These Islands: A Letter to Britain

As part of this year's Chelsea History Festival, Professor Ali Ansari celebrates Britain's strengths and explores potential threats to our state and society.

Academic and author Professor Ansari considers the idea of Britain as a political entity – explored in his fascinating book 'These Islands: A Letter to Britain'.

Ansari argues that, while Britain was created to bring together different nations, nationalist groups are reasserting themselves once more. In today's conflicted Britain, he claims, some consider nationalists as neglected minorities, others as bigoted throwbacks.

In this discussion, Ansari puts forward his intriguing perspective on our nation, and his belief that Britain's strength is its power to shape the popular imagination, at home and abroad. You'll also discover why he believes 'an excess of enthusiasm' may do untold damage to our carefully constructed state and society.

This event is followed by a book signing with the author.