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History and Philosophy

Dr Kevin O'Sullivan

BA Ph.D

Contact Details

Senior Lecturer
History
Room 413 Tower 1
Arts/Science Building
Central Campus
E: kevin.k.osullivan@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

My main research and teaching interests are in global history, especially the areas of environmental history, global justice, new histories of capitalism, and NGOs. I am currently working on two projects. The first, Sustainability in Practice: A Global History, from the Oil Crisis to the SDGs, examines how past communities understood the concept of `sustainable development¿, how this informed their decision-making, and what this can tell us about human adaptation to climate change. It does so by analysing the construction, transmission, and implementation of ecologically sustainable practices between the first global oil crisis (1973) and the signing of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. How did practitioners imagine and model sustainable energy regimes? What alternative forms of economic organisation did they develop? And how did they plan ecologically sustainable polities? In answering these questions, my aim is to develop a new understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic factors that governed how societies imagined `sustainability¿ and their pursuit of it.  

My second project is a history of how trust in institutions (broadly defined) has fractured in Ireland since the 1970s. Based on my experience researching and teaching the history of NGOs, social movements and community groups on this island, this project examines the impact of social, cultural, economic, and political change, and in doing so asks questions of how and in whose interests Ireland has been governed.  

My previous work focused on relations between the West and the Global South. My first book, Ireland, Africa and the End of Empire: Small State Identity in the Cold War, 1955-75, was published by Manchester University Press in 2012, and re-issued in paperback in 2014. My second book, The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid, which examines how and why (and with what consequences) NGOs became the primary conduits for Western compassion towards the Global South. This book was published by Cambridge University Press in hardback, paperback and ebook in October 2021 and launched online in March 2022 (watch back here: https://youtu.be/IiWXad-G1J0). As part of that research, I published several articles and essays, as well as co-editing special issues of European Review of History (with Matthew Hilton, 2016) and Moving the Social: Journal of Social History and the History of Social Movements (with Enrico Dal Lago, 2017) on the history of humanitarianism, aid, development and human rights. You can watch me discuss some of that research at the Allegra Lab's 'Mobile Humanitarians' webinar series, here: https://youtu.be/DCfFKl2qskk.

Before taking up a permanent post in Galway in 2012, I worked at institutions in Ireland and Britain. I completed my PhD at Trinity College, Dublin, in 2008, before moving to University College Dublin as an Irish Research Council post-doctoral fellow (2009-2011). Following this, I spent a year at the University of Birmingham as a Marie Curie Fellow. Since then, I have been a visiting fellow at the European University Institute, Florence, and Carleton University, Ottawa (on two occasions) and also held an honorary fellowship at the University of Birmingham.   

My research has been funded by grants from the Irish Research Council (IRC), the European Commission, and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), including the AHRC-funded ‘Non-State Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights’ research network; an IRC-supported project titled ‘Humanitarian History: Past Practice into Future Policy’, in collaboration with Trócaire (2017); and another IRC-funded project - 'What Do We Mean by Global Solidarity? Historical Research into Humanitarian Practice' - which I co-ordinated with Maria Cullen (NUI Galway) and colleagues from Dóchas (2021). I am a founding member of the Canadian Network on Humanitarian History and the Transnational Ireland research network, and a member of the Royal Irish Academy's Standing Committee for International Affairs. Since 2020, I have also been an editor of the Royal Irish Academy's Documents on Irish Foreign Policy series.

Research Interests

Core research interests:
My research examines the roots of global crises and the implications of those histories for our present and future societies, including:
  • Environmental history and climate change adaptation.
  • Global justice, development, human rights, and emergency relief.
  • Civil society and non-state actors.
  • Collaborations with NGOs and community groups.
Current research:
Sustainability in Practice: A Global History, from the Oil Crisis to the SDGs
This project examines how past communities understood the concept of `sustainable development', how this informed their decision-making, and what this can tell us about human adaptation to climate change. It does so by analysing the construction, transmission, and implementation of ecologically sustainable practices between the first global oil crisis (1973) and the signing of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. How did practitioners imagine and model sustainable energy regimes? What alternative forms of economic organisation did they develop? And how did they plan ecologically sustainable polities? In answering these questions, my aim is to develop a new understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic factors that governed how societies imagined `sustainability' and their pursuit of it.

Research Projects

  Project Start Date End Date
IRC POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP 2020 MARIA CULLEN: HUMANITARIAN AID IN HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS: COMPARING THE EMERGENCY RELIEF OPERATIONS OF OXFAM AND MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH, 1979-1986 01-OCT-20 30-SEP-27
HUMANLY - Humanitarian History: Past Practice into Future Policy 01-JAN-17 30-SEP-17
Humanitarianism in a Decolonised World, 1945-89 10-JAN-15 09-OCT-15
THE PEOPLES SAVIOURS KEVIN O SULLIVAN 01-OCT-14 28-FEB-21
Conference: A Peculiar society 01-MAR-15 28-FEB-17
Kevin O'Sullivan MF Project 01-OCT-14 31-MAY-18
NON STATE HUMANITARIANISM FROM COLONIALISM TO HUMAN RIGHTS KEVIN O SULLIVAN 01-NOV-12 31-JUL-14

Books

  Year Publication
(2021) The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid.
O'Sullivan, K (2021) The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [DOI] [Details]
(2012) Ireland, Africa and the end of empire: Small state identity in the Cold War, 1955-75.
O'Sullivan, K (2012) Ireland, Africa and the end of empire: Small state identity in the Cold War, 1955-75. Manchester: Manchester University Press. [DOI] [Details]

Edited Books

  Year Publication
(2023) Documents on Irish Foreign Policy, Volume XIII.
Kennedy, M; O'Halpin, E; O'Malley, K; Whelan, W; O'Sullivan, K; Redmond, J; Gibney, J (Ed.). (2023) Documents on Irish Foreign Policy, Volume XIII Documents on Irish Foreign Policy, Volume XIII. Dublin: Royal Irish Academy. [Details]

Special Issue Editor

  Year Publication
(2017) 'Transnational Humanitarian Action: Atlantic and Global Voluntary Activities from Abolitionism to the NGOs 1800-2000' - Special Issue of Moving the Social.
Dal Lago, E; O'Sullivan, K (2017) 'Transnational Humanitarian Action: Atlantic and Global Voluntary Activities from Abolitionism to the NGOs 1800-2000' - Special Issue of Moving the Social. Bochum: Ruhr Universitat Bochum Special Issue Editor [Details]
(2016) 'Humanitarianisms in Context' - Special Issue of European Review of History.
Hilton, M; O'Sullivan, K (2016) 'Humanitarianisms in Context' - Special Issue of European Review of History. Basingstoke: Taylor & Francis Special Issue Editor [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2022) 'Aidland in South Asia: humanitarian crisis and the contours of the global aid industry in the long 1970s'
O'Sullivan, K (2022) 'Aidland in South Asia: humanitarian crisis and the contours of the global aid industry in the long 1970s'. European Review Of History-Revue Europeenne D Histoire, 29 (3):499-519 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2021) 'Civil War in El Salvador and the Origins of Rights-Based Humanitarianism'
O'Sullivan, K (2021) 'Civil War in El Salvador and the Origins of Rights-Based Humanitarianism'. Journal of Global History, 16 (2):246-265 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'Biafra, Humanitarian Intervention and History'
Desgrandchamps, M-L; Heerten, L; Omaka, AO; O'Sullivan, K; Taithe, B (2020) 'Biafra, Humanitarian Intervention and History'. Journal of Humanitarian Affairs, 2 (2):66-78 [DOI] [Details]
(2019) 'Past Practice into Future Policy: A Model for Historical Reflection in the Humanitarian Sector'
O'Sullivan, K; Ní Chéilleachair, R (2019) 'Past Practice into Future Policy: A Model for Historical Reflection in the Humanitarian Sector'. Journal of Humanitarian Affairs, 1 (2):51-55 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2018) 'HISTORY AND HUMANITARIANISM: A CONVERSATION'
Hilton, M;Baughan, E;Davey, E;Everill, B;O'Sullivan, K;Sasson, T (2018) 'HISTORY AND HUMANITARIANISM: A CONVERSATION'. Past & Present, :1-38 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Introduction: Towards a New History of Humanitarianism'
Dal Lago, E; O'Sullivan, K (2017) 'Introduction: Towards a New History of Humanitarianism'. Moving the Social: Journal of Social History and the History of Social Movements, 57 :5-20 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Humanitarianisms in context'
O'Sullivan, K,Hilton, M,Fiori, J (2016) 'Humanitarianisms in context'. European Review Of History-Revue Europeenne D Histoire, 23 :1-15 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) 'Between Internationalism and Empire: Ireland, the 'Like-Minded' Group, and the Search for a New International Order, 1974-82'
O'Sullivan, K (2015) 'Between Internationalism and Empire: Ireland, the 'Like-Minded' Group, and the Search for a New International Order, 1974-82'. International History Review, 37 :1083-1101 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) 'The Search for Justice: NGOs in Britain and Ireland and the New International Economic Order, 1968-82'
O'Sullivan, K (2015) 'The Search for Justice: NGOs in Britain and Ireland and the New International Economic Order, 1968-82'. Humanity-An International Journal Of Human Rights Humanitarianism And Development, 6 :173-187 [DOI] [Details]
(2014) 'Humanitarian encounters: Biafra, NGOs and imaginings of the Third World in Britain and Ireland, 1967-70'
O'Sullivan, K (2014) 'Humanitarian encounters: Biafra, NGOs and imaginings of the Third World in Britain and Ireland, 1967-70'. Journal Of Genocide Research, 16 (2-3):299-315 [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2013) ''Ah, Ireland, the caring nation': foreign aid and Irish state identity in the long 1970s'
O'Sullivan, K (2013) ''Ah, Ireland, the caring nation': foreign aid and Irish state identity in the long 1970s'. Irish Historical Studies, 38 :476-491 [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2011) 'History and the development aid debate in the Republic of Ireland'
O'Sullivan, K (2011) 'History and the development aid debate in the Republic of Ireland'. Policy And Practice: A Development Education Review, 12 :110-123 [Details]
(2007) 'Biafra to Lomé: The evolution of Irish government policy on official development assistance, 1969-75'
O'Sullivan, K (2007) 'Biafra to Lomé: The evolution of Irish government policy on official development assistance, 1969-75'. Irish Studies In International Affairs, 18 :91-107 [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2022) 'NGOs and Development: Small is Beautiful?'
O'Sullivan, K (2022) 'NGOs and Development: Small is Beautiful?' In: The Routledge Handbook on the History of Development. :234-249 Abingdon: Routledge. [DOI] [Details]
(2018) 'Humanitarian Encounters: Biafra, NGOs and Imaginings of the Third World in Britain and Ireland, 1967-1970'
O'Sullivan, K (2018) 'Humanitarian Encounters: Biafra, NGOs and Imaginings of the Third World in Britain and Ireland, 1967-1970' In: Postcolonial Conflict and the Question of Genocide: The Nigeria-Biafra War, 1967¿1970. :259-277 ABINGDON: ROUTLEDGE. [DOI] [Details]
(2014) 'A Global Nervous System: The Rise and Rise of European Humanitarian NGOs, 1945-1985'
O'Sullivan, K (2014) 'A Global Nervous System: The Rise and Rise of European Humanitarian NGOs, 1945-1985' In: International organizations and development, 1945-1990. :196-219 BASINGSTOKE: PALGRAVE. [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Biafra's legacy: NGO humanitarianism and the Nigerian civil war'
O'Sullivan, K (2016) 'Biafra's legacy: NGO humanitarianism and the Nigerian civil war' In: Learning from the Past to Shape the Future: Lessons from the History of Humanitarian Action in Africa. :5-14 London: Overseas Development Institute. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2013) 'EC membership, development aid and Irish foreign policy'
O'Sullivan, K (2013) 'EC membership, development aid and Irish foreign policy' In: Saints and sinners: official development aid and its dynamics in a historical and comparative perspective. :195-224 Oslo: Oslo University Press. [Details]
(2005) 'The cause of nationality is sacred in ... Africa as in Ireland: Ireland and sub-Saharan Africa at the United Nations, 1960-75'
O'Sullivan, K (2005) 'The cause of nationality is sacred in ... Africa as in Ireland: Ireland and sub-Saharan Africa at the United Nations, 1960-75' In: Obligations and responsibilities: Ireland at the United Nations, 1955-2005. :201-223 Dublin: IPA. [Details]

Review Articles

  Year Publication
(2017) Prosopographies, transnational lives, and multiple identities in global humanitarianism.
O'Sullivan, K; Dal Lago, E (2017) Prosopographies, transnational lives, and multiple identities in global humanitarianism. Moving the Social: Journal of Social History & The History of Social Networks Review Articles [DOI] [Details]
(2010) Irish diplomatic history in the twenty-first century: After the gold rush.
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) Irish diplomatic history in the twenty-first century: After the gold rush. Review Articles [DOI] [Details]

Book Review

  Year Publication
(2023) Review of Alexandra Cosima Budabin and Lisa Ann Richey, Batman Saves the Congo: How Celebrities Disrupt the Politics of Development (2021).
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Review of Alexandra Cosima Budabin and Lisa Ann Richey, Batman Saves the Congo: How Celebrities Disrupt the Politics of Development (2021). Commonwealth & Comparative Politics Book Review [DOI] [Details]
(2023) Review of Emily Baughan, Saving the Children: Humanitarianism, Internationalism, and Empire (2022).
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Review of Emily Baughan, Saving the Children: Humanitarianism, Internationalism, and Empire (2022). Journal of British Studies Book Review [DOI] [Details]
(2017) Review of Cormac Moore, The Irish Soccer Split.
O'Sullivan, K (2017) Review of Cormac Moore, The Irish Soccer Split. Irish Literary Supplement Book Review [Details]
(2022) Agnieszka Sobocinska on the postwar origins of global development volunteering.
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Agnieszka Sobocinska on the postwar origins of global development volunteering. History Australia Book Review [DOI] [Details]
(2021) Humanitarianism and the Quantification of Human Needs: Minimal Humanity.
O'Sullivan, K (2021) Humanitarianism and the Quantification of Human Needs: Minimal Humanity. H-Africa Book Review [Details]
(2019) Youth and Popular Culture in 1950s Ireland.
O'Sullivan, K (2019) Youth and Popular Culture in 1950s Ireland. Book Review [DOI] [Details]
(2017) Humanitarian Imperialism: The Politics of Anti-Slavery Activism, 1880-1940.
O'Sullivan, K (2017) Humanitarian Imperialism: The Politics of Anti-Slavery Activism, 1880-1940. OXFORD: OXFORD UNIV PRESS Book Review [Details]
(2017) Humanitarian Imperialism: The Politics of Anti-Slavery Activism, 1880-1940.
O'Sullivan, K (2017) Humanitarian Imperialism: The Politics of Anti-Slavery Activism, 1880-1940. Book Review [Details]
(2017) Britannia's Embrace: Modern Humanitarianism and the Imperial Origins of Refugee Relief.
O'Sullivan, K (2017) Britannia's Embrace: Modern Humanitarianism and the Imperial Origins of Refugee Relief. Book Review [DOI] [Details]
(2016) Calculating Compassion: Humanity and Relief in War, Britain 1870-1914.
O'Sullivan, K (2016) Calculating Compassion: Humanity and Relief in War, Britain 1870-1914. Book Review [DOI] [Details]
(2013) Review of Daniel P. L. Chong, Freedom from poverty: NGOs and human rights praxis (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2010).
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) Review of Daniel P. L. Chong, Freedom from poverty: NGOs and human rights praxis (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2010). Human Rights Review Book Review [DOI] [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2017) 'Back to Biafra'
O'Sullivan, K (2017) 'Back to Biafra' History Ireland, 25 (3) :16-17. [Details]
(2010) 'Across the gaping earth blasted by hatred: Concern in Bangladesh'
O'Sullivan, K (2010) 'Across the gaping earth blasted by hatred: Concern in Bangladesh' History Ireland, 18 (4) :46-49. [Details]
(2006) 'The wind of change: Decolonisation in British West Africa'
O'Sullivan, K (2006) 'The wind of change: Decolonisation in British West Africa' History Ireland, 14 (4) :40-45. [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2024) The Limits of Humanitarianism: Politics, Crisis and Reform in the Era of Climate Change,
O'Sullivan, K. (2024) Geopolitics and NGOs. [Oral Presentation], The Limits of Humanitarianism: Politics, Crisis and Reform in the Era of Climate Change, Alameda Institute , 19-JUN-24 - 19-JUN-24. [Details]
(2024) American Conference of Irish Studies,
O'Sullivan, K. (2024) Escape to the Future: Practising Sustainable Development in West Cork at the turn of the Twenty-First Century. [Oral Presentation], American Conference of Irish Studies, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick , 18-JUN-24 - 18-JUN-24. [Details]
(2023) College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies Research Day,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Globalization, Landscape, and Environment in Modern Ireland, 1922-2022. [Invited Oral Presentation], College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies Research Day, University of Galway , 15-SEP-23 - 15-SEP-23. [Details]
(2023) Unlikely Heroes: Histories of Capitalism from Below,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Living the Limits to Growth: Practising Sustainable Economics since the 1970s. [Oral Presentation], Unlikely Heroes: Histories of Capitalism from Below, University of Birmingham , 13-SEP-23 - 13-SEP-23. [Details]
(2023) Humantiarianism and Irish History: Conference of Irish Historians in Britain,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Ireland in the NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], Humantiarianism and Irish History: Conference of Irish Historians in Britain, University of Oxford , 06-JUL-23 - 06-JUL-23. [Details]
(2023) Globalization, Landscape, and Environment in Modern Ireland, 1922-2022,
O'Sullivan, K; Hanna, E (2023) Conference co-organiser (with Erika Hanna, Bristol). [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Globalization, Landscape, and Environment in Modern Ireland, 1922-2022, University of Galway , 29-JUN-23 - 30-JUN-23. [Details]
(2023) Globalization, Landscape, and Environment in Modern Ireland, 1922-2022,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Living the Future? Cloughjordan Ecovillage & Islands of Sustainability. [Oral Presentation], Globalization, Landscape, and Environment in Modern Ireland, 1922-2022, University of Galway , 30-JUN-23 - 30-JUN-23. [Details]
(2023) University of Paderborn History Seminar,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], University of Paderborn History Seminar, University of Paderborn , 02-MAY-23 - 02-MAY-23. [Details]
(2023) Africans in Ireland: Historical and Theoretical Perspectives,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Ireland in the NGO Moment: Aid and the Othering of Africa from Biafra to Live Aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], Africans in Ireland: Historical and Theoretical Perspectives, Queen's University Belfast , 28-APR-23 - 28-APR-23. [Details]
(2023) Analysing the Anniversaries: A Roundtable,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) Commemorating Aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], Analysing the Anniversaries: A Roundtable, University College Cork , 03-APR-23 - 03-APR-23. [Details]
(2023) Between Citizenship and Statelessness: 20th Century Narratives of Rights, Migration and Humanitarian Action,
O'Sullivan, K (2023) The Cambodia Crisis (1979-81) and the Legitimation of NGO Intervention in the Global South. [Invited Oral Presentation], Between Citizenship and Statelessness: 20th Century Narratives of Rights, Migration and Humanitarian Action, University of Glasgow , 31-MAR-23 - 31-MAR-23. [Details]
(2022) University College Cork History Seminar,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], University College Cork History Seminar, University College Cork , 03-NOV-22 - 03-NOV-22. [Details]
(2022) Economic and Social History Society of Ireland Conference,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Green Futures: Imagining Climate Change in Ireland in the 1970s. [Oral Presentation], Economic and Social History Society of Ireland Conference, Maynooth University , 29-OCT-22 - 29-OCT-22. [Details]
(2022) Disasters, Emergencies and Relief: Global Perspectives on the History of Humanitarian Interventionism since the 1970s,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Civil War in El Salvador and the Origins of Rights-Based Humanitarianism in the 1980s. [Invited Oral Presentation], Disasters, Emergencies and Relief: Global Perspectives on the History of Humanitarian Interventionism since the 1970s, Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History, Munich , 13-OCT-22 - 13-OCT-22. [Details]
(2022) Governing Humanitarianism: The Past, Present, and Future of Global Equity and Social Justice,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Academic-Practitioner Workshop - Humanitarian Advocacy Techniques. [Co-chaired Session], Governing Humanitarianism: The Past, Present, and Future of Global Equity and Social Justice, Hanover, Germany , 12-SEP-22 - 12-SEP-22. [Details]
(2022) Voluntary Action History Society UK, Research Seminar,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Charity or Justice? Radical Compassion in the NGO Moment. [Invited Oral Presentation], Voluntary Action History Society UK, Research Seminar, Institute of Historical Research, London , 21-MAR-22 - 21-MAR-22. [Details]
(2023) Sociology and Politics Research Festival,
Khoo, S; O'Sullivan K (2023) Futures Past. [Invited Lecture], Sociology and Politics Research Festival, University of Galway , 09-FEB-23 - 09-FEB-23. [Details]
(2022) University College Cork, History Research Seminar,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], University College Cork, History Research Seminar, University College Cork , 03-NOV-22 - 03-NOV-22. [Details]
(2022) Governing Humanitarianism,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Workshop leader - `Humanitarian Advocacy Techniques¿. [Invited Oral Presentation], Governing Humanitarianism, Hanover , 12-SEP-22 - 12-SEP-22. [Details]
(2022) Global Perspectives on the History of Humanitarian Intervention since the 1970s,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Civil war in El Salvador and the origins of rights-based humanitarianism in the 1980s. [Invited Oral Presentation], Global Perspectives on the History of Humanitarian Intervention since the 1970s, Institut für Zeitgeschichte, Munich , 13-OCT-22 - 13-OCT-22. [Details]
(2022) Irish History Students Association Annual Conference,
O'Sullivan, K (2022) Roundtable participant - `Engaging with the public as an historian¿. [Invited Oral Presentation], Irish History Students Association Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin , 26-FEB-22 - 26-FEB-22. [Details]
(2021) Transnational and diaspora politics and activism,
O'Sullivan, K (2021) Environmental futures: Green activism in Britain and Ireland in the long 1970s. [Invited Oral Presentation], Transnational and diaspora politics and activism, Northumbria University , 25-AUG-21 - 25-AUG-21. [Details]
(2021) Humanitarianism at the crossroads? International aid in the 1980s,
O'Sullivan, K (2021) Populist humanitarianism: Ethiopia, Band Aid and the making of the NGO sector. [Invited Oral Presentation], Humanitarianism at the crossroads? International aid in the 1980s, University of Milan , 13-OCT-21 - 13-OCT-21. [Details]
(2021) Fanon and Ireland,
O'Sullivan, K (2021) Roundtable participant - 'Fanon and Irish History'. [Invited Oral Presentation], Fanon and Ireland, University College Cork , 06-DEC-21 - 06-DEC-21. [Details]
(2020) INGOs in the Long Humanitarian Century: Legacy, Legitimacy, and Leading into the Future,
O'Sullivan, K (2020) Charity, Justice and the Legacy of the Long Humanitarian Century. [Invited Oral Presentation], INGOs in the Long Humanitarian Century: Legacy, Legitimacy, and Leading into the Future, Nuffield College, University of Oxford , 03-MAR-20 - 04-MAR-20. [Details]
(2019) Beyond Transnationalism: Mapping the Spatial Contours of Political Activism in Europe's Long 1970s (workshop 2),
O'Sullivan, K (2019) Aidland in South Asia: The Contours of the Global Aid Industry in the Long 1970s. [Invited Oral Presentation], Beyond Transnationalism: Mapping the Spatial Contours of Political Activism in Europe's Long 1970s (workshop 2), Freiburg University , 06-DEC-19 - 07-DEC-19. [Details]
(2019) NGOs in Africa in the 1960s,
O'Sullivan, K (2019) Biafra and the Making of the NGO Moment, 1968-70. [Invited Oral Presentation], NGOs in Africa in the 1960s, Institute of Historical Research, London , 13-SEP-19 - 14-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019) The Contours of Transnationalism: Mapping Transnational Spaces of Political Activism in Europe's Long 1970s (workshop 1),
O'Sullivan, K (2019) Epistemic Communities of Humanitarianism: The Contours of the Global Aid Industry in the Long 1970s. [Invited Oral Presentation], The Contours of Transnationalism: Mapping Transnational Spaces of Political Activism in Europe's Long 1970s (workshop 1), Maastricht University , 11-JUL-19 - 12-JUL-19. [Details]
(2019) The Expertise of Experience in Late Twentieth-Century Britain,
O'Sullivan, K (2019) Technology, Modernity and the Aid Worker as Expert Saviour, 1968-85. [Invited Oral Presentation], The Expertise of Experience in Late Twentieth-Century Britain, London South Bank University , 27-APR-19 - 27-APR-19. [Details]
(2018) European Social Science History Conference,
O'Sullivan, K. (2018) Los Salvadores? Humanitarian NGOs and Solidarity with Latin America, 1979-84. [Oral Presentation], European Social Science History Conference, Queen's University, Belfast , 07-APR-18 - 07-APR-18. [Details]
(2018) Carleton University History Research Seminar,
O'Sullivan, K. (2018) Populist Humanitarianism: Responding to Famine in Africa, 1984-86. [Invited Oral Presentation], Carleton University History Research Seminar, Carleton University, Ottawa , 06-MAR-18 - 06-MAR-18. [Details]
(2018) TCD Contemporary Irish History Seminar,
O'Sullivan, K. (2018) Band Aid/Live Aid and the World that Bob Geldof Made. [Invited Oral Presentation], TCD Contemporary Irish History Seminar, Trinity College Dublin , 07-FEB-18 - 07-FEB-18. [Details]
(2017) Humanitarianism and Charity: Expressions of or Alternatives to Socioeconomic Rights?,
O'Sullivan, K. (2017) Charity or Justice? NGOs and the Future of Humanitarian Aid, 1968-73. [Invited Oral Presentation], Humanitarianism and Charity: Expressions of or Alternatives to Socioeconomic Rights?, IEG Mainz , 28-SEP-17 - 29-SEP-17. [Details]
(2017) Ireland in Africa/Africa in Ireland,
O'Sullivan, K (2017) Lessons from Biafra: History and Contemporary Humanitarian Policy. [Invited Oral Presentation], Ireland in Africa/Africa in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin , 11-MAY-17 - 11-MAY-17. [Details]
(2017) The Return of Famine 2017 – DSAI Workshop,
O'Sullivan, K (2017) Back to Biafra. [Invited Oral Presentation], The Return of Famine 2017 – DSAI Workshop, Trinity College Dublin , 04-MAY-17 - 04-MAY-17. [Details]
(2017) Citizens of the World? The place of the International in British Politics since 1918,
O'Sullivan, K (2017) Discussant – NGOs, the British State & the Politics of Global Action. [Chaired Session], Citizens of the World? The place of the International in British Politics since 1918, Queen Mary, University of London , 17-MAR-17 - 17-MAR-17. [Details]
(2017) EUI History Colloquium,
O'Sullivan, K. (2017) Charity or Justice? NGOs, Humanitarianism and the Search for a New World Order, 1968-82. [Invited Oral Presentation], EUI History Colloquium, European University Institute, Florence , 26-OCT-17 - 26-OCT-17. [Details]
(2017) Workshop on the Study of 'Humanitarianism',
O'Sullivan, K. (2017) The NGO Moment: Globalising Humanitarianism, 1968-85. [Invited Oral Presentation], Workshop on the Study of 'Humanitarianism', European University Institute, Florence , 20-OCT-17 - 20-OCT-17. [Details]
(2016) Northumbria University History Seminar,
O'Sullivan, K (2016) The saving industry: NGOs and the globalisation of humanitarianism, 1968-85. [Invited Oral Presentation], Northumbria University History Seminar, Northumbria University , 27-APR-16 - 27-APR-16. [Details]
(2016) Fair Trade History Workshop,
O'Sullivan, K (2016) Fair trade and global citizenship. [Invited Oral Presentation], Fair Trade History Workshop, University of Amsterdam , 12-MAY-16 - 12-MAY-16. [Details]
(2016) New Histories of Humanitarianism: A Moral Economy Perspective,
O'Sullivan, K (2016) 'A group of old ladies knitting over their afternoon tea?' Charity, justice and the future of NGO aid, 1968-85. [Invited Oral Presentation], New Histories of Humanitarianism: A Moral Economy Perspective, Institute of Education, University College London , 09-DEC-16 - 09-DEC-16. [Details]
(2016) Social Media and the Historian (Irish Association of Professional Historians Workshop),
Kevin O'Sullivan (2016) Teaching through Twitter. [Invited Oral Presentation], Social Media and the Historian (Irish Association of Professional Historians Workshop), Mary Immaculate College, Limerick , 05-MAR-16 - 05-MAR-16. [Details]
(2016) NGOs and Migration Management,
O'Sullivan, K (2016) The East Pakistan/Bangladesh refugee crisis (1970-72) and the making of the global NGO industry. [Invited Oral Presentation], NGOs and Migration Management, Leiden University , 31-AUG-16 - 31-AUG-16. [Details]
(2015) Learning from the past to shape the future: Lessons from the history of humanitarian action in Africa,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2015) Enduring empire? Biafra and NGO humanitarianism. [Invited Paper], Learning from the past to shape the future: Lessons from the history of humanitarian action in Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia , 25-MAR-15 - 26-MAR-15. [Details]
(2015) Connecting with the Past: The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in Critical Historical Perspective,
O'Sullivan, K (2015) Caught in a Trap: Neutrality, Advocacy, and British and Irish NGOs, 1968-82. [Invited Oral Presentation], Connecting with the Past: The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in Critical Historical Perspective, ICRC Humanitarium, Geneva , 16-SEP-15 - 17-SEP-15. [Details]
(2015) A History of Game Changers in Modern Humanitarian Action,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2015) Roundtable Participant. [Other], A History of Game Changers in Modern Humanitarian Action, King's College London , 29-APR-15 - 29-APR-15. [Details]
(2015) Faith, Empire and European Cultures of Humanitarianism since 1945,
Kevin O'Sullivan and Daniel Maul (2015) Co-organiser. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Faith, Empire and European Cultures of Humanitarianism since 1945, Re:Work International Research Centre, Humboldt University, Berlin , 13-MAR-15 - 13-MAR-15. [Details]
(2015) 'A Peculiar Society'? Ireland, 1970s-1990s,
Kevin O'Sullivan, Sarah-Anne Buckley, Tomás Finn (2015) Conference co-organiser. [Conference Organising Committee Member], 'A Peculiar Society'? Ireland, 1970s-1990s, NUI Galway , 24-APR-15 - 25-APR-15. [Details]
(2015) Teaching the History of Voluntary Action: International and Transnational Perspectives,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2015) Teaching Voluntary Action History: Critical Thinking and the History of NGOs. [Plenary Lecture], Teaching the History of Voluntary Action: International and Transnational Perspectives, Queen Mary, University of London , 28-FEB-15 - 28-FEB-15. [Details]
(2014) Between the global and the local in humanitarian action: Workshop 4 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network,
Kevin O'Sullivan, Matthew Hilton and Juliano Fiori (2014) Co-investigator of network. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Between the global and the local in humanitarian action: Workshop 4 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network, Save the Children UK offices, London , 07-APR-14 - 08-APR-14. [Details]
(2014) Kandersteg Seminar, Remarque Institute, New York University,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2014) Fighting for justice or feeding the world? NGOs and the New International Economic Order. [Oral Presentation], Kandersteg Seminar, Remarque Institute, New York University, Remarque Institute, New York University (Kandersteg Workshop) , 30-APR-14 - 03-MAY-14. [Details]
(2014) Latitudes: Irish Studies in an International Context (ACIS/CAIS Conference 2014),
Kevin O'Sullivan (2014) Dislocating Ireland: teaching twentieth century Irish history through a transnational lens. [Conference Paper], Latitudes: Irish Studies in an International Context (ACIS/CAIS Conference 2014), University College Dublin , 13-JUN-14 - 13-JUN-14. [Details]
(2014) Bridging the Gap: Translating Development Research Into Practice (Development Studies Association Ireland Annual Conference 2014),
Kevin O'Sullivan (2014) Lessons from the Past: NGOs, Power, and the Impact of the 1970s on the Contemporary Development Sector. [Invited Oral Presentation], Bridging the Gap: Translating Development Research Into Practice (Development Studies Association Ireland Annual Conference 2014), Education & Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross, Dublin , 27-NOV-14 - 28-NOV-14. [Details]
(2014) Fourth European Congress on World and Global History,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2014) ‘1968 and all that: NGOs in Ireland and Britain and the influence of the global South’. [Conference Paper], Fourth European Congress on World and Global History, École Normale Supérieure , 05-SEP-14 - 05-SEP-14. [Details]
(2014) The Neutrals and Non-Aligned in the Global Cold War,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2014) Progressive pragmatists: Ireland, the 'like-minded' states and the search for a new international economic order, 1974-82. [Oral Presentation], The Neutrals and Non-Aligned in the Global Cold War, University of Lausanne , 13-MAR-14 - 15-MAR-14. [Details]
(2014) History of International Organisations Network Seminar,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2014) Common Humanity? Humanitarianism as Globalisation in the NGO moment (1968-85). [Invited Lecture], History of International Organisations Network Seminar, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva , 10-APR-14 - 10-APR-14. [Details]
(2014) Canadian Humanitarian History Network Workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2014) 'Humanitarian histories: the state of the field’. [Plenary Lecture], Canadian Humanitarian History Network Workshop, Carleton University, Ottawa , 09-JUL-14 - 09-JUL-14. [Details]
(2013) RIA International Affairs Conference 2013: The Changing Face of Africa,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) Historicising NGO humanitarianism: What we need to learn from the past, and why. [Invited Oral Presentation], RIA International Affairs Conference 2013: The Changing Face of Africa, Royal Irish Academy , 31-MAY-13 - 31-MAY-13. [Details]
(2013) Sources & Uses of Humanitarian History- Workshop 2 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network,
Kevin O'Sullivan and Matthew Hilton (2013) Co-investigator of network. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Sources & Uses of Humanitarian History- Workshop 2 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network, National University of Ireland Galway , 20-JUN-13 - 21-JUN-13. [Details]
(2013) Teaching Transnational History: Transnational Ireland research network, Workshop 4,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) Developing a transnational Irish history syllabus. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Teaching Transnational History: Transnational Ireland research network, Workshop 4, National University of Ireland Galway , 31-AUG-13 - 31-AUG-13. [Details]
(2013) Humanitarianisms in Context: Workshop 3 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network,
Kevin O'Sullivan and Matthew Hilton (2013) Co-investigator of network. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Humanitarianisms in Context: Workshop 3 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network, ZZF Potsdam , 28-NOV-13 - 29-NOV-13. [Details]
(2013) Voluntary Action History Seminar,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) NGOs and the globalisation of Ireland. [Invited Oral Presentation], Voluntary Action History Seminar, Institute of Historical Research, London , 20-MAY-13 - 20-MAY-13. [Details]
(2013) Transnational Ireland: Network Workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) Doing Transnational History: Roundtable Discussion. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Transnational Ireland: Network Workshop, Trinity College Dublin , 26-APR-13 - 26-APR-13. [Details]
(2013) Sources & Uses of Humanitarian History- Workshop 2 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) Humanitarian Encounters: The legacy of Biafra for our understanding of the global south. [Invited Oral Presentation], Sources & Uses of Humanitarian History- Workshop 2 of 'Non-state Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' Network, National University of Ireland Galway , 21-JUN-13 - 21-JUN-13. [Details]
(2013) Trinity College Dublin War Studies Seminar,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) Diplomacy of the stomach: humanitarianism, NGOs and the Cold War. [Invited Oral Presentation], Trinity College Dublin War Studies Seminar, Trinity College Dublin , 12-DEC-13 - 12-DEC-13. [Details]
(2013) TCD Contemporary History Research Seminar,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2013) All kinds of everything: NGOs and the globalisation of Ireland, 1960-2000. [Oral Presentation], TCD Contemporary History Research Seminar, Trinity College Dublin , 20-MAR-13 - 20-MAR-13. [Details]
(2012) Transnational Ireland Workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) A global nervous system: The rise and rise of humanitarian NGOs. [Invited Oral Presentation], Transnational Ireland Workshop, Trinity College Dublin , 08-SEP-12 - 08-SEP-12. [Details]
(2012) Making connections: Transnational networks in European welfare history workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) Transnational welfare history: where next? (panel discussant). [Invited Oral Presentation], Making connections: Transnational networks in European welfare history workshop, Oxford Brookes University , 29-JUN-12 - 29-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012) Saving Humans: An inter-disciplinary workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan and Matthew Hilton (2012) Non-state humanitarianism: From colonialism to human rights. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Saving Humans: An inter-disciplinary workshop, University of Birmingham , 14-JUN-12 - 14-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012) Beyond the island: Transnational approaches to history,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) Of rice and men: Writing the history of non-governmental aid in the post-1945 era. [Invited Oral Presentation], Beyond the island: Transnational approaches to history, National University of Ireland, Galway , 20-APR-12 - 21-APR-12. [Details]
(2012) Making connections: Transnational histories of welfare workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) Of rice and men sans frontieres: Aid, NGOs and Western society since 1945. [Invited Oral Presentation], Making connections: Transnational histories of welfare workshop, Oxford Brookes University , 21-MAR-12 - 21-MAR-12. [Details]
(2012) Non-state humanitarianism: Networking meeting,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) Roundtable discussion on histories of non-state humanitarianism. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Non-state humanitarianism: Networking meeting, University of Manchester , 16-MAR-12 - 16-MAR-12. [Details]
(2012) Humanitarianism: Past Present and Future,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) From the 'search for justice' to 'Feed the World': NGOs, rights and development, 1968-85. [Oral Presentation], Humanitarianism: Past Present and Future, University of Manchester , 08-NOV-12 - 10-NOV-12. [Details]
(2012) Transnational Ireland: Methodologies Workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) History, IR Theory and Small State Identity in the Long 1970s. [Invited Oral Presentation], Transnational Ireland: Methodologies Workshop, University of Edinburgh , 07-DEC-12 - 07-DEC-12. [Details]
(2012) Ulster Society for Irish Historical Studies Seminar,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2012) 'Feed the World' or start a revolution? NGOs, rights, aid and development, 1968-85. [Invited Oral Presentation], Ulster Society for Irish Historical Studies Seminar, Queen's University Belfast , 13-DEC-12 - 13-DEC-12. [Details]
(2011) Honest to blog,
Kevin O'Sullivan, Juliana Adelman, Lisa-Marie Griffith, Christina Morin (2011) A symposium on web legitimacy. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Honest to blog, Trinity College, Dublin , 04-MAR-11 - 04-MAR-11. [Details]
(2011) Irish Historical Society seminar series,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2011) The challenges of contemporary history in Ireland - roundtable discussant. [Invited Oral Presentation], Irish Historical Society seminar series, Boston College, Dublin , 25-JAN-11 - 25-JAN-11. [Details]
(2011) War Studies seminar series,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2011) Small states, foreign aid and the Cold War. [Oral Presentation], War Studies seminar series, Trinity College Dublin , 17-FEB-11 - 17-FEB-11. [Details]
(2011) Irish Studies seminar series,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2011) Ah, Ireland. The caring nation: Foreign aid and Irish identity. [Invited Lecture], Irish Studies seminar series, Mater Dei Institute, Dublin , 08-MAR-11 - 08-MAR-11. [Details]
(2010) Private stories: Public histories,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) While the actors are still on stage: Interviews and the history of the recent past. [Invited Oral Presentation], Private stories: Public histories, University of Limerick , 23-APR-10 - 23-APR-10. [Details]
(2010) Development Studies Association Ireland, annual conference,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) Postcolonial humanitarians? A history of Irish aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], Development Studies Association Ireland, annual conference, Trinity College, Dublin , 13-SEP-10 - 13-SEP-10. [Details]
(2010) In their own words,
Kevin O'Sullivan, Ciara Meehan (2010) Roundtable discussion on the practice of oral history. [Conference Organising Committee Member], In their own words, University College Dublin , 29-APR-10 - 29-APR-10. [Details]
(2010) Development Studies Centre seminar series,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) From Biafra to Vietnam: Towards a history of Irish foreign aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], Development Studies Centre seminar series, University College Dublin , 19-FEB-10 - 19-FEB-10. [Details]
(2010) Contemporary Irish history seminar,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) People are dying NOW. Give us the money NOW. Foreign aid and Irish identity. [Oral Presentation], Contemporary Irish history seminar, Trinity College Dublin , 17-FEB-10 - 17-FEB-10. [Details]
(2010) Ireland and Biafra conference,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) Concern for Africa: NGOs and the humanitarian response. [Invited Oral Presentation], Ireland and Biafra conference, National University of Ireland, Galway , 30-SEP-10 - 01-OCT-10. [Details]
(2010) Ireland since 1966: New perspectives,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) Born missionaries? Geldof, Robinson, aid and the Irish. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Ireland since 1966: New perspectives, University College Dublin , 11-NOV-10 - 11-NOV-10. [Details]
(2010) Trocaire internal staff seminars,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) Postcolonial humanitarians? A history of Irish foreign aid. [Invited Lecture], Trocaire internal staff seminars, Trocaire offices, Maynooth , 01-DEC-10 - 01-DEC-10. [Details]
(2010) St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, History Society seminars,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) Ireland, Africa and the end of Empire. [Invited Lecture], St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, History Society seminars, St Patrick's College, Drumcondra , 15-DEC-10 - 15-DEC-10. [Details]
(2010) Aid norms and aid realities workshop,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2010) In need of assistance? The EC and Irish foreign aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], Aid norms and aid realities workshop, University of Copenhagen , 05-MAR-10 - 06-MAR-10. [Details]
(2010) Blogging the humanities,
Kevin O'Sullivan, Juliana Adelman, Lisa-Marie Griffith, Christina Morin (2010) A symposium on arts, culture, heritage and humanities online. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Blogging the humanities, Trinity College Dublin , 03-JUN-10 - 03-JUN-10. [Details]
(2009) The ends of empire conference,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2009) Unmistakably European: Irish state identity and the decolonisation of Africa. [Oral Presentation], The ends of empire conference, National University of Ireland, Maynooth , 18-JUN-09 - 20-JUN-09. [Details]
(2008) History research seminar,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2008) Like a colossus? Ireland and the emergence of independent sub-Saharan Africa. [Oral Presentation], History research seminar, National University of Ireland, Galway , 16-JAN-08 - 16-JAN-08. [Details]
(2008) Foreign aid: projects and policy in a historical and comparative context,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2008) Two way street: Ireland, EC membership, and development aid. [Invited Oral Presentation], Foreign aid: projects and policy in a historical and comparative context, University of Aarhus , 09-OCT-08 - 12-OCT-08. [Details]
(2007) Who gives aid to whom, and why (and how much)?,
Kevin O'Sullivan (2007) Aid to developing countries: Irish official development assistance in the 1970s. [Invited Oral Presentation], Who gives aid to whom, and why (and how much)?, University of Leiden , 09-NOV-07 - 09-NOV-07. [Details]

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2021 Teaching Excellence Award NUI Galway
2018 Visiting Research Fellowship Carleton University, Ottawa
2017 Visiting Research Fellowship European University Institute, Florence
2014 Visiting Research Fellowship, Carleton University (Ottawa) Carleton University, Ottawa
2013 PI, 'Sources and Uses of Humanitarian History' Irish Research Council, 'New Foundations' Programme
2013 Co-investigator, International Research Network: 'Non-State Humanitarianism: From Colonialism to Human Rights' British Arts and Humanities Research Council
2011 IRCHSS CARA Postdoctoral Mobility Fellowship Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences
2011 Honorary Research Fellowship, University of Birmingham University of Birmingham
2009 IRCHSS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences
2005 IRCHSS Postgraduate scholarship Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Voluntary Action History Society Member 01-JUN-12 /
Irish Association of Professional Historians Member 01-JUN-14 / 01-SEP-17
Voluntary Action History Society Member 01-DEC-11 /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
RIA Standing Committee for International Affairs Committee member 01-JAN-19 /
Irish Committee for Historical Sciences Member 01-SEP-15 /
Civil Society Study Group, Development Studies Association Ireland Co-convenor 27-NOV-14 /
Voluntary Action History Society, Executive committee Executive committee member 01-MAY-12 /
School of Humanities Research Committee Member 01-SEP-13 /
Irish Association for Professional Historians Committee Member (NUI Galway representative) 01-SEP-14 /
International reference group for www.humanitarianhistory.org Member of reference group 20-NOV-12 /

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
University of Birmingham Honorary Research Fellow (Visiting Fellow, 2011-2012) 01-OCT-11 / 30-SEP-14
University College Dublin Postdoctoral Research Fellow 01-OCT-09 / 31-AUG-12
Irish Aid / Higher Education Authority Secondment 01-FEB-11 / 30-SEP-11

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2017 National University of Ireland, Galway Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education Education
2008 Trinity College Dublin PhD History
2004 Trinity College Dublin Bachelor of Arts History and Political Science

Reviews

  Journal Role
Contemporary European History Reviewer
Cold War History Reviewer
Irish Historical Studies Reviewer
European Review Of History-Revue Europeenne D Histoire Reviewer
Saothar: Journal Of The Irish Labour History Society Reviewer
Historical Journal Reviewer
International History Review Reviewer
Third World Quarterly Reviewer
Global Networks-A Journal Of Transnational Affairs Reviewer
Humanity: An International Journal of Human Rights, Humanitarianism, and Development Reviewer
London: Routledge Reviewer
Journal of Global History Reviewer
Radical History Review Reviewer
Journal of Migration History Reviewer
International Journal of Politics, Culture and Society Reviewer
Irish Studies In International Affairs Reviewer
Radical History Review Reviewer
Womens History Review Reviewer
War In History Reviewer

Other Activities

  Description

Reviewer for Bloomsbury

Reviewer for Cambridge University Press

Reviewer for McGill-Queen's University Press

Reviewer for European Research Council.

Reviewer for Cork University Press

Reviewer for Central European University Press

Reviewer for Leverhulme Trust.

Reviewer for Four Courts Press

Reviewer for Wellcome Trust.

Reviewer for Princeton University Press

Reviewer for Swiss Science Foundation.

Reviewer for Liverpool University Press

Teaching Interests

Areas of specialisation
Global history; international history; history of decolonisation; humanitarianism, aid and development; environmental history; history of activism; Ireland and the wider world; history of NGOs.

Areas of interest
Africa since 1870; twentieth century Ireland; globalisation; human rights; Britain since 1945; France since 1945.

Modules Developed:
GLS1100 - Introduction to Global History - First Year - Lectures/Tutorials
HI1100 - Skills for Globalisation Studies - Second Year - Lectures/Tutorials
HI2101 - Irish Identity, 1968-1998 - Second Year - Lectures/Tutorials
HI2100 - Ireland in a Global Context, 1922-2002 - Second Year - Lectures
HI2125 - Global History, 1780-1945 - Second Year - Lectures
HI2149 - Global History, 1870-1945 - Second Year - Lectures
HI3100 - Globalisation since 1945 - Final Year - Lectures
HI3101 - Aid & Humanitarianism since 1945 - Final Year - Seminars
HI3114 - Decolonisation and its Consequences - Final Year - Seminars
HI3194 - The Environment since 1945 - Final Year - Seminars
HI6100 - NGOs and the Making of the Twentieth Century - Postgraduate Taught - Seminars

Contribution to Team-Taught Modules:
HI1103 - Europe and Ireland 1789-1918 - First Year - Lectures
BSS2103/BSS2104 - Introduction to Sustainability - Second Year - Lectures
HI503 - Historical Debates and Controversies - Postgraduate Taught - Seminars
HI519 - Sources & Resources (History) - Postgraduate Taught - Seminars
TI6129 - Field-Based Learning (Geography) - Postgraduate Taught - Seminars
SPA400 - Theories and Methodologies in the Humanities - Structured PhD Programme - Seminars

Recent Postgraduate Students

  Graduation Name Degree Primary Supervisor
2020 David Kilgannon PhD Y
2020 Bernadette O'Connell PhD Y