Many small-scale societies, including mobile hunter-gatherers, are commonly referred to as “egalitarian,” meaning that equality of political influence is valued and enforced by societal norms. The term “egalitarian” is misleading, however, because in general the egalitarian principle applies only to married men. Married men tend to dominate both bachelors and women, partly by controlling coercive institutions such as law and religion, and ultimately by their monopolizing the legitimate use of execution to punish norm violators.

This, the eighteenth annual OxPeace Day- Conference, takes place in the 80th year since the inaugural meeting of the UN General Assembly. That meeting, held in the Methodist Centrall Hall in post-war London in January-February 1946, designed how the UN would operate to carry out its Charter, to establish peace and prevent further wars. We look back on considerable success as well as shortcomings, and we ask: where are we and the world, in this present moment marked by challenge and crisis? What should we aim for, and what resources can we call upon?

We look forward to welcoming Dr Tom F. Wright to the English Faculty to talk on 'The Politics of Oracy and the Post-Literacy Panic' in this News UK lecture. The event will take place in Seminar Room - 00.063 at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities on 11 March at 5pm.

All welcome. Tickets are free, but registration is required.

Abstract

The Trump administration’s actions and rhetoric toward Venezuela, Cuba, Greenland, and the proclamation of the so-called 'Donroe Doctrine' in recent months have cast doubt over long- standing assumptions about the geopolitics of the Western Hemisphere. In this event, a panel of experts will examine the past, present, and possible futures of power, alliances, and democratic governance across the region. What has US power in the Western Hemisphere meant historically? What does it mean today? Where might it be heading next?

Panellists include:

Is there an alternative to the failed orthodoxies of neoliberalism or the chaos of economic populism? Yes, according to Oxford economist Professor Eric Beinhocker and technology entrepreneur and civic activist Nick Hanauer. A new paradigm is emerging that they call ‘Market Humanism” which has the potential to reshape our economy and our politics.

This year's guest lecturer is Fania Oz Salzberger, Professor of History (University of Haifa), widely respected public intellectual and peace activist. All attendees are invited to join a drinks reception following the talk.