Events

My presentation will offer a historical perspective on secularism in South Asia through a discussion of a history of religious reform movements from the early twentieth century through the end of colonial India, as a way of historicizing the creation of a constitutional secular state in India in the mid-twentieth century. Though Indian history will comprise the base of the presentation, it will address the issue of religious freedom in contemporary South Asia, drawing on cases from India and Bangladesh primarily. I will mention a few thematic issues that inform the South Asian region as a whole, such as the role of religion in constitutions of South Asian states and the different ways minorities have been legally categorized by the state, as these developments draw on a shared history of colonialism in South Asia.
To register click here

On the eve of the German Federal Elections, our panel of experts will explore the issues concerning German voters, the legacy of outgoing Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and the potential impacts of this election on transatlantic relations and the European Union. Panelists: Jae-Jae Spoon, University of Pittsburgh; Marcel Lewandowsky, University of Florida; Kai Arzheimer, University of Mainz; and Jana Puglierin, European Council on Foreign Relations. Moderator: Steve Sokol, American Council on Germany.
Audience participation will be encouraged.
Panelists will be joining remotely.

The relationship between the Soviet Union and revolutionary Cuba was a flash point in the Cold War. Soviet aid played a critical role in Cuba—but not without controversy. The Cuban Revolution was born out of a drive to rid itself of imperialist intervention and foreign control. So how did Cuba reconcile the need for Soviet support with efforts to avoid dependency? Soviet-Cuban scientific exchanges were one key area where this tension played out. These not only shuttled Cuban and Soviet experts 9,500 kilometers between Havana and Moscow, it also opened the island’s resources for Soviet pursuit. This live interview with Clare Ibarra will discuss Soviet-Cuban scientific exchanges, and how, despite unity in ideology, both nations were constantly at odds over what “good socialist development” should look like.
Register via Zoom: https://pitt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OFCt_tCoQJq-uPh3aQbKvg

It's time to connect! Drop by for snacks and interesting conversation. Meet fellow students from either the global health or global studies certificates. Exchange ideas and learn about opportunities! We'll have students representing several relevant clubs, too!

This talk presents the multifaceted story of China’s soft power campaigns in Africa, with a special focus on Ethiopia—one of China’s closest economic and political partners on the continent. Countering the claims of China’s authoritarian export, the analysis of China’s engagement with Ethiopian elites, youth and media audiences, showcases what I describe as a “fragmented spectacle” — a grand, but disjointed display of China’s prowess. In particular, China’s soft power appeal is rooted in generosity of scale or the large-scale access to its initiatives. And yet, when it comes to building relationships, it produces fragmented or contested Sino-African solidarities. I specifically highlight how performative, material and discursive solidarity works and the tensions that override these different Sino-African encounters. This talk, which draws on a larger book project, demonstrates that the idea of a moral competition is largely a product of the US insecurity about losing out to China, in what many US officials see as the last frontier, rather than an accurate depiction of Chinese activities in Africa.
To registerclick here

In 1982, a Chinese American named Vincent Chin was murdered in Detroit by two white autoworkers at the height of anti-Japanese sentiments arising from massive layoffs in the auto industry. They were given a $3000 fine and 3 years probation for the murder, but no time in prison. Outraged by this injustice, Asian Americans across the nation united to form a pan-Asian identity and civil rights movement. The film Vincent Who? explores this legacy within the larger narrative of Asian American History.
In partnership with the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans, we will be screening the film followed by a discussion with the producer Curtis Chin. The hybrid event will be held on the Pitt campus on Monday September 27 at 7:00 pm EDT with the option for joining us online as well. To register click here

Preparing Competitive Graduate School Applications Panel
28th, 6pm-7pm, Virtual Format
Pitt graduate program experts and current graduate students from the School of Public Health, GSPIA, Economics, History, and Asian Studies share expertise in researching graduate programs and crafting strong applications. Learn tips on writing effective personal statements, securing letter writers, and submitting desired credentials. Ask individual questions at the breakout session.
Dr. Kevin Broom, Director of MHA and MHA/MBA Programs, Vice Chair, Associate Professor, Pitt Public Health
Dr. Daniele Coen-Pirani, Director of Graduate Studies, Professor of Economics
Dr.Michel Gobat , Director of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor of History
Ms. Kelly McDevitt, Admissions and Enrollment, GSPIA
Dr. Emily Rook-Koepsel, Asst. Director for Academic Affairs, UCIS Asian Studies Center
Accompanying Graduate Students
To Register:https://pitt.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEuc-qsrj8uG9ZHyZhsVWeV6YftmvOBHyxC
Sponsored by: Asian Studies Center, Center for African Studies, Center for Latin American Studies, Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies, European Studies Center, and Global Studies Center

Valdis Dombrovskis is the Executive Vice President of the European Commission for An Economy that Works for People and European Commissioner for Trade. This discussion will grapple with the influence on technology on trade, the relationship of Europe and North American Nations, and the future of trade within Europe. This illuminating conversation will explore the important work that Dombrovskis does and his role as Executive Vice President of the European Commission for An Economy that Works for People. What does that economy look like? How does trade fit into that vision?
#JMintheUS

The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh has celebrated Latin American and Caribbean cultures with a full-day festival on our Oakland campus since 1979. The Festival will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 7:00-10:00 P.M. in the William Pitt Union at the University of Pittsburgh.
The event features performances, food, arts, crafts, and information tables from Latin America and the Caribbean. Admission is free!
In order to abide by Pitt guidelines and good practice, we will hold a discrete celebration open only to students, faculty, and staff. However, we are hopeful that by Fall 2022 we can return to the wide-open community celebration we have grown accustomed to. Thank you once again for your support and patience as we sort through the challenges this pandemic imposes upon all of us.
For more information, email clasfestival@pitt.edu.