Summary of the impact

Chantal Mouffe's insights on agonistic democracy have had significant impact on political discourse, policy and political strategy, most obviously as an intellectual resource for the approach to governing instigated by the Argentinian President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, often referred to as the National and Popular Model of Democracy. The actions of key actors in the governing regime have been influenced by reading her work and interacting directly with Mouffe. This is the subject of heated discussions in news media of all political persuasions. Mouffe's analysis of right-wing populism has also affected the political position and strategy of politicians in Belgium, informing debates on how to resist the growth of extreme right-wing parties. Beyond mainstream politics, she has shaped the work of artists: for example, through her invited residency at the Kunstenfestivaldesarts in Brussels.

Summary of the impact

Wolfreys' research has had impact in areas of public discourse and civil society. His analysis of the contemporary extreme right has had practical implications for `unofficial' networks in combating far- right penetration of mainstream political structures and civil society and has contributed to the development of grass-roots anti-fascist campaigns in the UK. Related research on marketisation and neoliberalism in public institutions highlights the scope for mobilisation in defence of higher education and has contributed to the establishment and development of networks mobilising in defence of public education. The beneficiaries of the impact have included anti-fascist organisations and `unofficial' networks of activists in the UK public sector.

Summary of the impact

In January 2011 and May 2012, Richard Dunphy presented two workshops to the National Council of Democratic Left Scotland (DLS) based on research he had conducted in collaboration with Luke March (University of Edinburgh). Dunphy's presentation explained the nature and character of the European Left Party. As a direct result of the discussion that followed, the National Council decided to recommend to the 2012 AGM that DLS seek observer membership of the European Left Party (EL). This application was ratified by the EL Council meeting in Berlin in January 2013. Dunphy's work had direct impact on the political strategy and policy focus of this political network of the Scottish left (see corroborating letters 5.1 and 5.2).

Summary of the impact

Professor Stears' research addresses a widespread concern that modern political parties are increasingly disconnected from traditions of democratic participation, with adverse consequences for political engagement and the wider quality of democracy. His research develops strategies to recover and reanimate twentieth-century traditions of participatory democracy in present day politics. The work has (1) contributed to outlining a new democratic agenda for the British Left, (2) shaped a reorientation of the policy agenda of the Institute for Public Policy Research, one of Britain's leading think tanks (3) influenced discussions in the Labour Party, especially Ed Miliband's `One Nation project', and (4) informed the on-going Collins Review of the Labour Party's organisational structure. The significance of Stears' research impacts is evidenced by his appointment as Ed Miliband's Chief Speechwriter in May 2013.

Summary of the impact

Peter Hallward has undertaken the most detailed research in English on recent Haitian politics, focusing on the complex travails of Haitian democracy that began soon after the Duvalier dictatorship collapsed in the mid-1980s. This research has had a significant input into the understanding, advocacy and practices of NGOs working in Haiti, and on journalists and campaigners internationally, with regard to questions of freedom, equality and democracy, and the relationship between domestic and international factors in Haitian politics. Impact has been on opinion-formation and advocacy in NGOs, international media and public political discourse regarding international aspects of Haitian politics.

Summary of the impact

Dr Ian Cawood's work on the political heritage of late Victorian and early Edwardian Britain has had an impact on society:

• By preserving and interpreting the contribution of the Liberal Unionist party to the development of Conservative, Ulster Unionist and Liberal political traditions in UK.
• By raising public and political awareness of the historical tradition of coalition governments.
• By informing and influencing the secondary and higher education British political history curriculum.

The impact has been achieved by engagement with policy makers, especially politicians and political parties, through media coverage, engagement with the history groups of national political parties, the organisation of a series of national conferences and production of a major policy paper and opinion piece for a leading history-briefing organisation.

Summary of the impact

Professor John Milbank's research at the University of Nottingham has:

• Influenced policy formation, as a crucial inspiration for the new `postliberal' politics of Blue Labour and Red Toryism in the United Kingdom;
• Influenced the theological discourse of Anglican and Catholic churches here and abroad;
• Contributed to changes in theological education through becoming an object of study in theological curricula as well as an object of debate among other disciplines such as political and social theory.

Summary of the impact

Publications analysing political mobilisation during the English revolution, widely disseminated through sales of the book God's Fury, England's Fire, reviews, and in public engagement activities, have shaped public understandings of how popular support for radical politics can be mobilised. The book's central arguments have made a significant contribution to contemporary political and social debates and have shaped the work of programme makers and other creative artists. The widespread use of the book in teaching in higher education and at A Level in the UK and internationally means that it has played a central role in shaping student understandings of this key period of English history.

Summary of the impact

The principal forms of impact flowing from this body of research lie in two interconnected areas:

a) Improving public understanding of right-wing populism, by influencing how journalists around the world and their international audiences, including policy makers, have interpreted its success in Europe and its characteristics (see source 3 below);

b) Informing political debate in Italy and Finland concerning populist parties and the strategies the Left should adopt in response to the actions of populists in government (sources 1 and 2). By contributing to such debates, the research has influenced the way members of civil society (such as trade unionists and NGO activists, among others) see right-wing populism in the aforementioned countries. In the case of Italy, it has also helped beneficiaries make sense of the actions of populists in government.

Summary of the impact

Cultural studies at Middlesex has often exemplified the New Left tradition that played an important role in founding the discipline. It sees cultural research as part of a broad continuum informing and shaping political debate, policymaking and civic education. Facilitated by a series of e-publications, public events and other activities, many associated with the journal Soundings, and working with organisations such as the Guardian, Oxfam, Friends of the Earth and the Labour Party, this research has had a demonstrable impact on issues of intergenerational politics, ethical consumption and the role of identity in new political formations. Key beneficiaries are charities, NGOs, political parties, think tanks and members of the general public.