Patrick Finney
Patrick Finney is a historian specializing in international history, collective memory, and historiography. He is currently a Reader in International Politics at Aberystwyth University and Co-Editor of the journal Rethinking History: The Journal of Theory and Practice. His research explores the intersections between history, national identity, and memory, particularly in relation to the Second World War.
Academic career
Finney earned his BA and PhD in International History from the University of Leeds. He joined Aberystwyth University in 2002 and has held various leadership roles, including Head of the Department of International Politics and Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.His editorial work with Rethinking History has contributed to discussions on historical theory, methodology, and cultural approaches to historiography. He has also been involved in international collaborations on memory studies and historiographical debates.
Major contributions
Finney's work focuses on several key themes:- Collective Memory: Examining how societies remember and interpret historical events, particularly the Second World War.
- Historiography and Theory: Exploring the methodologies and conceptual frameworks used in historical writing.
- Cultural Approaches to International History: Investigating how cultural narratives shape historical understanding.
- Inter-war Period and League of Nations: Researching diplomatic history and international relations in the early 20th century.
Publications
Finney has authored numerous articles and books on historiography and international history. His works include:
- Remembering the Road to World War Two
- How the Second World War Still Shapes Our Lives
- ''Authenticity in Cultural Memory of the Second World War''