Pandemics and the State - conference

Bringing together historians of medicine, American statecraft, and epidemic disease, this two-day conference will examine how U.S. state development has shaped the politics of public health and pandemic responses in the twentieth century. Papers will explore the intersections between contagious outbreaks and the carceral state, the politics of health reform, and U.S. imperialism, among other topics. We are excited to announce that Gary Gerstle (University of Cambridge) and Beatrix Hoffman (Northern Illinois University) will deliver keynote addresses.

This free event is generously supported by the Royal Historical Society, the UCL Institute of Advanced Studies, and the UCL Institute of the Americas.

Registration is open until 27th June 2022. Please direct any enquiries to stephen.colbrook.19[at]ucl.ac.uk

Links:

Professor Gary Gerstle  |  academic profile

Professor Beatrix Hoffman  |  academic profile

Royal Historical Society  |  website

UCL Institute of Advanced Studies  |  website

UCL Institute of the Americas  |  website

Images:

[top] Photo taken during the 1918 Influenza pandemic at an undisclosed location, showing a group of men and women wearing masks; one of them is carrying a notice that reads ‘wear a mask or go to jail’

[bottom] logos of the co-sponsoring institutions; from l to r: The Royal Historical Society, the UCL Institute of Advanced Studie, the UCL Institute of the Americas.