What Crisis? Rethinking Global Governance Through the Lens of Crisis

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, Professor Tom Pegram 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.

Recording

This event will be recorded and the video will be uploaded to our YouTube channel.

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Seating and tickets

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.

Accessibility

• The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
• The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
• The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
• The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front.
• There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
• There is space for an assistance dog.
• There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
• There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).

For more information please visit Accessable.

If you have accessibility needs, please let us know and we will do our best to help. Contact spp@ucl.ac.uk