Sebastian Gehrig

Dr. Sebastian Gehrig is a Senior Lecturer in Modern European History at the University of Sheffield’s School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities. His research focuses on Cold War legal frameworks, human rights, and the intersections of German history with global contexts. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Cambridge (MPhil) and the University of Heidelberg (Dr phil), and has taught at institutions including University College London and the University of Oxford. His major works include Legal Entanglements: Law, Rights, and the Battle for Legitimacy in Divided Germany, 1945-1989, examining legal conflicts between East and West Germany during the Cold War. Current research explores treason’s evolution in 20th-century Germany and its ties to the modern national security state. He has secured grants from the British Academy and German Research Foundation, and is affiliated with research centers in Heidelberg and London. His teaching encompasses courses on national security, human rights history, and Cold War politics.

• Education: MPhil, University of Cambridge; Dr phil, University of Heidelberg
• Research Interests: Cold War legal systems, sovereignty debates, cultural diplomacy, Maoist influence on European radicalism
• Grants: British Academy/Leverhulme Trust, Fritz-Thyssen-Foundation, German Research Foundation
• Administrative Roles: Digital Media & Communications Officer at Sheffield; Convenor of the Modern German History Seminar (IHR, London)