![Huw Williams](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/6138?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Dr Huw Williams
(he/him)
- Welsh speaking
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Huw Williams
Reader in Philosophy
Overview
I am a political philosopher, interested in egalitarian and radical traditions of thought, with a particular focus on engaging with activism and the public sphere. My research connects questions of global justice and international political theory more generally with an interest in the local, namely the intellectual history of Wales and its progressive traditions of thought.
I have published a wide variety of writing in both English and Welsh, from books to blogs. This includes a philosophy and current affairs column for the Welsh Literary Review, O’r Pedwar Gwynt and articles for online publications such as The Conversation and OpenDemocracy.
From 2018-2024 I was inaugural Dean for the Welsh Language at Cardiff University, working as a strategic lead across all aspects of our Welsh-language activity, with responsibility for drawing up and implementing our institution-wide strategy.
Publication
2025
- Williams, H. 2025. Iaith Pawb?. [Online].Nation Cymru: Nation Cymru. Available at: https://nation.cymru/feature/iaith-pawb/.
- Williams, H. 2025. JR Jones and Wittgenstein: Resisting the demise of the Welsh-language ‘neighbourhood’. In: Sandry, A. ed. Wittgenstein in Swansea: Philosophy and Legacy. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. , pp.85-110.
- Williams, H. 2025. Socrates ar y stryd: tu hwnt i hunanoliaeth. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (26)
- Williams, H. 2025. Socrates ar y stryd: tu hwnt i oed yr addewid. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (27)
- Williams, H. 2025. Valleys Cymunedoli Cymoedd: A Valleys' story. Project Report.[Online].Ambobdim Cymru. Available at: https://www.ambobdim.cymru/en/profile-content/valleys-cymunedoli-cymoedd-a-valleys-story/.
- Williams, H. 2025. Welsh universities are ailing. [Online].unherd.com: UnHerd. Available at: https://unherd.com/2025/08/can-reform-win-wales/.
2024
- Evans, N. , Pemberton, E. and Williams, H. 2024. ‘The first condition of freedom’: A century of anti-racist resistance in Cardiff. In: Evans, N. and Williams, C. eds. Globalising Welsh Studies: Decolonising history, heritage, society and culture. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. , pp.247-265.
- Williams, H. 2024. Rhagair. In: Evans-Jones, G. and Rees, D. H. eds. Hunan a Chenedl: Cyfrol Gyfarch E. Gwynn Matthews. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Talybont: Y Lolfa. , pp.7-17.
- Williams, H. 2024. Socrates ar y stryd: dicter. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (25)
- Williams, H. 2024. Socrates ar y stryd: llafarganu penwag. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (24)
- Williams, H. L. 2024. Mining the past: The case for historical narratives in global justice theorizing. Journal of International Political Theory 20 (2), pp.161-180. (10.1177/17550882231205097)
2023
- Williams, H. 2023. Heb ei fai, heb ei eni: ‘Disgwrs’ a Moeseg y Wladfa (Those without fault are yet to be born: the ‘Discourse’ and Ethics of Welsh Patagonia). Gwerddon (36), pp.49-66. (10.61257/KLNP4889)
- Williams, H. 2023. Socrates ar y stryd: 'crynwch, chwi ormeswyr y byd'. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (21)
- Williams, H. 2023. Socrates ar y stryd: trallod yr iaith. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (22)
- Williams, H. 2023. Socrates ar y stryd: yr awtomaton ym myd addysg. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (23)
- Williams, H. L. 2023. Augustine, realism, and their revealed truth. In: Williams, H. et al., The Palgrave Handbook of International Political Theory Vol 1.. International Political Theory Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. , pp.89-107. (10.1007/978-3-031-36111-1_5)
- Williams, H. L. 2023. Remember Richard Price!. [Online].Aeon: Aeon Media Group. Available at: https://aeon.co/essays/remembering-the-18th-century-radical-dissenter-richard-price.
- Williams, H. L. 2023. Richard Price: how one of the 18th century’s most influential thinkers was forgotten. The Conversation 2023 (10 Jun)
- Williams, H. L. 2023. The national spirit and the moral good: Henry Jones and the case for home rule. Collingwood and British Idealism Studies 29 (1), pp.55-94.
- Williams, H. L. 2023. The politics of Richard Price. The Welsh Agenda 2023 (7 Jul)
2022
- Williams, H. 2022. Losing my religion?. [Online].New Socialist: New Socialist. Available at: https://newsocialist.org.uk/transmissions/losing-my-religion/.
- Williams, H. 2022. Robert Owen on his 250th birthday: a very modern socialist. [Online].Undod - Radical Independence for Wales: undod.cymru. Available at: https://undod.cymru/en/2021/05/14/robert-owen-ar-ei-benblwydd-yn-250-sosialydd-modern-iawn/.
- Williams, H. 2022. Socrates ar y stryd: criced a phel-droed. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (20)
- Williams, H. 2022. Socrates ar y stryd: iaith. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (19)
- Williams, H. 2022. Socrates ar y Stryd: Rhyfel. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (17)
- Williams, H. L. 2022. Reflections from Perfidious Albion: the pandemic as prism. In: Mossleh, P. ed. Corona Phenomenon: Philosophical and Political Questions. Leiden: Brill Publications. , pp.182-197. (10.1163/9789004512924_022)
2021
- Williams, H. 2021. Beyond democracy promotion: Kant, Rawls, and a liberal alternative. Public Reason 13 (1), pp.21-46.
- Williams, H. 2021. Socrates ar y Stryd: Ansicrwydd. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 15.
- Williams, H. 2021. Socrates ar y Stryd: Newid. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 16.
- Williams, H. 2021. Socrates ar y Stryd: Rhianta. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (14)
- Williams, H. 2021. The law of peoples. In: Leading Works in Law and Social Justice. Routledge(10.4324/9780429287572-6)
- Williams, H. 2021. Ysbryd Morgan: Adferiad y Meddwl Cymreig. Y Traethodydd (Gorff), pp.161-176.
2020
- Williams, H. 2020. Dibyniaeth y Sais. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2020. Kant, Rawls a Gobaith mewn Gwleidyddiaeth Ryngwladol [Kant, Rawls and Hope in International Relations]. In: Matthews, E. ed. Rheswm a Rhyddid. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 8.Talybont: Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. 2020. Socrates ar y stryd: cofleidio hanes. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (13)
- Williams, H. 2020. Socrates ar y Stryd: marw’r hen a’r newydd na ddaw. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (12)
- Williams, H. 2020. Socrates ar y Stryd: Y Cof ar drothwy’r deugain. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (11)
- Williams, H. 2020. Tawelyddiaeth: cyflwr Cymreig. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2020. The 10 crumbling commandments of Welsh Labour’s common-sense Unionism. New Socialist
- Williams, H. 2020. Who owns the history and who benefits? Interview with Keith Murrell. [Online].Undod - Radical Independence for Wales: Undod Cymru. Available at: https://undod.cymru/en/2020/06/17/keith-murrell/.
- Williams, H. 2020. Yr ymneilltuaeth newydd: gwywo Cymreictod. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2020. Ysbryd Morgan: Adferiad y Meddwl Cymreig. University of Wales Press.
- Williams, H. L. 2020. Y Llwybr tuag at Heddwch Parhaol: John Rawls a’r Athrawiaeth Rhyfel Cyfiawn [The Path to Universal Peace: John Rawls and the Just War Doctrine]. Gwerddon 31 , pp.7-30.
2019
- Williams, H. 2019. Beyond Brexit. Planet Magazine: The Welsh Internationalist 236
- Williams, H. 2019. Dyneiddiaeth o’r Newydd: Troi yn ôl at Gristnogaeth. Agora 31
- Williams, H. 2019. Gwneud lle i’r enaid yn 2020. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2019. Socrates ar y Stryd : Rory Stewart, sadrwydd a rhesymoldeb. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 9
- Williams, H. 2019. Socrates ar y Stryd yn Michigan. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (10)
- Williams, H. 2019. The democracy killers. [Online].Undod - Radical Independence for Wales: undod.cymru. Available at: https://undod.cymru/en/2019/12/03/llofruddio-llywodraethu-democrataidd/.
- Williams, H. L. 2019. 'A Oes Dyfodol? Trafod Sosialaeth Gymreig o Safbwynt Hanesyddol' [Is there a future? Discussing Welsh Socialism from a Historical Perspective]. In: Matthews, E. ed. Llenydda, Gwleidydda a Pherfformio. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 7.Talybont: Y Lolfa
2018
- Williams, H. 2018. Eisteddfod 2018 – rolyrcostyr emosiynyl. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 7
- Williams, H. 2018. Socrates ar y Stryd: Stoïciaeth. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 8
- Williams, H. 2018. Socrates ar y stryd: y gymraeg. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 8
- Williams, H. 2018. Welsh politics has normalized UKIP’s chauvinist, brutish Britishness. [Online].Nation.Cymru: Nation.Cymru. Available at: https://nation.cymru/opinion/welsh-politics-has-normalized-ukips-chauvinist-brutish-britishness/.
- Williams, H. L. 2018. Is the time ripe for Wales to move to compulsory voting?. The Conversation 2018 (1 Feb)
- Williams, H. L. 2018. Socrates ar y stryd: Gormes. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 6
2017
- Williams, H. 2017. Britain’s growing neo-fascism won’t die with UKIP. [Online].Nation.Cymru: Nation.Cymru. Available at: https://nation.cymru/opinion/britains-growing-neo-fascism-wont-die-with-ukip/.
- Williams, H. 2017. Y gwleidyddol a’r metaffisegol: pobl ac ysbryd yn athroniaeth J R Jones. In: Matthews, E. ed. Argyfwng Hunaniaeth a Chred: Ysgrifauar Athroniaeth J. R. Jones. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 6.Talybont: Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Labour’s best hope of beating the Conservatives in Wales is a Plaid Cymru alliance. [Online].The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/labours-best-hope-of-beating-the-conservatives-in-wales-is-a-plaid-cymru-alliance-76901.
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Mind your language. [Online].Open Democracy. Available at: https://www.opendemocracy.net/wfd/huw-williams/mind-your-language.
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Populism is splitting Britain but it could herald change for Wales. The Conversation 2017 (Jul 18)
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Socrates ar y stryd: cyfiawnder byd-eang ar y stepen drws. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 4
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Socrates ar y stryd: ffraeo a chymodi. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (3)
- Williams, H. L. 2017. The case for a Labour-Plaid Cymru electoral pact to prevent a Tory majority in Wales. [Online].WalesOnline. Available at: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/case-labour-plaid-cymru-electoral-13029208.
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Socrates ar y Stryd: Annibyniaeth ysbryd a'r gwacter ystyr. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 5
- Williams, H. L. and Death, C. 2017. Global justice: the basics. Routledge.
2016
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Arresting UKIPia. [Online].Planet Extra. Available at: https://www.planetmagazine.org.uk/planet_extra/arresting-ukipia.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Credoau'r Cymry: Ymddiddanion Dychmygol ac Adlewyrchiadau Athronyddol (Welsh credos: imaginary conversations and philosophical reflections). Caerdydd: Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Dance with the Devil. [Online].Planet Extra. Available at: https://www.planetmagazine.org.uk/planet_extra/dance-with-the-devil.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. For shame Cymru Fach, for shame. [Online].Planet Extra. Available at: https://www.planetmagazine.org.uk/planet_extra/for-shame-cymru-fach.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. John Rawls (1921-2002). In: Lebow, N. , Schouten, P. and Suganami, H. eds. The Return of the Theorists: Dialogues with Great Thinkers in International Relations. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan. , pp.293-301.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Rhagair y golygydd gwadd (guest editor's preface). Gwerddon (21), pp.5-9.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Segurdod yw clod y cledd - David Davies a’r helfa am heddwch wedi’r Rhyfel Mawr (David Davies and the hunt for peace following the Great War). In: Matthews, G. ed. Creithiau. The Welsh Mind and Imagination Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Socrates ar y Stryd. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 1
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Socrates ar y Stryd: JR Jones a Fflamau Casineb. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (2)
2015
- Williams, H. L. 2015. Corbyn for Cymru. Planet Magazine 2015 (219) 01.11.15.
- Williams, H. L. 2015. Law yn Llaw: Athroniaeth a'r Gymraeg? (Hand in Hand: Philosophy and Welsh). In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Astudiaethau Athronyddol 4 (Philosophical Studies 4). Y Lolfa
2014
- Williams, H. 2014. Considerations on the Scottish Referendum and a discourse on the British conundrum: Mill, Price and the question of nationalism. Annals of the Croatian Political Science Association 11 (1), pp.7-25.
- Williams, H. 2014. Welsh Keywords: Hunaniaeth. Planet Magazine - The Welsh Internationalist 213 , pp.98-106.
- Williams, H. L. 2014. Wacky races: Miller, Pogge and Rawls, and conceptions of development in the global justice debate. Journal of International Political Theory 10 (2), pp.206-228. (10.1177/1755088214526020)
- Williams, H. L. 2014. Pelagius a'r Syniad o Hunanwellhad (Pelagius and the idea of self-improvement). In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Astudiaethau Athronyddol 3 (Philosophical Studies 3). Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. L. and Gealy, W. 2014. Swyddogaeth Athroniaeth [The task of philosophy]. In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Y Drwg, Y Da a'r Duwiol. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 3.Tal-y-bont: Y Lolfa. , pp.85-95.
2013
- Williams, H. 2013. Rhyfel Cyfiawn ac Athroniaeth John Rawls. In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Cenedligrwydd, Cyfiawnder a Heddwch - Ysgrifau Ar Athroniaeth Wleidyddol. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Aberystwyth: Y Lolfa. , pp.35-56.
- Williams, H. L. 2013. The law of peoples. In: Mandle, J. and Reidy, D. A. eds. A Companion to Rawls. Blackwell Companions to Philosophy Wiley-Blackwell. , pp.327-345.
2012
- Williams, H. 2012. Oisín Tansey, Regime-building: democratization and international administration [Book Review]. Intelligence and National Security 27 (6), pp.915-916. (10.1080/02684527.2012.708219)
- Williams, H. 2012. What the life of Lord Elystan Morgan says about modern Wales [Newspaper Article]. Western Mail 2012 (8 Nov)
2011
- Williams, H. L. 2011. On Rawls, development and global justice: The freedom of peoples. International Political Theory Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
2010
- Williams, H. 2010. Equality and the British left: A study in progressive political thought, 1900–64. Ben Jackson. Manchester University Press, Manchester, 2007, 304pp., £60.00, ISBN: 978-0719073069 [Book Review]. Contemporary Political Theory 9 (3), pp.353-355. (10.1057/cpt.2009.28)
Articles
- Williams, H. 2019. Beyond Brexit. Planet Magazine: The Welsh Internationalist 236
- Williams, H. 2021. Beyond democracy promotion: Kant, Rawls, and a liberal alternative. Public Reason 13 (1), pp.21-46.
- Williams, H. 2014. Considerations on the Scottish Referendum and a discourse on the British conundrum: Mill, Price and the question of nationalism. Annals of the Croatian Political Science Association 11 (1), pp.7-25.
- Williams, H. 2020. Dibyniaeth y Sais. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2019. Dyneiddiaeth o’r Newydd: Troi yn ôl at Gristnogaeth. Agora 31
- Williams, H. 2018. Eisteddfod 2018 – rolyrcostyr emosiynyl. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 7
- Williams, H. 2010. Equality and the British left: A study in progressive political thought, 1900–64. Ben Jackson. Manchester University Press, Manchester, 2007, 304pp., £60.00, ISBN: 978-0719073069 [Book Review]. Contemporary Political Theory 9 (3), pp.353-355. (10.1057/cpt.2009.28)
- Williams, H. 2019. Gwneud lle i’r enaid yn 2020. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2023. Heb ei fai, heb ei eni: ‘Disgwrs’ a Moeseg y Wladfa (Those without fault are yet to be born: the ‘Discourse’ and Ethics of Welsh Patagonia). Gwerddon (36), pp.49-66. (10.61257/KLNP4889)
- Williams, H. 2012. Oisín Tansey, Regime-building: democratization and international administration [Book Review]. Intelligence and National Security 27 (6), pp.915-916. (10.1080/02684527.2012.708219)
- Williams, H. 2019. Socrates ar y Stryd : Rory Stewart, sadrwydd a rhesymoldeb. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 9
- Williams, H. 2021. Socrates ar y Stryd: Ansicrwydd. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 15.
- Williams, H. 2020. Socrates ar y stryd: cofleidio hanes. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (13)
- Williams, H. 2022. Socrates ar y stryd: criced a phel-droed. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (20)
- Williams, H. 2023. Socrates ar y stryd: 'crynwch, chwi ormeswyr y byd'. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (21)
- Williams, H. 2024. Socrates ar y stryd: dicter. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (25)
- Williams, H. 2022. Socrates ar y stryd: iaith. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (19)
- Williams, H. 2024. Socrates ar y stryd: llafarganu penwag. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (24)
- Williams, H. 2020. Socrates ar y Stryd: marw’r hen a’r newydd na ddaw. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (12)
- Williams, H. 2021. Socrates ar y Stryd: Newid. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 16.
- Williams, H. 2021. Socrates ar y Stryd: Rhianta. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (14)
- Williams, H. 2022. Socrates ar y Stryd: Rhyfel. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (17)
- Williams, H. 2018. Socrates ar y Stryd: Stoïciaeth. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 8
- Williams, H. 2023. Socrates ar y stryd: trallod yr iaith. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (22)
- Williams, H. 2025. Socrates ar y stryd: tu hwnt i hunanoliaeth. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (26)
- Williams, H. 2025. Socrates ar y stryd: tu hwnt i oed yr addewid. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (27)
- Williams, H. 2020. Socrates ar y Stryd: Y Cof ar drothwy’r deugain. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (11)
- Williams, H. 2018. Socrates ar y stryd: y gymraeg. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 8
- Williams, H. 2019. Socrates ar y Stryd yn Michigan. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (10)
- Williams, H. 2023. Socrates ar y stryd: yr awtomaton ym myd addysg. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (23)
- Williams, H. 2020. Tawelyddiaeth: cyflwr Cymreig. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2020. The 10 crumbling commandments of Welsh Labour’s common-sense Unionism. New Socialist
- Williams, H. 2014. Welsh Keywords: Hunaniaeth. Planet Magazine - The Welsh Internationalist 213 , pp.98-106.
- Williams, H. 2012. What the life of Lord Elystan Morgan says about modern Wales [Newspaper Article]. Western Mail 2012 (8 Nov)
- Williams, H. 2020. Yr ymneilltuaeth newydd: gwywo Cymreictod. O'r Pedwar Gwynt
- Williams, H. 2021. Ysbryd Morgan: Adferiad y Meddwl Cymreig. Y Traethodydd (Gorff), pp.161-176.
- Williams, H. L. 2018. Is the time ripe for Wales to move to compulsory voting?. The Conversation 2018 (1 Feb)
- Williams, H. L. 2024. Mining the past: The case for historical narratives in global justice theorizing. Journal of International Political Theory 20 (2), pp.161-180. (10.1177/17550882231205097)
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Populism is splitting Britain but it could herald change for Wales. The Conversation 2017 (Jul 18)
- Williams, H. L. 2023. Richard Price: how one of the 18th century’s most influential thinkers was forgotten. The Conversation 2023 (10 Jun)
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Socrates ar y stryd: cyfiawnder byd-eang ar y stepen drws. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 4
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Socrates ar y stryd: ffraeo a chymodi. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (3)
- Williams, H. L. 2023. The national spirit and the moral good: Henry Jones and the case for home rule. Collingwood and British Idealism Studies 29 (1), pp.55-94.
- Williams, H. L. 2023. The politics of Richard Price. The Welsh Agenda 2023 (7 Jul)
- Williams, H. L. 2014. Wacky races: Miller, Pogge and Rawls, and conceptions of development in the global justice debate. Journal of International Political Theory 10 (2), pp.206-228. (10.1177/1755088214526020)
- Williams, H. L. 2020. Y Llwybr tuag at Heddwch Parhaol: John Rawls a’r Athrawiaeth Rhyfel Cyfiawn [The Path to Universal Peace: John Rawls and the Just War Doctrine]. Gwerddon 31 , pp.7-30.
- Williams, H. L. 2015. Corbyn for Cymru. Planet Magazine 2015 (219) 01.11.15.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Rhagair y golygydd gwadd (guest editor's preface). Gwerddon (21), pp.5-9.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Socrates ar y Stryd. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 1
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Socrates ar y Stryd: Annibyniaeth ysbryd a'r gwacter ystyr. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 5
- Williams, H. L. 2018. Socrates ar y stryd: Gormes. O'r Pedwar Gwynt 6
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Socrates ar y Stryd: JR Jones a Fflamau Casineb. O'r Pedwar Gwynt (2)
Book sections
- Evans, N. , Pemberton, E. and Williams, H. 2024. ‘The first condition of freedom’: A century of anti-racist resistance in Cardiff. In: Evans, N. and Williams, C. eds. Globalising Welsh Studies: Decolonising history, heritage, society and culture. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. , pp.247-265.
- Williams, H. 2025. JR Jones and Wittgenstein: Resisting the demise of the Welsh-language ‘neighbourhood’. In: Sandry, A. ed. Wittgenstein in Swansea: Philosophy and Legacy. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. , pp.85-110.
- Williams, H. 2020. Kant, Rawls a Gobaith mewn Gwleidyddiaeth Ryngwladol [Kant, Rawls and Hope in International Relations]. In: Matthews, E. ed. Rheswm a Rhyddid. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 8.Talybont: Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. 2024. Rhagair. In: Evans-Jones, G. and Rees, D. H. eds. Hunan a Chenedl: Cyfrol Gyfarch E. Gwynn Matthews. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Talybont: Y Lolfa. , pp.7-17.
- Williams, H. 2013. Rhyfel Cyfiawn ac Athroniaeth John Rawls. In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Cenedligrwydd, Cyfiawnder a Heddwch - Ysgrifau Ar Athroniaeth Wleidyddol. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Aberystwyth: Y Lolfa. , pp.35-56.
- Williams, H. 2021. The law of peoples. In: Leading Works in Law and Social Justice. Routledge(10.4324/9780429287572-6)
- Williams, H. 2017. Y gwleidyddol a’r metaffisegol: pobl ac ysbryd yn athroniaeth J R Jones. In: Matthews, E. ed. Argyfwng Hunaniaeth a Chred: Ysgrifauar Athroniaeth J. R. Jones. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 6.Talybont: Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. L. 2019. 'A Oes Dyfodol? Trafod Sosialaeth Gymreig o Safbwynt Hanesyddol' [Is there a future? Discussing Welsh Socialism from a Historical Perspective]. In: Matthews, E. ed. Llenydda, Gwleidydda a Pherfformio. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 7.Talybont: Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. L. 2023. Augustine, realism, and their revealed truth. In: Williams, H. et al., The Palgrave Handbook of International Political Theory Vol 1.. International Political Theory Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. , pp.89-107. (10.1007/978-3-031-36111-1_5)
- Williams, H. L. 2022. Reflections from Perfidious Albion: the pandemic as prism. In: Mossleh, P. ed. Corona Phenomenon: Philosophical and Political Questions. Leiden: Brill Publications. , pp.182-197. (10.1163/9789004512924_022)
- Williams, H. L. 2016. John Rawls (1921-2002). In: Lebow, N. , Schouten, P. and Suganami, H. eds. The Return of the Theorists: Dialogues with Great Thinkers in International Relations. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan. , pp.293-301.
- Williams, H. L. 2015. Law yn Llaw: Athroniaeth a'r Gymraeg? (Hand in Hand: Philosophy and Welsh). In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Astudiaethau Athronyddol 4 (Philosophical Studies 4). Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. L. 2014. Pelagius a'r Syniad o Hunanwellhad (Pelagius and the idea of self-improvement). In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Astudiaethau Athronyddol 3 (Philosophical Studies 3). Y Lolfa
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Segurdod yw clod y cledd - David Davies a’r helfa am heddwch wedi’r Rhyfel Mawr (David Davies and the hunt for peace following the Great War). In: Matthews, G. ed. Creithiau. The Welsh Mind and Imagination Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru
- Williams, H. L. 2013. The law of peoples. In: Mandle, J. and Reidy, D. A. eds. A Companion to Rawls. Blackwell Companions to Philosophy Wiley-Blackwell. , pp.327-345.
- Williams, H. L. and Gealy, W. 2014. Swyddogaeth Athroniaeth [The task of philosophy]. In: Matthews, E. G. ed. Y Drwg, Y Da a'r Duwiol. Astudiaethau Athronyddol Vol. 3.Tal-y-bont: Y Lolfa. , pp.85-95.
Books
- Williams, H. 2020. Ysbryd Morgan: Adferiad y Meddwl Cymreig. University of Wales Press.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Credoau'r Cymry: Ymddiddanion Dychmygol ac Adlewyrchiadau Athronyddol (Welsh credos: imaginary conversations and philosophical reflections). Caerdydd: Gwasg Prifysgol Cymru.
- Williams, H. L. 2011. On Rawls, development and global justice: The freedom of peoples. International Political Theory Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
- Williams, H. L. and Death, C. 2017. Global justice: the basics. Routledge.
Monographs
- Williams, H. 2025. Valleys Cymunedoli Cymoedd: A Valleys' story. Project Report.[Online].Ambobdim Cymru. Available at: https://www.ambobdim.cymru/en/profile-content/valleys-cymunedoli-cymoedd-a-valleys-story/.
Websites
- Williams, H. 2017. Britain’s growing neo-fascism won’t die with UKIP. [Online].Nation.Cymru: Nation.Cymru. Available at: https://nation.cymru/opinion/britains-growing-neo-fascism-wont-die-with-ukip/.
- Williams, H. 2025. Iaith Pawb?. [Online].Nation Cymru: Nation Cymru. Available at: https://nation.cymru/feature/iaith-pawb/.
- Williams, H. 2022. Losing my religion?. [Online].New Socialist: New Socialist. Available at: https://newsocialist.org.uk/transmissions/losing-my-religion/.
- Williams, H. 2022. Robert Owen on his 250th birthday: a very modern socialist. [Online].Undod - Radical Independence for Wales: undod.cymru. Available at: https://undod.cymru/en/2021/05/14/robert-owen-ar-ei-benblwydd-yn-250-sosialydd-modern-iawn/.
- Williams, H. 2019. The democracy killers. [Online].Undod - Radical Independence for Wales: undod.cymru. Available at: https://undod.cymru/en/2019/12/03/llofruddio-llywodraethu-democrataidd/.
- Williams, H. 2018. Welsh politics has normalized UKIP’s chauvinist, brutish Britishness. [Online].Nation.Cymru: Nation.Cymru. Available at: https://nation.cymru/opinion/welsh-politics-has-normalized-ukips-chauvinist-brutish-britishness/.
- Williams, H. 2025. Welsh universities are ailing. [Online].unherd.com: UnHerd. Available at: https://unherd.com/2025/08/can-reform-win-wales/.
- Williams, H. 2020. Who owns the history and who benefits? Interview with Keith Murrell. [Online].Undod - Radical Independence for Wales: Undod Cymru. Available at: https://undod.cymru/en/2020/06/17/keith-murrell/.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Arresting UKIPia. [Online].Planet Extra. Available at: https://www.planetmagazine.org.uk/planet_extra/arresting-ukipia.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. Dance with the Devil. [Online].Planet Extra. Available at: https://www.planetmagazine.org.uk/planet_extra/dance-with-the-devil.
- Williams, H. L. 2016. For shame Cymru Fach, for shame. [Online].Planet Extra. Available at: https://www.planetmagazine.org.uk/planet_extra/for-shame-cymru-fach.
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Labour’s best hope of beating the Conservatives in Wales is a Plaid Cymru alliance. [Online].The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/labours-best-hope-of-beating-the-conservatives-in-wales-is-a-plaid-cymru-alliance-76901.
- Williams, H. L. 2017. Mind your language. [Online].Open Democracy. Available at: https://www.opendemocracy.net/wfd/huw-williams/mind-your-language.
- Williams, H. L. 2023. Remember Richard Price!. [Online].Aeon: Aeon Media Group. Available at: https://aeon.co/essays/remembering-the-18th-century-radical-dissenter-richard-price.
- Williams, H. L. 2017. The case for a Labour-Plaid Cymru electoral pact to prevent a Tory majority in Wales. [Online].WalesOnline. Available at: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/case-labour-plaid-cymru-electoral-13029208.
Research
My research incorporates a variety of interests connected by the unifying themes of egalitarianism and radicalism.
My first monograph, On Rawls, Development and Global Justice elaborated Rawls' institution-building approach to international assistance, offering an alternative to the discourse of democracy-building. I have since expanded my analysis of The Law of Peoples in publications on Democracy Promotion (2021), Just War (2020) and the potential for moral learning in international society (2020). Oft-maligned, and admittedly limited in some regards, Rawls' contribution to international political theory remains for me an insightful starting point for addressing the challenges of international politics.
In the context of Global Justice I have developed an interest in the presuppositions of the mainstream debate. I have published on the assumptions around development in the field (2014) and in a book on Global Justice co-authored with Carl Death (2017), we interrogate the interface between theory and practice, reflecting in part on the philosophical grounds for establishing greater global solidarity. I have recently argued for the need to historicize the debate (2023) and to engage on a more multidisciplinary basis, and am currently writing on the intersection with linguistic justice.
The interest in linguistic justice naturally flows from my position as a minoritized language speaker, and in this context I have published two Welsh-language monographs, Credoau'r Cymry (2016) and Ysbryd Morgan (2020) that bring together my research on intellectual history in Wales, focusing in particular on radical figures such as Pelagius, Richard Price, and JR Jones. These books experiment with form, deploying imaginary dialogues, and reflect my efforts to reimagine Welsh-language philosophy and the associated critical debate. I am currently working on the final part of the trilogy and bringing the associated research into the anglosphere, through writings on Henry Jones (2023), J.R. Jones (2025) and Richard Price (upcoming).
I endeavour to use this research paradigm as a basis for regular contributions to public debate in Wales. I was heavily involved in the celebrations of Richard Price's tricentenary and have been working on impact in that context. Public engagement has always been integral to my contribution as an academic, and as far back as 2012 I edited the memoirs of the former Home Office Minister, Lord Elystan Morgan (Lolfa) and more recently co-edited a volume on contemporary politics, The Welsh Way (2021) - books that along with my numerous essays on various platforms reflect my commitment to the study of, and enhancement of politics and the public sphere in Wales' fledgling democracy.
Teaching
Teaching interests
I teach on a variety of philosophy and politics modules, primarily through the medium of Welsh. Their content falls within the following areas:
- Contemporary (International) Political Philosophy
- Theories of Global Justice
- The History of Political Thought
- Philosophy and Doctrine in Wales
Biography
As an undergraduate I studied philosophy and psychology at the LSE, and received a Diploma from the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, in Central and Eastern European Studies. As a Morrell Scholar I studied political theory at the University of York Politics Graduate School. I received a Ph.D. from the International Politics department at Aberystwyth in 2009, where I then took up the post of lecturer, before moving to Cardiff in 2012 as a philosophy lecturer with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. In my role as lecturer with the Coleg it is my responsibility to expand the teaching of philosophy through the medium of Welsh across the higher education institutions in Wales.
From 2018-2024 I was inaugural Dean for the Welsh Language at Cardiff University, working as a strategic lead across all aspects of our Welsh-language activity, with responsibility for drawing up and implementing our institution-wide strategy. I am also the University's representative for the recently established Wales Peace Academy and I am part of the School's group of Philosophy researchers, and a member of Cardiff Law and Global Justice.
Beyond the University I am President of the Urdd Athronyddol (Philosopher's Guild) and was on the Board of Directors of Mudiad Meithrin for ten years, a Wales-wide charity that provides pre-school care. I was the secretary of the TAG campaign that fought successfully to establish a Welsh-medium primary school in South Cardiff, where I am Chair of Governors, and have been involved in various forms of activism at a local and national level.
Supervisions
I have supervised students across a range of subjects in Political Philosophy. Areas of particular interest are:
- Global Justice
- International Political Theory
- Intellectual History, Philosophy and Politics in Wales
- Linguistic Justice
- Philosophy and Activism
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Global Justice
- Welsh Intellectual History
