Intellectual tools for analysis: the importance of theory for understanding a confusing world During the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, the world’s elite comes together to discuss the state of the global order. In this masterclass, we…
Most people experience their national identity as something natural, as fundamental as family, as instinctive as language. Yet for most of human history, this form of belonging simply did not exist. A peasant in eighteenth-century Languedoc felt no kinship with Parisians; loyalty was local, owed to lords and churches, not to an abstract “French people.” So where did nations come from?
This masterclass examines one of the most important debates in the study of politics: whether nations are ancient communities that evolved organically over centuries, or modern inventions, deliberately constructed through politics and education. Dr Theiner traces the origins of national feeling to the revolutions of the 18th and 19th century, where political authority was claimed in the name of “the nation.” But the revolutionaries faced a problem: the nations they invoked did not yet exist in reality. Regional languages and local loyalties had to be systematically transformed into a shared national consciousness. The nation, in short, had to be made.
This raises questions that remain fiercely contested among scholars. If nations are what Benedict Anderson called “imagined communities,” does this make national feeling less real – or less legitimate? Why do these constructed identities generate emotions powerful enough that millions have willingly died for them? And if national identities were made once, can they be un-made or re-made? These questions are essential for understanding why nationalism remains such a potent force in contemporary politics, from independence movements to Brexit to the resurgence of nationalist parties across Europe.
Dr Patrick Theiner is Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Edinburgh. He holds an MA from the University of Tübingen, and a PhD from Trinity College Dublin. He specializes in teaching introductory classes for undergraduates, mostly in the fields of international relations and comparative politics. His research spans multiple fields, such as international and regional organizations, especially processes of institutional design and development, parliaments, internet governance, and global health.
An overview of the application process for students wishing to study art and design subjects with a focus on portfolio development and insight to University of the Arts London.
Working across pre-degree, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels as a UAL International Academic, Philip empowers global students to access and thrive in creative education.
Specialising in portfolio curation and mentoring, Philip helps applicants present their strongest creative identities to guide them towards courses that align with their unique ambitions. He also supports UAL’s internal student progression and contributes directly to teaching and learning across a range of disciplines.
His role is a bridge between global talent and UAL’s vibrant academic community. Whether advising on course access, reviewing international applications, or representing UAL at global events, Philip is committed to fostering meaningful connections and championing creative futures.
Philip’s industry portfolio as Fashion Editor and Director at magazine titles ranges from the pioneering architecture and industrial design Wallpaper* magazine, to Fashion Directorship of Selfridges magazine and independent Australian style bible, Russh. His worldwide industry expertise has been garnered for catwalk shows throughout Europe, Australia and India, and Philip continues to creatively direct and produce for a range of international clients.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 plunged Europe into its worst security crisis since the Second World War and struck at a core principle of the post-1945 international order: respect for state sovereignty. How have major powers responded, and what competing visions of world order are now taking shape?
Europe and the United States under President Biden framed support for Ukraine as a defense of the rules-based international order. Yet, the new Trump administration signals a sharp shift—questioning America’s security commitments to Europe and seeking rapprochement with Russia. Meanwhile, NATO labels China as a “decisive enabler” of Russian aggression, while the EU continues to define China as a “partner, competitor, and rival.” The war has even drawn North Korean troops into Europe, highlighting its global implications.
This talk examines how Europe, the United States, Russia, and China each envision the future international order, shaped by the complex interplay of domestic politics, historical legacies, and broader international dynamics. It will explore where their visions converge or clash, assess the potential for reconciliation or compromise, and consider how these interactions might shape or even produce a new international order in the post-Ukraine War era.
Dr Olivia Cheung is Lecturer in Politics at the Department of European & International Studies and Affiliate of the Lau China Institute at King’s College London. She is also China Fellow at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy at the Brussels School of Governance, Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Previously, she was Research Fellow at the China Institute of SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London, and Teaching Fellow at the University of Warwick. She obtained the MPhil and DPhil in Politics from the University of Oxford as a Swire Scholar and Rhodes Scholar. Dr. Cheung is the co-author of the forthcoming book, China’s Global Strategy under Xi Jinping with Oxford University Press.
Film School Lesson N° 1: Telling a Good Story Stories are how humans connect. Whether you are giving a presentation, arguing a case, or teaching a lesson, stories make your ideas stick. Facts may inform, but stories make people feel—and…
What is a Business? - Business and Management Masterclass with Warwick Business School (University of Warwick) This highly interactive masterclass is designed to provide you with a broad overview of what a business is, what they do and what affects…
The 2026 poetry competition is now open, and this year's theme is Roots. Please see the Teachers' Activities page for the entry form and rules. The closing date for entries is Friday, February 6th, 2026
Applying to Oxford, Cambridge and other competitive UK universities As part of this Masterclass on studying at the highest level in the UK, our partners from Greene’s College, Oxford present an introduction to applying to Oxford, Cambridge and other competitive…
Student Recruitment Officer Madison Andrews from King’s College London talked to us about UK university courses, how to apply, and tips and tricks for your UK university application. In addition, we heard from current King’s College London students including a British Section alumna about their experience studying at King’s and in London!
Madison Andrews is an International Student Recruitment Officer for King’s College London. Madison has over 10 years of Higher Education experience in both Canada and the United Kingdom.