IR Fellow Film Nights

Join the IR fellows for a contemporary film screening as a way to discuss core concepts in IR. These film screenings are a chance to explore IR in a creative way and snacks will be provided.

No by Pablo Larraín (2012)
with Dr Giulia Sciorati and Dr Jonny Hall
Tuesday 14 October 2025, 4.20pm-7.00pm
Room CKK 1.07

When Chilean military dictator Pinochet, facing international pressure, calls for a referendum on his presidency in 1988, opposition leaders persuade a brash young advertising executive, René Saavedra, to spearhead their campaign. With scant resources and constant scrutiny by the despot's watchmen, René and his team devise an audacious plan to win the election and free the country from oppression.

This will be followed by a discussion about how the film relates to IR, hosted by Dr Giulia Sciorati and Dr Jonny Hall.

The War Game by Peter Watkins (1966)
with Dr Patrick Gill Tiney
Tuesday 25 November 2025, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Room CBG 2.06

Peter Watkins' disturbing vision of the personal and public consequences of a nuclear attack in Britain. Winner of an Oscar in 1967 (Best Documentary).

This will be followed by a discussion about how the film relates to IR, hosted by Dr Patrick Gill-Tiney.

These sessions are open to all students and faculty in the Department of International Relations.

Keep an eye on your email for registration details

LSE Research Showcase
Why refugee return is not the solution to displacement crises

Dr Stephanie Schwartz

Tuesday 11 November 2025
Shaw Library, 1.00-1.30pm

The number of refugees worldwide has nearly doubled in the past decade. Amid this rise in forced migration, the humanitarian community touts voluntary repatriation as the preferred solution to displacement crises. States are also pressuring refugees to return. The driving assumption is that refugee return is primarily a logistical obstacle and once refugees return to their home countries, they will resettle peacefully and stay put.

In this talk, Dr Stephanie Schwartz will discuss her research on how refugee return can create new sources of conflict in refugees’ countries of origin, often leading to repeat displacement. The talk will explore what these findings mean for international organisations and governments promoting refugee return as a ‘‘durable solution’’ for displacement crises.

The session is open to LSE staff, students, alumni and prospective students.

Sign up for this event and others in the Autumn Research Showcase series.

Careers events

There are a wide range of careers events planned for you. The Department works closely with LSE Careers to give you opportunities to explore your professional development. 

Find out about the latest events and book your place

(Un)Resolved: An Informal Debate about Current Events

These informal sessions put the spotlight on a topical issue in IR in a friendly debate with your fellow IR students. Conversational and casual, (Un)Resolved is a brilliant way to put your knowledge of IR into practice!

Hosted by a member of IR faculty, these sessions are open to all students in the Department of International Relations.

Find out about the latest dates

Food for Thought

This is your opportunity to share a two-course lunch in the Senior Dining Room with a member of the IR faculty and discuss an article or piece of content that will be sent around in advance. 

These small lunches are limited to just twelve attendees - six undergraduates and six postgraduates - meaning you have the opportunity to discuss your ideas and the academic’s research interests in much greater detail than you otherwise might.

Find out about the latest dates

Meet the Researcher

A series of talks with our visiting academics about their research and career paths. Get tips on what they learned from their experiences, and what they recommend. Listen, ask questions and enhance your understanding of life after study! 

Find out more