Policy Events (March 1 - March 7)
'Putinism', emojis, quantum computing, nuclear weapons policy and a book on Indian foreign policy are among the topics being discussed at think tank events next week.
Each week Policy People puts together a list of think tank events from around the globe. Below is our list for March 1 to March 7. This week there are events discussing topics ranging from the ‘Putinism’ to quantum computing and from nuclear weapons policy to China’s autonomous regions. There are some unconventional topics, such as emojis, as well as conversations that straddle often unrelated policy areas, namely defense and climate. There is also an online event for the launch for a new book, Flying Blind, which delves into India’s new brand of foreign policy.
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Online event
IMPACT AND POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE - Monday, March 1 @ 6pm India Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
The Status Quo in India’s Cities: How to break it?
India is undergoing rapid urbanization, with reports showing that three of the world’s 10 fastest-growing cities are located in Kerala alone. Yet the country faces enormous issues stemming from this transformation, including urban planning challenges, demographic divides, resource allocation and many more. Join us for an in-depth discussion with Srikanth Viswanathan and Srinivas Alavilli on how to break the status quo of India’s cities and create a new paradigm shift for the its next phase of urban development.
For more information and registration: https://www.impriindia.com/event/the-status-quo-in-indias-cities/
Zoom webinar
EAST WEST CENTER - Tuesday, March 2 @ 4pm Hawaii Standard Time (UTC-10)
On the Frontlines of Hate
Around the world, debates on security, immigration, equality and public health have become rabbit holes for the exploitation of fear and hate, contributing to a disturbing groundswell of xenophobia, racism, and scare-mongering. Neo-Nazi and white supremacy movements are on the march while instances of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and harassment against the religious “other”, were reported in 185 out of 198 countries in a recent Pew survey. Hate crimes have also been rising as competing ideologies feed off each other, resulting in what is referred to as "reciprocal radicalization" as hate goes mainstream – in liberal democracies and authoritarian systems alike – undermining social cohesion, eroding shared values, and laying the foundation for violence. Hear from global civil society leaders working to call attention to and counter hate speech; raise awareness about respect for human rights, non-discrimination, and tolerance; and interrupt violence via intervention and deradicalization.
For more information and registration: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/ewc-seminars-live-the-frontlines-hate
Webcast
WILSON CENTER - Tuesday, March 2 @ 9:30am Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
The Evolution of Putinism: Constitutional Change and Regime Stability
The initial discussion of Russia’s 2020 constitutional reform focused on the “zeroing” provision that allows President Putin to pursue two more terms in office. Yet, the far-reaching changes also lay the groundwork for Putinism 4.0. To understand these longer-term implications of constitutional reform, we asked nine experts to write essays from the perspective of national institutions, elites, governance, and state-society relations for the April 2021 issue of the journal Russian Politics. In this panel, the authors will briefly outline their arguments and then open the floor for questions.
For more information and registration: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/evolution-putinism-constitutional-change-and-regime-stability
Webinar
S. RAJARANTAM SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES - Tuesday, March 2 @ 3:30pm Singapore Time (UTC+8)
COVID-19 and the Future of Diplomacy
As restrictions kept people at home, diplomacy had to go virtual, losing much of its human touch. Yet its tasks involved new complex challenges such as public messaging – even across borders – where misinformation could mix with nationalist sentiments to create new pressures on countries. This panel will explore questions such as: How has the pandemic harmed or strengthened soft power? Who has maintained their reputations emerging from the crisis? How has the pandemic affected the practices of public diplomacy, characterised by contrasting challenges of misinformation and urgent health prerogatives? Will vaccine access and distribution become an instrument of diplomacy? How will concerns about fairness, inequalities, or competition affect the distribution and reopening? Join panelists Dr Kitti Prasirtsuk, Ms Ariel Bogle and Dr Alfred Gerstl to discuss diplomacy beyond COVID-19.
For more information and registration: https://www.rsis.edu.sg/event/cms-panel-webinar-210302/#.YDMj4cUzZJU
Webcast
CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES - Wednesday, March 3rd @ 1pm Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
Taking the Quantum Leap
As industries look to solve problems beyond the limits of classical computers, quantum has emerged as the next frontier in high-performance computing. The need for a future-ready workforce with a robust set of quantum computing skills is driving efforts to provide quantum education, programs, tools, and curricula from early education through post graduate degrees. From early “coding camps” to undergraduate and graduate programs, we must find ways to reach a diverse student population to maintain and grow our nation’s leadership in innovation and technology. Join James Andrew Lewis, Talitha Washington, Zaira Nazario, Tara Fortier to discuss what skills and education we need to build a diverse quantum workforce.
For more information and registration: https://www.csis.org/events/taking-quantum-leap
Webcast
NEW AMERICA - Wednesday, March 3rd @ 12pm Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
The Meaning of Emoji
The internet isn’t just changing the way we use language—it’s changing how we think about it. And that includes the development of visible symbols like emojis. But emojis are governed through their own complex set of rules, technical requirements, and codes, and like everything with language, the way we use them changes constantly. So, who determines what symbols are ready to become new emoji? Is it about literal representation of objects, or something more? And does that smiley face really mean what you think it does? Join leading thinkers Gretchen McCulloch and Jennifer Daniel as they imagine the future of emoji as part of Future Tense’s Predictive Text event series.
For more information and registration: https://www.newamerica.org/future-tense/events/the-meaning-of-emoji/
Online event
FOREIGN POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE - Thursday, March 4 @ 2pm Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
Exploring China's autonomous regions
China has a number of autonomous regions within its boundaries that have more local government rule and legislative rights than the other Chinese provinces. But recently, the Chinese government has begun enacting new laws that make it harder for these regions to operate independently. What is the Hong Kong National Security Law and how is it impacting U.S.-China relations? How will the United States continue to react to reports of human rights violations in Xinjiang and other territories? How will the Biden administration react to these events in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and elsewhere? Join FPRI’s Jacques deLisle and the Wilson Center’s Michael C. Davis as they discuss China’s domestic and foreign policy ambitions, how the Biden Administration will respond to these policies, and the future of U.S.-China relations.
For more information and registration: https://www.fpri.org/event/2021/exploring-chinas-autonomous-regions/
Webcast
BROOKINGS - Thursday, March 4 @ 3pm Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
Strategic nuclear modernization in the United States
As with prior administrations, the Biden administration is preparing to undertake a major review of the U.S. strategic nuclear modernization program. Though the U.S. arsenal has decreased in accordance with the New START treaty, new delivery systems are still being developed. Supporters of the current program argue that implementation is critical for the United States’ ability to deter adversaries and reassure allies. Opponents argue that the current program is well in excess of deterrence requirements and is not affordable over the long term. During the review period, Congress will examine the current program as well as requested funding for these systems. On Thursday, March 4, the Foreign Policy program at Brookings will host a panel to discuss how the Biden administration will – and should – approach negotiations regarding the future of the strategic modernization program.
For more information and registration: https://www.brookings.edu/events/strategic-nuclear-modernization-in-the-united-states/
ASIA SOCIETY POLICY INSTITUTE - Thursday, March 4 @ 7:30pm Central Standard Time (UTC-6)
A Transformed Post-Pandemic World: Conversation With CNN's Fareed Zakaria
For over a year, COVID-19 has disrupted life around the world — closing borders between nations, shutting down businesses and schools, and profoundly altering work and social routines. Yet amid all this, renowned journalist Fareed Zakaria sees transformational possibilities in a post-pandemic world and the political, social, technological, and economic consequences that may take years to unfold. In his book Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World, Zakaria helps his audience to begin thinking beyond the immediate effects of COVID-19. Framed in the form of 10 "lessons" which cover topics from natural and biological risks to the rise of "digital life" to an emerging bipolar world order, Zakaria speaks to past, present, and future in a thoughtful reflection on life in the 21st century. Join Asia Society Texas Center for a conversation with Fareed Zakaria on how the pandemic is speeding up history, a glimpse into the world already in the making, and how our choices today can affect the future.
For more information and registration: https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/transformed-post-pandemic-world-conversation-cnns-fareed-zakaria
Webinar
CLINGENDAEL INSTITUTE - Thursday, March 4 @ 3pm Central European Time (UTC+1)
Adapt to defend: The security dimension of climate change
The security dimension of climate change is increasingly recognized by the Defence sector. Whereas climate change initially was considered just as a new risk factor, attention has shifted to how the increase of extreme weather events impacts todays’ military capabilities, how defence organisations and institutions can adapt and mitigate, and to how the military can contribute to environmental peacebuilding efforts. Another area of attention is how military research and innovation could better align with energy transition objectives, and become a test-bed and accelerator of new technologies and how new tech can be harnessed to reduce the climate impact of defence organisations. This webinar discusses how the military can contribute more to reducing security risks related to climate change with an excellent panel of speakers. When a post-Corona virus world emerges, the military needs to be prepared to confront this challenge head-on.
For more information and registration: https://www.clingendael.org/event/adapt-defend-security-dimension-climate-change
Online event
THE TAKSHASHILA INSTITUTION - Friday, March 5 @ 5:30pm India Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
Flying Blind: India’s Quest for Global Leadership
Mohamed Zeeshan’s new book ‘Flying Blind: India’s Quest for Global Leadership’, deals with the key strategic questions facing Indian foreign policy in this new multipolar era – including opportunities and threats. It also critically examines the traditional practice of foreign policy in India over the past many decades. Finally, it identifies India’s unexplored niche in global governance in the context of the world’s biggest international security challenge.
For more information and registration: https://takshashila.org.in/event/booklounge-flying-blind-indias-quest-for-global-leadership/
That’s all for now. Don’t forget to check in next week for more updates.
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Stay well and stay safe,
- Liam
Founder of Policy People