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Birkbeck launches Centre for Study of Internationalism

The new Centre brings together researchers from different academic fields interested in internationalism.

A globe representing Birkbeck's newly established Centre for the Study for Internationalism.

Birkbeck has recently launched the Centre for the Study of Internationalism, which aims to bring together a community of researchers from different academic disciplines with an interest in internationalism: from history to political science, law to linguistics and architecture to biochemistry.

‘Internationalism’ can refer to a number of very different ideas and practices: the search for intergovernmental agreements and conventions; the practice of international assembly; the projection of national agendas across the globe; the transfer of ideas, resources or people across national boundaries. By developing a broad and multi-disciplinary approach the Centre is able to examine internationalism from a range of viewpoints, delving deeply into its impact on various aspects of society in the past and present, and considering the future of international cooperation and the role of nation-states.

Dr Jessica Reinisch, Director of the Centre, said: “I’m thrilled that there has been so much interest in this Centre, both at Birkbeck and beyond. Making different academic fields talk to each other can be really difficult, but there seems to be a genuine desire to do so as far as internationalism is concerned.”

The new research Centre will provide a vitally needed space for study and debate, by offering a space for researchers at all stages of their careers who share an interest in internationalism and the impact on the make-up of the world. Members of the Centre will organise workshops and seminars, run a blog to promote its research and events and host external funders’ grant applications for relevant projects.  

Birkbeck is home to many leading figures and innovative projects in the study of internationalism, and its causes and effects. This has most notably been seen through the Reluctant Internationalists Project, which has looked at the role of public health and medical science as catalysts for a range international projects and networks in 20th century Europe.

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