Karachi (Newsman): Stanford University professor and renowned author Dr. Thomas Hansen proudly delivered the ninth annual Yohsin Lecture at Habib University. His talk was titled “The Angry Tide: Reflections on Fascism, Resentment and Authoritarian Dreams.”
Renowned South Asian researcher Dr. Hansen delved into critical contemporary topics, including the emergence of right-wing movements, populist politicians, and the global return of fascism in new forms.
Scholars worldwide have observed a backlash against the consequences of diversity, liberal democracy, and globalization. This has led to an authoritarian response and societal animosity.
The topic of what fascism is now has been sparked by the reelection of Donald Trump in the United States, the ascent of Marine Le Pen in France, and Victor Orban in Hungary.
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At Habib University, Dr. Hansen’s discussion examined the historical foundations and modern expressions of authoritarianism and fascism. It also drew comparisons and contrasts between early 20th-century movements and current political situations.
Dr. Hansen is an anthropologist who studies South Asian and Southern African politics, violence, and ethno-religious identities. Political theory, continental philosophy, psychoanalysis, comparative religion, and modern urbanization are a few of his theoretical and disciplinary interests.
He conducted fieldwork in India during the tumultuous years in the beginning of the 1990s when conflicts between Hindu militants and Muslims shaped national agendas, and frequent violent clashes erupted.
Wages of Violence: Naming and Identity in Postcolonial Bombay, The Saffron Wave: Democracy and Hindu Nationalism in Modern India, and The Law of Force: The Violent Heart of Indian Politics are among his well-known publications.
The Yohsin Lecture series, Habib University’s premier public lecture series, is based on the university’s motto, yohsin, which is taken from the Arabic word for “Ihsan” in Islam.
It provides Pakistan with top international researchers whose work has a broad influence and exemplifies brilliance in their discipline, providing a distinguished forum for deliberate intellectual debate.
In past lectures, prominent intellectuals including Dr. Azra Raza, Ashis Nandy, and Noam Chomsky have shared their insights and illuminated important discussions.
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Habib University’s dedication to promoting critical conversation and offering students, professors, and the general public an intellectually stimulating experience that is globally engaged is exemplified by the lecture series.
Regardless of socioeconomic background, Habib University, a renowned liberal arts and sciences university in Karachi, Pakistan, is committed to giving students top-notch education.
Through a student-centered undergraduate program and a contextualized curriculum, the university hopes to develop a new generation of leaders dedicated to improving society, critically aware, and mindfully involved.