At the latest Brunch Talks event, Dr. Antonia Sophia Baraniuk presented her research on the “Unredeemed Nations” of the Habsburg Empire, focusing on the awakening of national identity between 1700 and 1920. The lecture examined how literary works contributed to shaping concepts of nationhood across Hungary, Bohemia, Poland, and Italy.
Combining close reading with historical context, the presentation highlighted the relationship between cultural production and political change. Particular attention was given to how perceptions of empire and foreign rule evolved over time, as well as to the role of transnational literary networks in the development of national consciousness.
The event concluded with an engaging discussion involving the student and academic moderator, along with members of the audience. The exchange allowed for deeper reflection on the contemporary relevance of nationalism studies, offering valuable insights into the cultural foundations of national identity in East Central Europe.
