Legacies of Authoritarianism and the Far Right in Europe and Beyond
Course by Laia Balcells (Georgetown University)
- Schedule: 25 June (09-13:00h and 14-16:00h) & 27 June (09-11:00h and 11:30-13:30h)
This course explores how past authoritarian experiences shape contemporary institutions and public opinion, particularly in relation to the rise of far-right movements. It examines how these movements attempt to rehabilitate authoritarian regimes and how policies aimed at addressing historical memory—such as street renaming or monument removals—can sometimes backfire. Key questions include whether Transitional Justice and Historical Memory policies effectively counter extremist parties and how far-right groups manage to minimize electoral penalties for their radical positions. The course will draw on novel empirical studies from various European countries, the United States, and Chile.
Laia Balcells is a Professor of Government at Georgetown University. Her research explores the causes and consequences of political violence and repression, nationalism, and transitional justice after conflict. Her first book, entitled Rivalry and Revenge: the Politics of Violence during Civil War was published by Cambridge University Press in 2017. She has also published over forty articles in peer-reviewed journals. She is the recipient of the 2025 ISSS Emerging Scholar Award from the International Studies Association. Her research has been supported by the Harry Frank Guggenheim foundation, the United Kingdom's Economic and Social Research Council, and the Folke Bernadotte Academy, among others.