Sebastiaan Faber

Sebastiaan Faber is a Professor of Hispanic Studies at Oberlin College since 1999, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He specializes in Spanish and Latin American history, with a focus on historical memory, dictatorship legacies, and cultural politics. His research bridges literature, history, and politics, particularly examining the Spanish Civil War, Francoism, and contemporary Catalan independence movements. Faber earned a Doctorandus from Universiteit van Amsterdam (1995) and a PhD from University of California, Davis (1999).

• Education: Doctorandus (Amsterdam, 1995), PhD (UC Davis, 1999)
• Key Works: Exhuming Franco: Spain’s Second Transition, Memory Battles of the Spanish Civil War, and co-edited volumes on exile and transatlantic studies.
• Leadership: Chair of the Board of Governors of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives (ALBA) since 2018.

His research interrogates historical memory’s role in shaping modern Spain, including debates over Franco’s legacy, Catalan independence, and far-right resurgence. Faber frequently contributes to media outlets like Foreign Affairs, The Nation, and Spanish journals, analyzing contemporary political issues. He teaches courses on nationalism, dictatorship, and historical narratives, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches.

Notable articles include analyses of Spain’s parliamentary elections (2023), Catalan independence (2019), and the far right’s reinterpretation of history (2024). His work often highlights tensions between historical justice and political agendas, particularly in post-dictatorial societies.

Faber’s academic leadership extends to ALBA, where he co-edits The Volunteer and advocates for historical accountability. His writing bridges academic rigor and public engagement, addressing both scholarly and general audiences.