Understanding War and Peace: Prof. Sophia Hoffmann Launches Erfurt Lecture Series
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How Secure is Our Present? An Evening about War, Peace and Europe
On October 29, 2026, Prof. Dr. Sophia Hoffmann will inaugurate the public lecture series "War and Peace" in the Erfurt City Hall Festsaal with a talk on international politics, European security, and the political challenges of our time. The event is aimed at students, university members, and all interested parties.
International Politics Explained
The focus will be on central political science and historical perspectives on armed conflicts, peace phases and current debates. Prof. Dr. Sophia Hoffmann places particular emphasis on Germany and Europe and asks under what conditions peace can be achieved.
The inaugural lecture is not intended as a classic introduction. Rather, it opens a nuanced view of developments that shape political decisions, societal debates, and the sense of security of many people. The event atmosphere in the historic City Hall Festsaal connects scientific expertise with a public event experience right in the middle of Erfurt's old town.
Expert Knowledge from Conflict Research and International Relations
Prof. Dr. Sophia Hoffmann is a Professor of International Politics and Conflict Research at the University of Erfurt. Her research focuses on intelligence studies, international refugee policy, humanitarian aid, and development policy. Through field research in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, she has specialized knowledge of international relations in West Asia.
Before her appointment at the University of Erfurt, she led a research group on German-Arab intelligence relations at the Leibniz Center for Modern Orient in Berlin, worked at the University of Bremen, and taught at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Her academic work has been supported by, among others, the COFUND program of the European Union, the Volkswagen Foundation, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Launch of an Interdisciplinary Lecture Series
The event marks the start of the lecture series "War and Peace" in the winter semester 2026/27. The city of Erfurt and five Erfurt universities bring together different academic disciplines. In the course of the series, topics will also include social coexistence, digitization, and warfare, as well as peace and freedom in Europe.
After the lecture, there will be room for questions, exchange, and discussion. This direct dialogue makes the evening particularly valuable for politically interested individuals, students, teachers, and engaged citizens. The event planning deliberately relies on open access without registration and invites joint engagement.
Free Admission, Limited Seating
Admission to the lectures is free. There are about 180 seats available in the City Hall Festsaal. Registration is not required. Due to a currently malfunctioning elevator, the City Hall is not currently accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.
Conclusion: Discuss Political Contexts Live
Visitors can expect an informative evening with scientific classification, current perspectives on international politics, and a subsequent discussion. Those who know the questions of security, conflicts, and peace in Europe only from the news will experience a well-founded impulse and an open audience atmosphere here. The launch of the lecture series invites the discovery of new connections and live conversations.
Official Channels of Prof. Dr. Sophia Hoffmann:
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