South Asia’s transition from colonialism to independence in 1947 was undoubtedly one of the most momentous events of the twentieth century. Not surprisingly perhaps, its early postcolonial years have come to exercise a great pull for a range of scholars, who explore this key period, on the one hand, to ask questions about colonial-era legacies or continuities, and, on the other, to identify developments that help to explain what is happening there in the twenty-first century.

The condition of rising powers’ simultaneous reproduction of, and resistance to, dominant modes of global leadership in world politics poses a puzzle. Scholarly work both anticipates that the imperatives of socialisation will be central to the ultimate recognition of rising powers as great powers and expects future ‘non-Western’ great powers to enact global leadership distinctively. Yet if rising powers are socialised into a hegemonic great power identity, what remains unique in their visions of greatness after they have secured recognition?

How has Western social science scholarship of contemporary China (1949‒) evolved over the past 7+ decades? In this special China Centre lecture, Professor David Shambaugh will reflect on the evolution and state of the field throughout the People’s Republic of China. During the 1950s‒1960s, when they could not go to mainland China, Western scholars had to watch China from the periphery or afar.

The Centre Will Hold: Liberal Democracy and the Populist Threat, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, T.D., Prime Minister of Ireland.

Micheál Martin was appointed Ireland’s Taoiseach in June 2020, leading a three-party coalition government.

He has served as leader of the Fianna Fáil party since January 2011.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/W9zdX6sFqN

The Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development at Somerville is pleased to present a screening and panel discussion of Rebellion, the 2021 documentary telling the inside story of Extinction Rebellion from its grassroots origins to international impact.

Principal’s Conversations, presented with the PPE Society

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/HdK4Lu3wF3

The ready-made garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh is a mainstay of the economy, a strong driver of economic growth and a major contributor to GDP and export earnings. The industry accounts for 82% of exports by value and 12-15% of GDP. In 2021-22 it generated USD42.6 billion to the economy and employed around 4 million people, of whom 60% are women. As such, it provides financial independence to young women of modest education – a rarity in low- and middle-income countries.

Civic associations are often expected to foster civic, pro-social behavior, but this optimistic view is increasingly contested. The political context is crucial for understanding the effects of associations. We argue that populist radical right parties can strategically target and infiltrate civic associations in order to diffuse their anti-establishment rhetoric, spreading anti-democratic attitudes and norms.