lecture - Professor Emile Chabal Professor Chabal's inaugural lecture will be, 'Age of identity: Democracy and difference in contemporary Europe'. Playfair Library Hall, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL Old College Tickets (free)
Jan 21 2026 17.15 - 18.30 Inaugural Lecture - Professor Emile Chabal Professor Chabal's inaugural lecture will be, 'Age of identity: Democracy and difference in contemporary Europe'.
