UCL Institute of Advanced Studies

Diaspora Diaries Episode 7 - Memory Politics and Collective Identities

In this episode, Ellen and Awa discuss European identity building and memory politics, highlighting how national narratives shape collective memory. They emphasise the selective remembrance of historical events, and its impact on national identities. Together, they examine the silencing of racialised people’s histories and experiences within discourse on national identity and how this, in turn, plays a role in the rise of xenophobia and far-right ideologies.

Diaspora Diaries Episode 6 - African is Cool: Valorising Cultural Heritage

Stephanie discusses the valorisation of cultural heritage within the African diaspora, noting a shift in societal perception post-2020. She highlights the commodification of cultural pride by businesses and the rise of Afrobeats and other African music globally. Stephanie references the reinterpretation of cultural symbols like the Union Jack and the importance of authenticity in branding. Stephanie emphasises the fluidity of culture and the need to resist simplistic representations, concluding with her personal embrace of cultural heritage through wearing cornrows.

In Conversation with the SPRC: Geopolitics, catastrophe and trying to comprehend the world

Discussion of Gargi’s research and the new module designed to open conversations about how we might understand the interplay between global politics and the global economy in this moment of rapid realignment. Speakers: Gargi Bhattacharyya, Paige Patchin, Luke de Noronha

In Conversation with the SPRC: The politics of health in a time of climate crisis

Discussion of Paige’s research on questions of health, racism and why we must learn to understand the languages of the biological and the pharmaceutical if we are to grasp emerging technologies of racialisation. Speakers: Paige Patchin, Luke de Noronha, Gargi Bhattacharyya

In Conversation with the SPRC: Movement, bodies and the question of race-making

Discussion of Luke’s research and why thinking about movement and bordering allows us understand emerging machineries of (perhaps) racialised violence. Speakers: Luke de Noronha, Paige Patchin, Gargi Bhattacharyya