Modern Italian History Seminar, IHR, 22 October 2025: “The Red Brigades and Political violence in the 1970s”

As part of the IHR Modern Italian History seminars, sponsored by ASMI, on Wednesday 22 October 2025 (5.30–7.00 pm, UK time) there will be a discussion titled “The Red Brigades and Political violence in the 1970s.” Speakers: Prof. John Foot (University of Bristol) in conversation with Prof. Petra Terhoeven (University of Göttingen and the German Historical Institute, Rome).

The session centres on John Foot’s new book, The Red Brigades: The Terrorists Who Brought Italy to Its Knees (Bloomsbury, 2025). It will revisit the trajectory of the Brigate Rosse—from roots in late-1960s protest to the group’s campaign of kidnappings, assassinations and intimidation—asking who they were, what they wanted, and how their violence reshaped Italian society and politics during the “years of lead.” Time will be left for audience questions and discussion.

Format: Online via Zoom. Free, but registration is required. Please book via the IHR event page, where you’ll also find full details and joining instructions.