American University in Cairo
New Cairo Campus
The Sullivan Lounge
Thurs 20, 1-2pm: "Confronting the Perfect Storm of U.S. Political Polarization" a timely talk by Daniel Brumberg, Scholar of Middle East Politics, exploring the converging social, economic, cultural, social-psychological and institutional forces that have created a “perfect storm” of political polarization in the US.
Intensified by political leaders, this storm threatens the very institutions and rules of pluralist democracy. Beyond outlining a comparative framework for understanding this dynamic, Professor Brumberg will discuss the efforts of grassroots organizations in the US to confront polarization.
History Department Conference Room, 2144
Thurs 20, 1-2pm: "Americans, Iranians and the Question of Dialogue Prior to 1979", a talk by Matthew Shannon, Associate Professor of History at Emory and Henry University. Dive into the complex dynamics of U.S.-Iran relations before the Iranian Revolution and discover how cross-cultural exchanges shaped the politics and perceptions of the era.
Italian Cultural Institute
3 El-Sheikh El Marsafy St, Zamalek, Tel 02 2735 5423/2735 8791
Thurs 20, 6pm: "Language and Heritage in Islamic Civilization:
Divine Words and the Spiritual Ascension" lecture by Prof. Federico Salvaggio, who holds a PhD in Arabic Linguistics from the University of Genoa and is currently a researcher in Arabic Linguistics on "Al-Mi’raj Al-Ruhani (The Spiritual Ascension)" art exhibition by artist Antonella Leoni.
Leoni is a well-known Italian artist resident in Cairo. Her artistic approach combines ancient techniques with a mystical connotation that makes her works known for her imagination and contemplation of the Divine. Verses from the Holy Qur’an, Hadith and old poems inspire her feelings and imagination, as well as the ancient pattern marbling motifs, which create unique effects, like a DNA impossible to replicate. In Leoni's works, figures and letters emerge from the papyrus coming out of the water, and recognized by the artist, to create an intense, colorful, and powerful universe, fantastic and at the same time rooted in history.
On occasion of the opening of her exhibition, Leoni will share with the audience her artistic and personal experience in her journey through the treasures of Arabic and Egyptian culture. While Salvaggio will analyze the deepest connections of her works with the Arabic heritage, in the light of a wider reflection on the symbolic and spiritual values of language, art and creativity processes in Islamic culture. (lecture is in English and open to the public within the limits of possible places).
Tahrir Cultural Centre (TCC)
AUC’s Tahrir Campus, Al-Sheikh Rihan St, off Tahrir Square, Tel 02 2615 2694/01280009077
Oriental Hall
Thurs 20, 6pm - 7.30pm: Germany will elect on 23 February 2025 a new Chancellor and a new Parliament after the ruling coalition collapsed at the end of 2024. "German Elections 2025: What Is It About and Why Is It Important?" panel will examine how political disillusionment, changing party landscapes, and the interplay of economics and identity politics shape Germany and Europe's democratic future. Panelists: Amr Hamzawy, Director and Senior Fellow, Middle East Programme, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ronja Schiffer, representative of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Egypt, moderated by Noha El-Mikawy, Dean of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP).
* A version of this article appears in print in the 20 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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