Global Affairs Talks in NYC

By Alison Durkee

From increased globalization to accelerating technology to the conflicts in the Middle East, it’s both a daunting and interesting time to be a citizen of the world. Learn more about foreign governments, issues, and America’s place within it all with these upcoming global affairs talks and events in New York City.

One of the biggest issues facing the world today is the global refugee crisis. Tragic stories and the border spaces in which they take place will serve as the focus of the October 6 event Borders and the Politics of Mourning at The New School. For a look at those refugees throughout the ages who have made their way to New York City, join a panel of distinguished guests at the Tenement Museum for a conversation on Refugees in NYC on September 28. To take an even broader look at how these themes of migration fit into our globalized world and how to educate tomorrow’s leaders about this global society, celebrate the launch of the Center for Global Education at Asia Society with a panel discussion on September 22.

Image: Tammam Azzam

For a more specific focus on one marginalized group of Syrian women refugees, head to the Onassis Cultural Center on October 15 for a screening of the documentary We Are Not Princesses, which chronicles a group of female Syrian refugees as they participate in an 8-week drama workshop, and how rehearsing and performing Sophocles’ Antigone allows these marginalized voices to speak their truth and transcend their circumstances. Another look at these marginalized female voices will be provided through a discussion with Mona Eltahawy, a public speaker on Arab and Muslim issues and global feminism, at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on October 5. Other events this fall will focus on the plights of a different group—international journalists—with events exploring foreign journalists in China and the restrictions they face (September 22) and American journalist Theo Padnos (September 27), who was kidnapped in Syria by al-Qaeda in 2012.

To better understand global conflicts, learn more about other governments and cultures. India’s democracy and culture in the face of major economic, social, and political change will serve as the focus of The End of Karma: Somini Sengupta in Conversation with John Torpey, a conversation taking place at the CUNY Graduate Center on October 6. On September 28, the focus at Book Culture will be on the Middle East with Hamind Dabashi on “Iran Without Borders,” a conversation based on Dabashi’s book, which explores the evolution of that nation’s culture and the forces that shaped contemporary Iran. To get a better sense of a more global trend, join author John B. Judis at Book Culture on Columbus for an October 5 discussion on The Populist Explosion, which will explore the current global rise of populism that’s reflected in everything from Brexit to the rise of Donald Trump.

For those seeking something a bit closer to home, several events this fall will explore America’s function in the world and adaptation to our global issues. Charlie Rose will interview Justice Stephen Breyer, who will discuss today’s most urgent legal issues, including the role of the Supreme Court to consider and understand international issues; October 5 at the 92nd Street Y. On September 26, another government heavyweight, CIA Director John Brennan, will take the stage at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to explain the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the challenges that still lie ahead. For a more sobering look at how today’s world affects our own freedoms, human rights lawyer Anthony Lester will discuss How Our Freedom Is Under Threat at the Open Society Foundations–New York on September 26, and how we should be fighting today to ensure the survival of America’s founding principles. Those who enjoy television that reflects today’s global society are also in luck, as a discussion with the creators of Homeland on October 5 will explore the challenges of making television that reflects a post-9/11 world and anticipates our current global challenges.

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