History researchers work together in four diachronically organised research groups with the themes:

• Urban Governance, Culture and Society

Focuses on the impact of political, religious, economic and cultural institutions in forging social relations between urban classes, sexes, religious and ethnic groups.

• Identity Formation in a Globalising World

Studies the historical roots of identity formation in a globalising world in its political, social, and cultural dimensions. Special emphasis is placed on global encounters and on the processes of cultural transfer.

• The Public and Its Discontents

Analyses the origins and expressions of popular discontent, the emotions that fuelled the unrest, and the (in)ability of political and social institutions to channel, parry or suppress discontent.

• Society and Conflict

Studies how societies respond to the presence of violence, both in national, international and transnational contexts.

General

History researchers participate in the UvA research priority area Cultural Heritage and Identities. A part of the research, which is coordinated by the Institute for Culture and History (ICG), is financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and the European Research Council (ERC).