Introductory lecture by Dr. Peter Lintl on July 14, 2026 at 6.15 pm
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is expanding its profile in Middle East Studies: A visiting lectureship for Israel Studies has been set up at the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology for the first time. Dr. Peter Lintl from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) is a renowned expert in Middle East policy and will be staying at FAU for an initial period of two semesters. His stay will begin with a public lecture on the topic “Der Konflikt über den Konflikt” (“The Conflict about the Conflict”) on July 14, at 6.15 pm in Lecture Theater C, Kochstr. 4, Erlangen.
By setting up the visiting lectureship in Israel Studies, FAU is specifically expanding its interdisciplinary expertise in Middle East studies. “Disciplines such as politics, Oriental Studies, and Religious Studies are already closely examining the region. Israel Studies will now enable us to consolidate and develop existing expertise – both in view of Israel’s complex history and current conflict dynamics and German discourse about Israel,“ explains Dean Prof. Dr. Kay Kirchmann.
Renowned expert for Middle East politics
Dr. Peter Lintl is a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) for topics such as conflict in the Middle East, Israeli domestic politics, German-Israeli relations and religion and the state. He regularly publishes analyses, advises political decision makers and is present in national and international media.
“In Germany in particular, the academic study of Israel has a special meaning. The political, social and historic developments in Israel and the dynamics of conflicts in the Middle East are among the defining and simultaneously most controversial topics in international politics,” says Peter Lintl. “In addition, examining Israel touches on fundamental questions in German history, on how Germany is dealing with its National Socialist past and democratic self-understanding. This is the reason why we need places where these questions are discussed openly based on sound scientific evidence and with a nuanced perspective.”
Lintl studied politics, history and philosophy at FAU and at the University of Haifa. He completed his doctoral degree at the Institute of Political Science at FAU.
Varied program for academics and the general public
During his two-semester stay, Lintl will be holding presentations, discussions and interdisciplinary formats in addition to lectures and seminars. Exchanging ideas with the general public plays a central role in this program.
A public lecture on the topic “Der Konflikt über den Konflikt” (“The Conflict about the Conflict”) on July 14, at 6.15 pm in Lecture Theater C, Kochstr. 4, Erlangen is the first event in the series. Entry is free of charge.