Sponsored by Loughborough University 

Dr Afzal Ashraf QCVS, CEng. Visiting Fellow in International Relations and Security, Loughborough University

For most living in western societies, extremism is assumed to be an external threat, which occasionally infects peripheral elements of our society. Such a conceptualisation is challenged by a historical and a wider understanding of the nature of extremism. The reality is that extremism has been a common response to social and political crises, which exploit existing prejudices and hatreds within mainstream society. There seems to be evidence that the very nature of western liberal democracy is increasingly vulnerable to extremist ideas and politics. This talk aims to provide a better understanding of extremism and its relevance to our society and politics.

Afzal Ashraf was a senior officer in the British Armed forces with operational experience in conflict.  He served in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other government departments. Formerly a Consultant Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute think tank and an Assistant Professor at Nottingham University, he is currently a Visiting Fellow at Loughborough University, where he previously taught international relations and security.  He is a frequent commentator on global TV and the press on international affairs and global security issues.

This event is open to both members and non-members to attend in person. The event will also be streamed using Zoom.

Members: Members will receive an email about a week before the event providing them with the information required to listen to the lecture using Zoom.

Non-members: Non-members may attend either on Zoom or in-person on payment of £5 (student non-members £3) by booking through EventBrite:

Zoom: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/729329683717?aff=oddtdtcreator

In-person: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/729333645567?aff=oddtdtcreator