Modern Italian History Seminar – Federico Faloppa: “Beyond definitions. Longue durée and current challenges in addressing Hate Speech”

The next event of the Modern Italian History Seminars at the Institute of Historical Research will be a talk by Federico Faloppa titled Beyond definitions. Longue durée and current challenges in addressing Hate Speech. The event will take place on 19th March 2025, at 17:30 (Room 243, Second Floor, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU). 

Federico Faloppa’s talk will explore the complexities of defining hate speech, which lacks a universally accepted legal or academic definition. The Council of Europe defines it as expressions that incite, promote, or justify violence, hatred, or discrimination based on personal characteristics such as race, religion, nationality, gender identity, or sexual orientation. However, the severity and impact of such expressions vary by context, requiring a legal threshold before they can be classified as hate speech. A crucial but often overlooked factor is the historical dimension—how an expression’s semantic history and societal perception influence its harmfulness. Some entrenched stereotypes, despite their damaging effects, do not meet legal criteria for restriction. Within this framework, the talk will explore the historical development of hate speech laws, the impact of long-term stereotypes on current debates, and controversial case studies where historical analysis can inform legal and ethical decisions.

The event will be also held online.

Info and registration here: https://www.history.ac.uk/events/beyond-definitions-longue-duree-and-current-challenges-addressing-hate-speech