On Thursday, June 18, 2026, our institute hosted Professor Gaetano Pentassuglia (Liverpool John Moores University, Director of the Research Center for the Study of Law in Theory and Practice, LTAP). Professor Pentassuglia is one of the leading international experts in the fields of minority rights, self-determination, and the accommodation of groups in international law.
During his visit, he gave a lecture in which he explored the historical and philosophical foundations of the concept of “nation” and its enduring significance for the contemporary understanding of self-determination.
After the lecture, Professor Pentassuglia gave an interview with Radio Capodistria, in which he reflected on the importance of the inclusion and protection of minorities through state institutions. Drawing on examples from Europe and elsewhere, he emphasized that effective protection of minorities is not merely a matter of preserving cultural identity, but also of ensuring meaningful participation, representation, and a sense of belonging within the broader political community.
After the lecture, Professor Pentassuglia gave an interview with Radio Capodistria, in which he reflected on the importance of the inclusion and protection of minorities through state institutions. Drawing on examples from Europe and elsewhere, he emphasized that effective protection of minorities is not merely a matter of preserving cultural identity, but also of ensuring meaningful participation, representation, and a sense of belonging within the broader political community.
On Friday, June 19, 2026, the discussions continued with Sonja Novak Lukanović, director of the institute, and Noémi Nagy, a research fellow within the MSCA/ERA program, regarding opportunities for future collaboration between IES and LTAP, including joint research initiatives and academic exchanges.
We thank Professor Pentassuglia for his inspiring and productive visit and look forward to further collaboration in the future.
