James Kennedy

Dr. James Kennedy is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Director of the Centre of Canadian Studies at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. His roles include editorial board memberships at the British Journal of Canadian Studies and Studies on National Movements. He holds a PhD from McGill University and an MA from the University of Glasgow.

His research focuses on comparative/historical sociology, nationalism, and federalism, with emphasis on Scotland and Québec. Key themes include the role of the state in societal relations, civil society dynamics, and the sociology of nationalism. He has explored topics like postwar settlements in East Central Europe and US policy influences on ethnic nationalism.

Dr. Kennedy has supervised numerous PhDs on nationalism, civil society, and regional identity across diverse regions, including Peru, Chile, and Kyrgyzstan. His work has been recognized with awards such as the 2014 John Porter Book Award for Liberal Nationalisms. Current research includes projects on binaries in nationalism studies and the interplay between federalism and national diversity.

He teaches courses on nationalism, globalization, and socio-cultural theory. His interdisciplinary approach bridges historical sociology, political theory, and empirical case studies, contributing to debates on nation-building, citizenship, and comparative political systems.