Professor Dr Sara Hobolt holds the Sutherland Chair in European Institutions and is a professor in the Department of Government, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She is currently a Guest Professor in Comparative Politics at the IPZ, University of Zurich. Her research interests lie in political behaviour, public opinion and European politics. She has published extensively on these topics, including five books, most recently Political Entrepreneurs. The Rise of Challenger Parties in Europe (Princeton University Press, 2020, with Catherine De Vries).
Social identities play a crucial role in shaping political allegiances and patterns of conflict. Most are rooted in long-standing societal divides, but every so often new identities emerge and reshape the politics of a nation. In her presentation, Professor Sara Hobolt examines the emergence and consequences of a new identity divide in Britain that emerged in response to the 2016 Brexit referendum. The schism between Leavers and Remainers continues to shape British politics and society even today.