Polarisation has long shaped human history, but today’s divisions feel deeper and more widespread – driven by globalisation, technology, politics, and wider change.
In this climate, the social sciences are needed now more than ever and as part of LSE’s 130th anniversary, President Larry Kramer is inviting the whole School community to take up the challenge and join him to discuss what role our university and its community can play in response.
Over the 2025/26 academic year, the President will hold a series of events for the students and staff, inviting LSE researchers and external experts to explore a range of topics in dialogue with the School community around polarisation. Students who participate in four of the six sessions will receive accreditation for their commitment to engaging in dialogue and debate in an age of polarisation.
Autumn Term 2025
Monday 27 October, 6-8pm – Universities in the age of polarisation
Larry Kramer in conversation with Adam Habib (Vice Chancellor, SOAS) and Deborah Prentice (Vice Chancellor, Cambridge), discussing the competing pressures and obligations that universities face in the age of polarisation.
Book to attend
Monday 24 November, 12-3pm – Teaching, Classroom Culture and Academic Freedom in the age of polarisation
Larry Kramer in conversation with Chetan Bhatt (Anthony Giddens Professor of Social Theory, LSE), David Ruebain (Pro Vice Chancellor for Culture, Equality and Inclusion, University of Sussex), and Tito Molokwu (General Secretary, LSESU), discussing the challenges posed by the age of polarisation for on-campus interactions, including within the classroom.
Winter Term 2026
Thursday 22 January, 6-8pm – The politics of polarisation
Larry Kramer in conversation with Lea Ypi (Ralph Miliband Professor of Politics and Philosophy, LSE) and Michael Bruter (Professor of Political Science and European Politics, LSE, discussing polarisation as a political phenomena – arguably the most salient political phenomena of our era.
Tuesday 3 February, 6-8pm – Social media, the digital landscape and polarisation
Larry Kramer in conversation with Helen Margetts (Professor of Society and the Internet, University of Oxford), discussing the role that social media and other digital phenomena play in the age of polarisation. Other speakers to be announced.
Monday 9 March, 6-8pm – The psychology of polarisation
Larry Kramer in conversation with Jeremy Ginges (Professor in Behavioural Science, LSE), discussing the role played by human psychology in creating and reinforcing patterns of cooperation and conflict between communities. Other speakers to be announced.
Thursday 26 March, 6-8pm – Reconciliation in the age of polarisation
Larry Kramer in conversation with Denisa Kostovicova (Professor in Global Politics, LSE) and Claire Hajaj (Executive Director, Inter-Mediate), discussing the challenges inherent in conflict resolution, mediation and peacemaking in the age of polarisation.
Accreditation information
Students who showcase their commitment to engaging in dialogue and debate in an age of polarisation by participating in four of the six sessions, will receive accreditation for their involvement in this flagship LSE series that is only running this academic year.
This certification is the next step after completing the Communication edge - dialogue essentials for today's world training that all students are expected to complete to develop communication skills that help you thrive in diverse environments and turn differences into opportunities for understanding and collaboration during your time at LSE and beyond.
There will also be the chance to continue the conversations from the series through a range of opportunities and activities with LSE LIFE, LSE Library and more. If you’re interested in finding out further information, but are unable to attend the first session, you can register your interest for more information, by completing the form below.
Register your interest in the accreditation program.
Keep up with us / Contact us
[Link to sign up for emails, save the dates, reminders, etc.] TBC
Register your interest in the accreditation program.
For any questions, please contact the team at LSEmail@lse.ac.uk.