Upcoming GLARN events
Book talk - Who Rules in Colombia? Elites, Power and Nation (12 Oct 2026)
12 October, 3:30pm
Room 108, Rankine Building, University of Glasgow
Who holds power in Colombia, and how does this shape the prospects for peace? Why do some peacebuilding efforts succeed while others struggle to address persistent inequality, exclusion, and violence?
This public event brings together Jenny Pearce and Juan David Velasco from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) for a conversation on power, elites, and the future of peace in Colombia.
Drawing on extensive research in Colombia and Latin America, the discussion will explore key themes from the book Who Rules Colombia? Elites, Power and Nation (¿Quién manda en Colombia? Élites, poder y nación), examining how political, economic, and cultural elites shape social change, political settlements, and the possibilities for building a more inclusive and lasting peace.
Through an accessible and engaging discussion, the speakers will reflect on what the study of elites can reveal about Colombia’s past, present, and future, and why understanding power remains essential for anyone interested in peace, democracy, and social transformation.
Workshop - Mapping Power: New Methodological Approaches (12 Oct 2026)
12 October, 10am-1pm
Room 251 (Committee Room), Gilbert Scott Building, University of Glasgow
How can we study power when its actors, resources, and mechanisms often remain hidden? What methodological approaches allow us to trace the networks, institutions, and practices that sustain political, economic, and cultural elites? This workshop invites researchers and PhD scholars interested in the study of power, elites, and inequality to explore innovative methodological approaches for analysing dynamics of domination and wealth accumulation in contemporary societies. The seminar will be led by Jenny Pearce and Juan David Velasco (LSE), both with extensive research experience in Colombia and Latin America. Drawing on empirical research and in-depth studies conducted in Colombia, the speakers will discuss methodological tools for mapping networks of influence, analysing structures of power, and understanding the relationships between wealth, authority, and domination. The seminar is intended for researchers interested in developing and strengthening their methodological approaches