What Crisis? Rethinking Global Governance Through the Lens of Crisis

UCL Department of Political Science

Prof Tom Pegram explores how the language of “crisis” shapes global politics and our responses to urgent challenges.

Kennedy Lecture Theatre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health

Political Science and Public Policy

Lectures, seminars and events from UCL Political Science and School of Public Policy

From climate change and pandemics to financial shocks and geopolitical tensions, it can feel as though we live in an age of permanent crisis. But what do we really mean when we talk about “crisis” – and why does it matter?In his inaugural lecture, <a href="https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/41825-tom-pegram" title="https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/41825-tom-pegram" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Professor Tom Pegram </a>explores how the language of crisis shapes global politics and the ways we imagine responses to urgent challenges. Drawing on recent debates in international relations, the lecture distinguishes between crises understood as short-term disruptions that call for institutional fixes, and crises seen as symptoms of deeper structural problems demanding more fundamental transformation. Looking at climate change especially, it will show how different ways of framing crisis sustain or unsettle prevailing approaches to global governance. In doing so, the lecture asks us to think more critically about how crisis talk influences not only how we understand today’s world, but also what futures we can imagine.This lecture will be followed by a celebratory drinks reception in the same building. All are welcome to attend.

<h3>Recording</h3>This event will be recorded and the video will be uploaded to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/uclpoliticalscience" title="https://www.youtube.com/user/uclpoliticalscience" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">YouTube channel</a>.You can subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/uclpoliticalscience" title="https://www.youtube.com/user/uclpoliticalscience" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">YouTube channel</a> to be alerted when the recording is uploaded.

<h3>Seating and tickets</h3>Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We cannot guarantee you a seat, but it is very unusual that we have to turn someone away.

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