As the world faces unprecedented challenges caused by financial and ecological crises, social movements have been advancing alternatives to the programs and policies of elites. Nevertheless, they remain plagued by persistent challenges to building global solidarity. This conference looks at emerging alternatives to the capitalist world-system and considers their strengths and limitations, uncovering the factors affecting their prospects for realization.

The public is invited to attend a presentation by authors of the book Going to Tehran: Why the United States Must Come to Terms with the Islamic Republic of Iran, by Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett. Certainly a timely topic with negotiations taking place in Vienna. The authors challenge the saber rattling by many and present the Islamic Republic as a rational actor on the international stage, and that continued efforts to isolate Iran will negatively impact America’s superpower status.

Public reading, Q&A and book signing.
Free and Open to the public

On April 4-6, 2014, the University of Pittsburgh will host the second of two
conferences that constitute the Voices of Asian Modernities Project (VAMP), a
consortium between the University of Pittsburgh, Leiden University, and the Royal
Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV). The aim of
the conference is to properly historicize the artistic sounds, lyrical texts, visual
images, and social lives of female performers in Asian popular music of the 20th and
21st centuries.

Expressing her muse through ghazals and Punjabi folk songs, Kiran Ahluwalia explores the language of the heart with beautiful artistry and smoldering intensity. Born in India, raised in Canada, and now living in New York City, her enchanting and seductive music has garnered glowing praise from critics around the world. Kiran Ahluwalia is the winner of Canada’s Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year in 2004 (Beyond Boundaries) and 2012 (Common Ground). She will be accompanied by her band (guitar, bass, accordion, and tabla).

Tickets :
GENERAL ADMISSION $10
Seniors $8
Students $5

Ms. Radomski will present her scholarly research to her BPHIL faculty committee and guests.

The University Center for International Studies & the Global Studies Center will be hosting three short research presentations by Global Heinz Scholars. Come and hear three related "snapshot talks". The forty-five-minute panel will be followed by a discussion and a reception for our Heinz Fellows. Free and open to the public.

At What Cost: Drugs, Dollars, Global Health
Scholar: Nicholas Wambua Ngumbi (School of Law)
How does drug pricing affect health in developing countries? What legal steps could be taken to make drugs cheaper, available, and linked to better health outcomes?

Event Includes: Post-screening Q&A with Director Lisa Fruchtman and Closing Night Reception provided by Dave & Andy's Homemade Ice Cream

"Because of our history, people know how to fight against, but not for. We want to change that equation." —Kiki Katese, Sweet Dreams

Event Includes: Event Includes: A discussion with Kathleen Newman, an Associate Professor of English at CMU, and with Paul Eiss, an Associate Professor of Anthropology and History at CMU + Reception

"It's not the 'me,' but the 'we,' that keeps democracy alive." —The New York Times

Trapped, Directed by Parviz Shahbazi

Event Includes: Post-screening Q&A with Director Parviz Shahbazi and a reception provided by Conflict Kitchen.

"Trapped creates the mood it intends, striking a skillfully crafted balance between humour and gravitas." —Zouch Magazine

Women's Day, Dzien Kobiet, Directed by Maria Sadowska

Event Includes: A discussion moderated by Piotr Adamowicz, a famed Polish writer and journalist.

"We will only concentrate on the character of a lost woman, with a newly awakened fighting spirit. And it is through her eyes that we will perceive this brutal and, at times, beautiful world." —Director Maria Sadowska