We were delighted to welcome a distinguished guest speaker to our International Politics course last week. Lesley Reid, who works at NATO and is also a PhD researcher at the University of Leiden, delivered a fascinating talk on Language, Power, and Influence in International Organisations, exploring how language shapes decision-making, legitimacy, and influence within international institutions. The session provided students with valuable insights into the often-overlooked role of language in global politics and sparked thoughtful discussion about communication, diplomacy, and power in international settings. It complemented Katerina Strani’s scheduled sessions on Multilingualism and Politics as part of the International Politics course.

We were especially honoured to welcome her as a LINCS alumna. It is always a pleasure to see our graduates return to share their expertise and inspire current students. Lesley brought a unique perspective that connected academic theory with the realities of contemporary international organisations. Her career journey highlights the diverse opportunities available to graduates with language, intercultural, and political expertise.

A sincere thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm with our students. We are proud to see our alumni making important contributions in both academia and the international sphere.