Manchester conference provides fresh perspectives on Falklands/Malvinas conflict

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Manchester conference provides fresh perspectives on Falklands/Malvinas conflict

The University of Manchester has hosted a major international conference examining the legacy of the Falklands/Malvinas Conflict, bringing together leading experts, veterans and students from both sides for two days of discussion and reflection.

Held on 16-17 April, the event explored the enduring significance of the conflict nearly 45 years on, addressing its historical impact, contemporary relevance and future directions for research. The conference welcomed a diverse range of contributors, from established scholars and military figures to early career researchers and students from both sides of the 1982 conflict.

A highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by Royal Navy Rear Admiral Jeremy Larken DSO, who offered his first-hand insights into military leadership and strategic decision-making during the conflict. In a memorable and unexpected moment, the Rear Admiral was accompanied by his parrot, which quickly became a talking point among attendees and added a distinctive touch to the proceedings.

The conference also showcased emerging talent from within the University, with two undergraduate students presenting to the attendees. Their contributions reflected the strength of student engagement in historical scholarship and demonstrated the University's commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers.

Across the two days, discussions spanned themes such as military history, with a panel comprised of General Sir Michael Rose SAS, Major General Dair Farrar-Hockley MC 2 PARA and Lieutenant

-Colonel Philip Neame MBE 2 PARA and Rear Admiral Jeremy Larken DSO. From this, attendees learnt of the land battles such as Goose Green and the adherence of Rear Admiral Larken to Nelsonian traditions of using sandbags to protect the ships' bridges, saving many lives on his ship, HMS Fearless.

The first keynote on day one discussed the theme of diplomacy in the 1982 conflict with a paper from the two authors who co-wrote Signals of War, one of the very first works to examine the 1982 conflict from both Argentine and British sides. Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at Kings' College London and author of the Official History of the Falklands Campaign and Professor Virginia Gamba, United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict from 2017 to 2025 and previously serving as UN Assistant Secretary-General. Professor Gamba, despite flight cancellations, had made a world-wind journey, spanning two days from southern Argentina, a significant commitment to the Falklands/Malvinas Conflict Conference at Manchester, to deliver her keynote. Amongst other themes were the press in both Argentina and Britain, archival researching into the conflict, veterans' testimonies and legal perspectives.

The event fostered a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, encouraging dialogue between academics, veterans, and students from both sides of the 1982 conflict. Many attendees commented how the conference at The University of Manchester was the first conference they had been to where the next generation - Manchester's students - had not only given papers at the conference, but also contributed to the running of the conference across the two days.

This was a real achievement for Manchester's students, presenting at the conference, chairing panels, helping with catering set up, meeting delegates and greeting them at the registration desk and managing panels set up. A real University of Manchester first!

Therefore, special thanks must go to:

CATERING TEAM - Elias Cadji-Newby and Faye Navesey.

CHAIRING TEAM - Duru Erdogan, Tom Finlayson, Jorja Flitcroft, Will Friday, Tehani Owais, Hanna Saunders and Amelia Vivash.

MEET AND GREET TEAM - Rehan Choudhry and Grace Pegram.

PANELS TEAM - Freddie Bayless, Henry Delap-Smith and Suki Leese.

Organisers described the conference as a significant success, building on previous events and helping to strengthen a growing network of Falklands/Malvinas researchers. There are hopes that the connections formed will lead to future collaborations, projects, and publications as the 45th anniversary of the conflict approaches.

The conference was kindly supported by the British Commission for Military History, the Society for Latin American Studies, and The University of Manchester's Student Enhancement Fund.

Thank you also to all attendees, keynotes and presenters. Roll on the next Falklands/Malvinas Conflict Conference event at The University of Manchester!