League of Minds: How Interwar Intellectual Cooperation Shaped Cultural and Political Relations

On the launch of the latest publication in the UN Historical Series, published by the UN Library & Archives Geneva, this episode of The Next Page explores the history of intellectual cooperation around the League of Nations, tracing the creation of the International Committee in Geneva and the Paris-based International Institute for Intellectual Cooperation. Guest speakers Dr. Martin Grandjean, University of Lausanne, and Professor Daniel Laqua, University of Northumbria, discuss the Institute’s ambitions, institutional rivalries with Geneva, questions on elitism, inclusivity and the nature of the project, and examples of initiatives—from textbook debates and student exchanges to heritage and scientific cooperation—that helped shape cultural diplomacy and paved the way for later multilateral efforts like UNESCO. Resources. Ask an Archivist! Ask a Librarian! Grandjean, M. and Laqua D. (eds). Intellectual Cooperation at the League of Nations : Shaping Cultural and Political Relations. UN Historical Series. Where to listen to this episode Apple podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: Content Guests: Dr. Martin Grandjean (University of Lausanne) and Professor Daniel Laqua (University of Northumbria) Host, production and editing: Amy Smith, UN Library & Archives Geneva Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva

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League of Minds: How Interwar Intellectual Cooperation Shaped Cultural and Political Relations is an episode from The Next Page by United Nations Library & Archives Geneva.

This episode is 45:33 long.

This episode was published on Dec 12, 2025.

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