News

Japanese Language Classes available on campus

The University is running in-person Japanese language courses on campus, open to anyone aged 18 and over.
Dr Josh Milburn

Dr Josh Milburn wins the 2024 BIAPT Early-Career Prize

We are very happy to announce that Dr Josh Milburn has been awarded the 2024 BIAPT Early-Career Prize by the Britain and Ireland Association for Political Thought.

International Relations, Politics and History students awarded prizes at graduation

Last week, our 2024 cohort graduated and enjoyed a brilliant day on campus celebrating with friends, family, and staff members from our School.

History and International Relations student achieves success in the Enterprise Mobility™ Intern of the Year competition

History and International Relations student Samara Valton recently came second out of 350 interns in the Enterprise Mobility Intern of the Year competition, winning £2,500.

New Dean of School of Social Sciences and Humanities appointed

Professor Justin Waring has been appointed as the new Dean of Loughborough University’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities

IRPH Academic participates in symposium on political cultures in Africa

Senior Lecturer Dr Giulia Piccolino has participated in an international symposium that took place from 25 to 27 June 2024 in Cotonou and Abomey-Calavy, Benin.
the beaches at normandy on d-day

D-day: how world leaders have made commemorations part of their diplomatic playbook

The 2024 celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of D-day are the latest in a long line of commemorations in honour of the allied landings in Normandy, which began on June 6 1944.

Ten classic films about D-day, recommended by a war historian

The allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, commonly known as D-day, was an enormously significant moment in the history of the second world war.

Dr Sam Edwards appointed to the Board of the Portsmouth D-day Museum Trust

With the 80th anniversary of D-Day fast approaching, the Department of International Relations, Politics, and History is pleased to announce that Dr Sam Edwards, Reader in Modern Political History, has been appointed to the Board of the Portsmouth D-Day Museum Trust.

BESIEGED: Dogs of War – the ethics of using animals in conflicts

The Gevena Convention protects people who have fallen victim to armed conflict, but militaries around the world use thousands of animals in combat, support, and ceremonial roles. Who looks out for them?

Dr Anthony Kevins wins SASE 2024 best article prize

Anthony Kevins has been awarded the 2024 best article prize by the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics (SASE).

Loughborough ranked in top 15 for History and Politics in Complete University Guide 2025

Loughborough has risen to 14th overall for Politics and 15th overall for History in the Complete University Guide 2025.

Is the shine coming off Japan’s bullet trains?

Just ten days before the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan opened its Tōkaidō Shinkansen, a high-speed rail line connecting Tokyo with Osaka. Shinkansen bullet trains showcased the high quality of Japanese railway technology to the world, with trains travelling at up to 285 km/h (177 mph).
Lee Jarivs

New book on radicalisation by Prof Lee Jarvis

Professor Lee Jarvis explores the concept of ‘vernacular security’ in his new book ‘Radicalisation, counter-radicalisation, and Prevent - A vernacular approach.’

Politics students named ambassadors for the Vibrant and Inclusive Communities Strategic Theme

Students Ghanim and Ahmad Muhammad Al-Muftah have been appointed as the University’s Strategic Theme Ambassadors for the Vibrant and Inclusive Communities theme.
Hilary Robinson

Hilary Robinson receives international Distinguished Feminist scholar award

Loughborough University’s Professor of Feminism, Art, and Theory, Hilary Robinson, was granted this year’s Award for Distinguished Feminist Scholarship at the College Art Association’s annual conference in Chicago. Hilary is the fourth UK academic, and the second academic from Loughborough, to be granted the Award following Professor Emerita Marsha Meskimmon winning it last year.

AHRC funded project, Trans Archiving Network holds first community event at the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.

On 26 January, researchers, speakers and participants who are members of the Trans Archiving Network came together to spend the morning discussing the important topic of intersectionality in trans and non-binary research projects.

Austin Butler

Masters of the Air: Apple’s Air Force drama is imperfect, but powerful

Apple TV’s new Second World War series, Masters of the Air, tells the story of the 100th Bomb Group of the US 8th Air Force, which operated B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers from an airfield at Thorpe Abbotts in Norfolk. The series is based on Donald L. Miller’s history book of the same name and is produced by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

Masters of the Air: ten other films and TV shows about the ‘friendly invasion’ of the American Eighth Air Force

New Apple TV series Masters of the Air tells the story of the famed 100th Bomb Group. The “Bloody 100th” (as they became known), were a part of the United States Eighth Air Force, a huge organisation which operated out of around 70 airfields in eastern England from 1942 to 1945.

IRPH building renamed after Emeritus Professor Morag Bell

Colleagues from the University came together in celebration of Professor Morag Bell, previous Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Emeritus Professor of Cultural Geography, as the E building was officially renamed the Morag Bell Building.
an abandoned control tower in a field

The Shepherd: Disney’s ghostly new Christmas tale evokes the eerie qualities of Britain’s abandoned Second World War airfields

Dr Sam Edwards explores the post-war cultural fascination with ghostly old airfields.
National Student Survey 2023

International Relations, Politics and History achieves success in recent National Student Survey

According to the most recent results from the National Student Survey (NSS), 94% of History students and 92% of Politics Students at Loughborough University were positive about the teaching on their course.*

A close up of a female student outside smiling the camera

Loughborough Graduate awarded Rhodes Scholarship

History and Politics Graduate Nyasha Mukonoweshuro has recently been announced as a recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious academic awards for graduate study.
A student sitting down with a book

Winners of the 7th Barbara Bagilhole Memorial Awards announced.

The winners were awarded at a virtual ceremony held by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities on 14 November.

The Great Escaper: Michael Caine’s final film is Britain’s answer to Saving Private Ryan

The Great Escaper is an engaging exploration of love, loss, memory and trauma. It’s also the final film for its star, Michael Caine, as he has recently announced his retirement. The film tells the real story of Royal Navy veteran, Bernard Jordan, who “escaped” from his care home in June 2014 to attend the 70th anniversary of D-Day commemorations in Normandy.

Ghanim Al Muftah to address 10,000 people at National Human Capital Conference

Politics student and motivational speaker Ghanim Al Muftah will be traveling to Malaysia to speak at the 2023 National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE). Ghanim was invited by the King of Malaysia to be a guest speaker at the conference. His speech will address 10,000 people from all over the world.

Pacifism and Nonviolence Discussion Group

Pacifism and Nonviolence are closely related concepts that influence political and social activism and have attracted significant interest in academic settings.

Japanese Language Classes available on campus

The University is running in-person Japanese language courses on campus, open to anyone aged 18 and over.

History and Politics Graduate credits Loughborough University for her 'personal transformation'

Nyasha Mukonoweshuro had a knock to her confidence when she didn’t get the Maths A Level result she wanted, leaving her worried that she would not be accepted to study History at various universities as a result.

International Relations, Politics and History students awarded prizes at Graduation

Last week, our 2023 cohort graduated and enjoyed a brilliant day on campus celebrating with friends, family, and staff members from our School.

School of Social Sciences and Humanities to work with UK Government on a new International Security MA module.

We are delighted to partner with the UK Government on a module which is part of the International Security MA.

The Diplomat: Netflix show suggests the US-UK special relationship needs some TLC

Dr Sam Edwards explores the US-UK relationship in new article.

Politics students appointed as first Theme Ambassadors

Students Ghanim and Ahmad Muhammad Al-Muftah have been appointed as the University’s first Strategic Theme Ambassadors. The twin brothers, who are both studying Politics, will represent the Vibrant and Inclusive Communities theme.

Loughborough researcher chosen for BBC New Generation Thinkers

Dr Ana Baeza Ruiz is one of ten researchers who will feature in the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and BBC Radio 3’s 2023 New Generation Thinkers.

Lost BBC documentary – first on homosexuality – is brought to the stage for BBC 100 celebrations

A ground-breaking BBC documentary about homosexuality which was lost after airing in the 1950s is being brought back to life on the stage as part of the BBC 100 celebrations.

Politics student and FIFA World Cup Ambassador Ghanim ready for tournament kick-off in Qatar

The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be kicking off in Qatar in just five days. Politics student Ghanim al-Muftah was proudly selected as one of the Ambassadors for the tournament and is determined to use this responsibility to promote solidarity and peace.

Loughborough to host roundtable discussion supported by the Fund of the President of the Ukraine

Loughborough is proud to be hosting one of the ‘World Academic Talks’ events, a series of roundtable discussions supported by the Fund of the President of the Ukraine.

Dr Alex Christoyannopoulos publishes new article in International Studies Quarterly

The war in Ukraine has changed the map of global politics: caused a lurch towards the kind of breakdown in diplomatic relations that hasn't been seen since the end of the Cold War.

How climate change and net zero commitments will impact the future of war

A new project will assess the impact that achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will have on the UK’s armed forces.

Season of free screenings to explore the controversial roots of gay and trans representation in broadcasting

Current controversies about LGBTQ+ representations in the media are traced back to their twentieth-century roots in a season of free public screenings at the Cinema Museum in London.

Academic features in Secrets of the Spies

Lecturer in International History and International Relations, Dr Paul Maddrell recently starred in ITV's 'Secret of the Spies', produced by Britbox.

International Relations, Politics and History students awarded prizes at Graduation

Last week, our 2022 cohort graduated and enjoyed a brilliant day on campus celebrating with friends, family, and staff members from our School.

Ukraine could begin developing nuclear weapons as a deterrent to future Russian invasions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could begin building a nuclear arsenal or start buying nuclear weapons to increase his country’s defences against Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine war: What does Turkey aim to achieve by blocking the Swedish and Finnish membership to NATO

The longstanding neutrality of Sweden and Finland was abandoned when both states submitted formal applications to Nato. But they are facing an unexpected obstacle on the way to membership: Turkey. Ali Bilgic, Reader in International Relations and Security argues that Ankara’s veto reflects its aims to change the status quo and make gains in three areas: the eastern Mediterranean, Syria – and in its own domestic politics.

International Relations, Politics and History achieves success in Research Excellence Framework 2021

International Relations, Politics and History have achieved excellent results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 with 100% of our Politics and International Studies research impact assessed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

Ukraine war: Sweden and Finland eye the Nato option, but it’s a security dilemma for the west

The Kremlin has issued an ominous warning to Nato about the consequences for the Baltic if it allows Sweden and Finland to join the alliance, as has been widely reported.

Dignity, Strategy, Regret – Putin's actions explained

Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an attempt to regain dignity and stave off the threat he sees moving in from the West, according to international relations expert Dr Afzal Ashraf.

University launches podcast about the impact of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine

A new podcast has been launched which examines the impact the conflict in Ukraine is having on the world as well as assessing the future implications for the global economy and our everyday lives.

Vladimir Putin: risk-taker who is gambling his country’s future

In the early 1990s, when he was deputy mayor of St Petersburg, Vladimir Putin was known to a member of the city’s legislature, Viktor Talanov. A psychologist by profession, Talanov prepared a study of Putin in which he concluded that one of his subject’s fundamental psychological characteristics was a very high tolerance of risk.

Dr Paul Maddrell discusses Russian siege of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol

Only Monday 21 March Dr Paul Maddrell, Lecturer in International History and International Relations at Loughborough University, appeared on TRT World's "The Newsmakers" programme to discuss the Russian siege of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

New peer-reviewed Journal of Pacifism and Nonviolence launched

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Journal of Pacifism and Nonviolence, a new peer-reviewed journal to be published by Brill from 2023.

The Ukraine crisis: Expert comment from the University’s Professor of War Studies

As the world reels from Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, the University’s Professor of War Studies and renowned expert on Russia, the Cold War and its legacies, explains the root causes of the conflict.

Ukraine: nonviolent resistance is a brave and often effective response to aggression

Responses to the Russian invasion have been swift. Thousands of people both in Ukraine and abroad are enlisting to fight against the odds.

UKRI announce the appointment of Dr Melodee Beals as one of its first UKRI Policy and Engagement Fellowship in Digital Research and Innovation Infrastructure

UKRI has recently announced the appointment of Dr. Melodee Beals as one of its first UKRI Policy and Engagement Fellowship in Digital Research and Innovation Infrastructure.

Dr Paul Maddrell delivers lecture on 23 August 1939: The Nazi-Soviet Pact and Mass Killing in Eastern Europe

On 23 August 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union concluded a non-aggression pact, enabling Adolf Hitler to wage war on Poland without fear of a war with the Soviet Union. Both armies invaded Poland in September 1939 and by doing so, made the Holocaust possible.

Academics appointed to review QAA 2022 Subject Benchmark Statements

Three Loughborough academics have been appointed to the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) advisory groups, to review the 2022 Subject Benchmark Statements.

Alex Christoyannopoulos publishes paper on the pacifist critique of the red poppy

Alex Christoyannopoulos, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations has recently published his paper titled “A pacifist critique of the red poppy: reflections on British war commemorations’ increasingly hegemonic militarism” with Critical Military Studies.

Loughborough’s Security MA students complete an internship with All-Party Parliamentary Group on Drones.

Lewis Mobbs and Elliott Simm are both Postgraduate students currently enrolled on our Security MA course and were offered an internship opportunity over the summer with All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Drones.

Written evidence to the UK Parliament Women and Equalities Committee published

Dr Ali Bilgic, Reader in International Relations and Security at Loughborough University has prepared a report on Female asylum-seekers experiences of detention in the UK.

New blog post explores the history of Sara Baartman

In a recent blog post, History graduate Keisha Vinda offers insight into her undergraduate research around identity in historical contexts, focusing on the life of Sara Baartman.

UK lobbying rules explained: why no one seems to be in legal trouble

Reader in Politics at Loughborough University, Dr Phil Parvin, has published an article in The Conversation about UK lobbying rules.

Dominic Cummings evidence: five key questions that must be investigated

Loughborough academics, including Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Dr Chris Zebrowski, have highlighted five key questions for an inquiry into the Government's handling of the pandemic in a recent article for The Conversation, following Dominic Cumming's allegations.

New blog post explores Secretary Hillary Clinton and Feminist Foreign Policy

In a recent blog post, current student in International Relations, Politics and History at Loughborough, Lewis Mobbs, offers insight into his undergraduate research around foreign policy and gender, specifically looking at Secretary Hilary Clinton’s policies.

Five questions that need answering in a COVID public inquiry

Loughborough Researchers, including Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Dr Chris Zebrowski, have published an article for The Conversation on five questions that need answering in a COVID public inquiry.

New blog post explores Charles Darwin and attitudes to religion

In a recent blog post, History student, Robyn Burnette Mayson, offers insight into research around the topics of science and religion in 19th Century Victorian Britain.

Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe discusses her work on Vera Brittain in new talk

Caroline Kennedy-Pipe will be discussing her work on Vera Brittain with Dr James Rogers on History Hit in February 2021. The talk is entitled ‘Pacifism and the World Wars: The Life of Vera Brittain’.

Dr Paul Maddrell delivers lecture on ‘The Preventability of the Holocaust’ for Holocaust Memorial Day

The lecture discusses some of the key historical events which led to the Holocaust, such as the First World War, the Nazi takeover of power and establishment of a dictatorial regime, the outbreak of the Second World War, and the invasion of the Soviet Union.

New blog post explores Julius Malema and the Economic Freedom Fighters

In a recent blog post, Politics and International Relations graduate, Matthew Pascal, offers insight into research around the South African Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and their leader Julius Malema.

Dr Paul Maddrell publishes an article on assassination in The Conversation

The piece by Dr Paul Maddrell, Lecturer in International History and International Relations, explores 'the new age of assassination'.

New blog post explores the Liberation of American Women in the 1920s

In a recent blog post, Politics and International Relations student, Jade Caublot, offers insight into research around American Women’s Liberation in the 1920s.

Politics and International Relations Student Awarded LU Arts Scholarship

Oliver Strickland is completing a BSc in Politics and International Relations and has received the scholarship on account of his talent as a singer-songwriter and contemporary solo artist.

New blog post looks behind student’s comparative study into social protests in Hong Kong and Ukraine

A new post on the Students as Researchers blog, which highlights innovative undergraduate research in International Relations, Politics and History, looks behind Harrison Winter’s dissertation project.

Let's Talk 'Dirty'!

From the 28th-30th of October, there will be an online symposium exploring ‘dirty’ matters.

A Victorian Sensation: the Sudan Campaign

In a recent blog post, History student, Rebecca Higham, explores the effect the British Empire had on Victorian popular culture.

The Importance of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s Populism in France

In a recent blog post, Erasmus+ exchange student, Rayane Khaled, explores the importance of and rise in populism.

'Stalin's Danish Mystery': History Hit Podcast

Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe was recently interviewed on the popular History Hit podcast.

Clearing and adjustment vacancies 2020

We’ll begin making clearing and adjustment offers from 8am on Thursday 13 August. If you already know your results, you can call our clearing and adjustment hotline today and we can talk you through your options.

Dr Catherine Armstrong publishes new book on American Slavery and Imperialism

How did the U.S. deal with the paradox of presenting itself as a global power which abhorred slavery, while at the same time failing to deal with forced labour at home? Catherine Armstrong argues that this was done with rhetorical manoeuvres around the definition of slavery.

Academic discusses: Is humanity doomed because we can’t plan for the long term?

'Is humanity doomed because we can’t plan for the long term?' Dr Chris Zebrowski from Politics and International Studies discusses this alongside two other experts in the Conversation.

Launch of Students as Researchers blog

Innovative Undergraduate Research in International Relations, Politics and History.

The successes and failures of populism during the pandemic – new report

A NEW study which examines the way populist governments and opposition forces have reacted to the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the huge variety of responses to the pandemic – from threatening to shoot lockdown violators to actively encouraging free movement.

Professor provides evidence to the latest UN report on drone warfare

Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe provided evidence to the latest UN report on drone warfare.

NATO's Past, NATO's Future' Online Seminar with Professor Jamie Shea

Launch of the new webinar series International Relations in Practice (IRIP) with a talk by Professor Jamie Shea (University of Exeter, not on twitter) on ‘NATO’s Past; NATO’s Future’.

Why Study History? Dan's Snow History Hit

Dr Marcus Collins was a guest in Dan Snow's History Hit podcast. They examined the intellectual, economic and societal benefits of studying history. They also discussed the humanities in relation to STEM subjects, the typical career trajectory of a history graduate and examined history's crucial role in civic studies.

Post-pandemic world politics by Dr Ali Bilgic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, international politics looks different.

POLIS academics contribute to Parliament's Covid-19 Horizon Scanning

In March 2020, the Knowledge Exchange Unit in POST launched the COVID-19 outbreak expert database. It invited anyone who wanted to support UK Parliament in its work and had expertise in COVID-19 and/or its impacts to sign up.

POLIS alumna Joanne Harten in Queen's New Year's Honours List 2020

Alumna Joanne Harten, who graduated with a degree in International Relations, has been awarded an MBE for services to Netball.

The History of Terrorism: The IRA

Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe in conversation with Dr James Rogers on the Origins of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Lord Adonis discusses 'What Next for Brexit?' at Loughborough

Lord Andrew Adonis visited Politics and International Studies at Loughborough on 12th December to deliver a wonderfully timely guest lecture entitled 'What Next for Brexit?'.

Exploring migrant decision-making in West Africa

A Loughborough University academic is part of a new £1.4m research project that will explore migration decision-making and development in West Africa.

Politics and International Studies Alumni Evening

On Wednesday 16th October, four alumni came together to the Loughborough campus to discuss careers in Politics and International Relations.

Dr Ali Bilgic on ‘What Donald Trump’s decision to abandon Kurdish fighters in Syria means for the Kurds, Assad and Russia’

Dr Ali Bilgic from Politics and International Studies has published an article in the Conversation about the implications of Trump's decision to abandon Kurdish fighters in Syria.

A visiting space expert from the Royal Air Force Air Warfare Centre delivers a fascinating lecture on Space as future arena of conflict.

Expert on space Cliff Foster Jones alongside our Security Master's Students.

Prof Ruth Kinna interviewed by Russell Brand for his podcast “Under the Skin”

In a podcast all about anarchy, Prof Ruth Kinna - an expert in the history and practice of anarchism - explained where it came from, what it’s all about and why it is so controversial.

Brexit Roundtable Discussion

On Wednesday 16th October, four alumni came together to the Loughborough campus to discuss careers in Politics and International Relations.