Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Are patriotism and the nation state back? Part 1: introductory speeches
Filmed by WORLDwrite volunteers at the Battle of Ideas Festival 25.
For session information see: battleofideas.org.uk/session/the-rehabilitation-of-patriotism-and-nationalism
#NationalismDebate
#Patriotism
#IdentityPolitics
#NationalPopulism
#FreeSpeechDiscussion
Across Europe and beyond, patriotic movements and national populist parties are on the rise. In Britain, Operation Raise the Colours has seen thousands of Union Jacks and Saint George’s Cross flags proudly displayed on lampposts across the country — and just as quickly, torn down by local councils. What does this revival of national pride mean for democracy, unity, and identity in the 21st century?
In this thought-provoking debate at the Battle of Ideas Festival, an impressive panel explores the return of patriotism.
🔹 Speakers:
Ada Akpala – Writer & commentator; Head of Content, The Equiano Project
Dr Rakib Ehsan – Author, Beyond Grievance: What the Left Gets Wrong About Ethnic Minorities
Eric Kaufmann – Professor of Politics, University of Buckingham; Advisory Council, Free Speech Union
Professor Robert Tombs – Emeritus Professor of French History, University of Cambridge; Co-editor, History Reclaimed
Bruno Waterfield – Brussels Correspondent, The Times
🎙️ Chair:
Claire Fox – Director, Academy of Ideas; Independent Peer, House of Lords
The Q&A with a packed audience follows in Part Two.
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 25. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel. WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 50 sessions at the festival. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/charity/worldwrite or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank You.
Are patriotism and the nation state back? Part 1: introductory speeches
Filmed by WORLDwrite volunteers at the Battle of Ideas Festival 25.
For session information see: battleofideas.org.uk/session/the-rehabilitation-of-patriotism-and-nationalism
#NationalismDebate
#Patriotism
#IdentityPolitics
#NationalPopulism
#FreeSpeechDiscussion
Across Europe and beyond, patriotic movements and national populist parties are on the rise. In Britain, Operation Raise the Colours has seen thousands of Union Jacks and Saint George’s Cross flags proudly displayed on lampposts across the country — and just as quickly, torn down by local councils. What does this revival of national pride mean for democracy, unity, and identity in the 21st century?
In this thought-provoking debate at the Battle of Ideas Festival, an impressive panel explores the return of patriotism.
🔹 Speakers:
Ada Akpala – Writer & commentator; Head of Content, The Equiano Project
Dr Rakib Ehsan – Author, Beyond Grievance: What the Left Gets Wrong About Ethnic Minorities
Eric Kaufmann – Professor of Politics, University of Buckingham; Advisory Council, Free Speech Union
Professor Robert Tombs – Emeritus Professor of French History, University of Cambridge; Co-editor, History Reclaimed
Bruno Waterfield – Brussels Correspondent, The Times
🎙️ Chair:
Claire Fox – Director, Academy of Ideas; Independent Peer, House of Lords
The Q&A with a packed audience follows in Part Two.
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 25. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel. WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 50 sessions at the festival. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/charity/worldwrite or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank You.
