

This time around, the threat of a Le Pen presidency is real
The far Right does not command a majority in France. But Macron’s arrogance and elitism, plus divisions on the Left, could hand it a victory, writes Professor Philippe Marlière. Continue reading This time around, the threat of a Le Pen presidency is real

Ukraine analyses, Vol. 2
Explore a second collection of analyses from UCL experts across the disciplines, on the unfolding war in Ukraine. Continue reading Ukraine analyses, Vol. 2

The Ukrainian Refugee Crisis: Six Elements of an Effective Response
Professor Christian Dustmann and Professor Ian Preston identify six steps public policy-makers in the EU and the UK can take in response to the latest immigration wave facing Europe, based on lessons learnt from previous refugee crises. Continue reading The Ukrainian Refugee Crisis: Six Elements of an Effective Response

On Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: A Call to Action for the UK Higher Education Sector
Dr Uilleam Blacker calls for more decisive, concerted action from UK universities in support of the academic community of Ukraine. Continue reading On Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: A Call to Action for the UK Higher Education Sector

UCL analyses of Russia’s war on Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 has brought war to Europe, catalysed a humanitarian and refugee crisis, and transformed the continent irrevocably.
In response, the European Institute has collated comment pieces from academics across UCL, with expertise spanning Russian, Ukrainian and East European Studies, Political Science and International Relations, History, Political Thought and Literature. Continue reading UCL analyses of Russia’s war on Ukraine

Putin at War: Claiming De-Nazification, Reviving Antisemitism
The Russian President’s Victory Day Speech and his Foreign Minister’s comments suggest of a fully-fledged antisemitic ideology is rearing its head in Russia. Brad Blitz provides analysis of Putin’s antisemitism poorly masked by Russia’s so-called “de-Nazification programme” in Ukraine. Continue reading Putin at War: Claiming De-Nazification, Reviving Antisemitism

“The Front Runs Through Us”
The public event ‘Decolonising Russia’s War in Ukraine’ (26 March) gave first-hand insights into the experiences of Ukrainians and others under Russian militarism – much closer than some might imagine to those of the Global South under western imperialism. Co-organisers Vlad Vazheyevskyy, Sasha Shestakova, Anna Engelhardt and Michał Murawski report. Read on for a guide to the day’s highlights, and to learn how the war kept interrupting the proceedings. Continue reading “The Front Runs Through Us”

Easter laughter: the hilarious and controversial medieval history of religious jokes
For the devout, Easter is a serious business. And yet, there has always been scope for joy and laughter in Easter celebrations. Seb Coxon explains the early Christian tradition of Easter laughter.. Continue reading Easter laughter: the hilarious and controversial medieval history of religious jokes

Refugee reception in the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine – perspectives from Scandinavia and the UK
Drawing on their ongoing research, Mette Louise Berg, Line Grüner, Anders Neergaard, Andrea Verdasco, and Silke Zschomler discuss refugee reception policies in Denmark, Sweden, and the UK, and the obstacles involved in refugee social inclusion and integration in local communities. Continue reading Refugee reception in the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine – perspectives from Scandinavia and the UK