Mark Hurst

Dr. Mark Hurst is a Lecturer in the History of Human Rights at Lancaster University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), in the Department of History. His research focuses on human rights organizations and activists during the Cold War, with special attention to the Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia. He also explores contemporary British history, NGOs, the history of comedy, 'soft power,' and cycling history.

Teaching: He instructs courses such as HIST259 Inventing Human Rights, 1776-2001 and HIST357 'Dangerous Thoughts': Soviet Dissidents, Human Rights and the Cold War, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to historical analysis. His teaching includes research methodology (HIST401) and non-military conflict studies (HIST446).

Research Interests: Hurst examines transnational networks of activists, the intersection of sports and politics (e.g., cycling's Cold War symbolism), and the role of humor in dissent. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary issues like soft power and global governance.

Publications: His recent work includes analyses of British anti-communism during the Cold War and the legacy of Soviet dissident movements. These studies highlight transnational linkages and the evolution of human rights discourse.

Awards & Roles: He served as a Fellow of the Institute for Social Futures (2018/19) and is a member of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Peer Review College. He supervises PhD candidates on topics like human rights NGOs and soft power strategies.

Advising & Labs: Current PhD students include William Garbett and Adrienne Wallman. He collaborates with FASS Health Hub and the Institute for Social Futures, exploring themes like conflict studies and health humanities.