Monday 26 October 2026
Institute of Historical Research, University of London / Online
Historians without Borders Finland and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy organise a seminar on European History in the Evolving World Order in London on Monday 26 October 2026.
The event addresses current international and societal issues from a historical perspective. The seminar brings together historians, scholars, diplomats and others interested in the role of history in understanding today’s changing international relations, conflicts and alliances.
The final programme and registration information will be published in early September 2026.
Programme outline
09:30 Coffee
10:00 Welcoming words
Erkki Tuomioja, Historians without Borders Finland
Mark Donfried, Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Session 1: Can History Help? Europe in a World of Hostile Great Powers and Unprecedented Challenges
We are experiencing a sea change in international relations. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney observed:
“We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.”
What does this mean for our understanding and interpretation of history, and for the role played by shifting alliances today?
The keynote speaker will be Professor Timothy Garton Ash, who will also discuss themes from his latest book Europe in 7½ Chapters: The Shortest Introduction to the World’s Oldest and Newest Continent.
The keynote address will be followed by a panel discussion with audience participation.
Lunch break
13:00 Session 2: History Dialogues
Historians without Borders Finland will present its experience of history dialogues, including meetings between Ukrainian and Russian historians in Finland, and plans to publish a guide in Finnish and English on how to organise and conduct history dialogues.
The session will also include:
- commentary and reflections from a UK-based historian;
- a possible link to dialogue initiatives in Northern Ireland;
- a possible reference to the Berlin initiative on the two-state solution, including the jointly written historical background of the conflict;
- discussion with all participants.
Coffee break
15:30 Session 3: Historians without Borders – From Network to Organisation
- Discussion on the development of Historians without Borders and its organisational future. Presentation by Dr Erkki Tuomioja, President of Historians without Borders Finland.
- Discussion on the possibility of UK historians organising within the Historians without Borders framework or joining the network. Presentation by Professor Philip Murphy / Michael Weatherburn.
- Discussion with all participants.
Reception and dinner
The seminar will conclude with a reception and dinner.
Registration
The final programme will be sent out at the beginning of September with instructions on how to register for the event.
Historians, scholars, diplomats and everyone interested in international relations are welcome to join the discussions.
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is looking into the possibility of arranging a separate follow-up event on Tuesday 27 October. Participants in the seminar are also welcome to join this event.
Organisers
Historians without Borders
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy