NY to host “Armenians and Progressive Politics” conference in fall

PanARMENIAN.Net - The “Armenians and Progressive Politics” conference will return to New York City this fall, according to the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Central Committee – Eastern Region.

The Armenian Weekly reports that the fourth in a series of lectures and discussions that examine Armenian issues from a left perspective, the conference will be held on Sept. 28 and 29 at Columbia University.

This year’s meeting, entitled “Armenia at 21,” will evaluate the first 21 years of Armenian independence. A Friday night plenary session will consider the Occupy and Arab Spring movements and their relevance for Armenia.

Panel discussions on Sept. 29 will include the 21-year trajectory of Armenia’s statehood, economy, and society; rule of law, corruption, and elections; development of civil society; Armenian-Turkish relations; foreign policy; and natural resources policy.

Speakers for this year’s gathering, co-sponsored by the Armenian Society of Columbia University and the ARF Western Region, will be announced shortly. Past conferences have featured Noam Chomsky, Robert Fisk, and Tariq Ali.

“The Armenians and Progressive Politics” conference is not simply an academic forum,” said Dikran Kaligian, chairman of the organizing committee. “Our goal is to bring together like-minded activists, intellectuals, and community members to foster critical engagement with Armenian issues and society.”

The conference will travel to Los Angeles on Oct. 6 and 7. Details about both the East and West Coast sessions will follow.