Schedule Details – EAA Annual Meeting 2026

August 28, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
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9 - Shifting Political Landscapes: Archaeology’s Response to Nationalism, Populism and Identity in Europe

Regular session

The present era of populist nationalism has clear parallels with the intense nation-building of the earlier 20th century, which saw archaeology find its place in national institutions such as universities and museums, and in national legislation. The payback for investment in archaeology by the governments of nation states came in the form of archaeological narratives that provided ‘scientific’ underpinnings to imagined Golden Ages and origin myths.

Resurgent nationalism, ideological polarisation, and the return of war to Europe, forces archaeologists to again face the challenge of navigating between competing interests and contested narratives. What historical narratives are being amplified or silenced in this new political climate? How can archaeologists resist being drawn into divisive identity politics while engaging in open, critical, and inclusive scholarship? How can the lessons from archaeology’s entanglement with nationalism in the early 20th century help us avoid repeating the same mistakes?

We invite contributions that explore how archaeology responds when political and ideological agendas seek to influence research topics, archaeological interpretation, and public presentation. We particularly welcome case studies that highlight politicisation (or its resistance) in museums, archaeological sites, universities, and the media—forums where the divide between scholarship and public discourse are negotiated, contested, and sometimes manipulated.

Topics of interest include:
• Parallels and differences between archaeological analysis, interpretation and representation in the early 20th century and today.
• Authorised narratives: how monuments and sites are presented/co-opted/appropriated for public engagement, education, tourism, and international relations.
• The impact of political agendas on data collection and analyses.
• Case studies examining how archaeologists and heritage practitioners navigate populist, nationalist, or illiberal contexts.

Proposed outcome:
An edited volume that situates archaeology’s response to the present political landscapes in the context of the history of the modern discipline.