Dr. Francisco Bethencourt

Biography

Francisco Bethencourt is a leading historian of the Portuguese-speaking world, contributing significantly to the field of global history. He holds the Charles Boxer Professorship of History at King's College London, where he has been since 2005, having previously taught at Universidade Nova de Lisboa and served as a Visiting Professor at Brown University and Universidade de São Paulo. Bethencourt has authored five monographs, edited or co-edited twenty-seven books and journal issues, and published over a hundred academic articles and book chapters. His research focuses on crucial areas such as the history of racism, inequality, colonialism, merchant cultures, and cultural exchange. Notable works include 'Strangers: Rise and Fall of the New Christian Trading Elite' and 'Racisms: Crusades to the Twentieth Century,' both of which analyze complex historical narratives and their implications on contemporary society. He is an internationally recognized specialist in Portuguese and European expansion, having curated exhibitions and contributed to significant scholarly projects in this realm. Bethencourt is dedicated to public engagement, involving himself in discussions on racism, inequality, and Portugal's colonial past, and he has been interviewed by major media outlets. Additionally, he has received prestigious awards, including the Order of Henry the Navigator from the President of Portugal for his contributions to the field of history.

Research Interests

Experience