Patrick Finney

Patrick Finney is a Professor and currently serves as Acting Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University. He holds a BA in International History and Politics and a PhD in International History from the University of Leeds, joining Aberystwyth University in September 2002. His academic career includes significant leadership roles as Head of the Department of International Politics, Director of Research, Deputy Head, and Director of Undergraduate Studies within the department, as well as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Institute of Geography, History, Politics and Psychology.

Finney's research focuses on twentieth century international history, 'collective memory,' and theory and method in historical writing. He is particularly known for his work on Second World War collective memory, the League of Nations and inter-war years, and cultural approaches to international history. His scholarship bridges traditional diplomatic history with cultural and theoretical approaches, establishing him as a recognized authority on 'culturalist' international history. His 2010 monograph Remembering the Road to World War Two examines the relationship between international history, national identity, and collective memory in the historiography of WWII origins.

His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on global historical memory, particularly regarding the Second World War. Finney is completing a monograph titled Good War Follies, described as a 'panoramic, transnational, global history of the collective memory of the Second World War since the end of the Cold War.' He has also developed projects exploring 'authenticity' in contemporary cultural memory of WWII, building international collaborative networks through edited collections such as Remembering the Second World War (2017).

Among his professional recognitions, Finney is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, served as Chair of the British International History Group (2017-2024), and is Editor of the journal Rethinking History. His editorial work extends to the Journal of War and Culture Studies and service on the Arts and Humanities Research Council peer review panel (2012-2019).

Finney has received research funding from prestigious bodies including the AHRC and the British Academy, including an Overseas Conference Grant for the International Studies Association Annual Convention in 2010. He maintains a long track record of PhD supervision, welcoming students interested in collective memory (particularly regarding WWII), critical historiography in international history, inter-war international history, Southeastern European history, and historical theory (especially Hayden White's work). He has also contributed public commentary, including a 2022 media piece titled 'Britain must heed the lessons of history and let in Ukrainian refugees.'