GLOCAL brings together a group of scholars analysing central contemporary phenomena with a critical lens that emphasises global-local interactions. The main themes of GLOCAL researchers are:bordersinequality and inclusionconflict and peaceeconomic and human developmentOur scholars work on social, political and economic phenomena: from economic development and inequality, migrant inclusion, state building in post-war contexts to the politics of development and foreign aid. Our expertise positions us to conduct research on some of the most pressing topics of the day, including the local and global dimensions of the current arrival of refugees in Europe.All themes of GLOCAL researches share the focus on ‘local' problems related to socio-economic inequalities, (geo)political conflicts over resources, territories and identities, political violence and war, global migration, spatial separations and divisions, and (lack of) growth, inclusion and development. These local issues cannot be seen apart from wider transnational dynamics, while global developments always have some form of local manifestation. This raises important cross‐disciplinary challenges for studying divides and connections arising in the society, and for developing policies aimed at addressing them.The GLOCAL hotspot provides a common space for both established and aspiring researchers to exchange with one another on cross-disciplinary, cross-thematic and cross-geographical topics. To stimulate this exchange we organize:GlocalChats - seminars in which our members share research insights from own projects, bringing them into a wider debate, also when this concerns more early stage material.Occasional events of a half day format, such as workshops, debating sessions, particularly focusing on themes salient in society, such as the consequences at a global level of the election of Trump for president in the United States, or the role and disposition of refugees in the politicized Europe