The first Friday Event for the spring semester of 2022 was held by SIPA on Friday, March 11th. Prof Wang Wenqi is invited to deliver a talk on the topic of “Contemporary Issues of Nationalism: Colonial Legacies, Ethnic Conflicts and International Relations”. Dr Yan Zhen is the discussant and the coordinator.
Prof Wang Wenqi is a senior researcher on nationalism and international history for over a decade in Jilin University. He connects theory and reality when he approaches the relevance of nationalism in contemporary world and argues the very nature of nationalism as of being the source of nation building, self-determination as well as chaos and conflicts. Adopting a historical perspective, he explains the origin and development of such thought in a clear and understandable fashion that appeals to the vast audience of international students. The talk has created substantial resonance from the students that the exchange during Q&A lasts for more than an hour. The debate and discussion are intensively concentrated on the spread of modern nationalism from Europe to Africa and Asia, China’s experience in minority governance, nationalism in narrow and broad terms, etc. Both Prof Wang and Dr Yan responded with patience and professionalism.
The event lasts from 6:00-8:00 pm, which was attended by more than 32 students, at the end of which they expressed their thanks to SIPA for the event and the wonderful topic and their special thanks to Prof. Wang Wenqi to free up his important time, give lectures and answer questions with open arms.
