Identity politics, fake news and the history of drinking alcohol: the British Academy announces Autumn season of free events

Identity politics, fake news and the human relationship with alcohol are just some of the fascinating topics explored by the British Academy’s latest series of free events in London and around the UK this autumn.

As the British Academy’s Identities and Belonging season continues, hear from some of the world’s leading thinkers in subjects like history, politics, and psychology as they consider who we are, how we fit in, and where we belong in a changing world.

Author, broadcaster and editor-at-large of The Guardian, Gary Younge will discuss ‘identity politics’, and how it has come to mean anything we want it to - as long as we don’t like it.

From early primates to humans, the first ethanol fermentation to the local pub, discover the positives and negatives of our association with alcohol throughout history.

Globally-renowned philosopher Baroness Onora O’Neill FBA will also explore how we can communicate ethically in an age of digital media and fake news.

In addition, the British Academy’s programme of free lectures includes talks by leading academics on attitudes towards cousin marriage, the poetry of Edward Thomas, and new research on the real wages of McDonald’s employees around the world.

Events take place at the British Academy’s central London building on Carlton House Terrace, and across the country as part of festivals in Hull, Leeds, Bangor and Cambridge.

To find out more and to book free tickets, visit www.britishacademy.ac.uk/events.

Professor Sir David Cannadine, President of the British Academy said:

“Questions of identity and belonging are already influencing political allegiances, mobilising activists and shaping the future of our often-divided world. The British Academy is pleased to continue our series on Identities and Belonging, bringing together some of the world’s brightest minds and the latest research to explore these issues.

“With over 20 events exploring literature, psychology, history and politics, the British Academy is a place for anyone who shares a passion for our subjects and wants to discover more.”