Upcoming Events

In this lecture, political theorist Alyssa Battistoni, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, draws from her newly released book, "Free Gifts: Capitalism and the Politics of Nature," which posits a new theory for understanding contemporary ecological breakdown and the core dynamics of capital accumulation behind it. Battistoni has research interests in environmental and climate politics, feminism, Marxist thought, political economy, and the history of political thought.

The rise of powerful tech entities and the rapid advancement of digital technologies are giving way to new forms of control, raising concerns about tech authoritarianism and its impact on democratic processes and communities. This panel will bring together experts to delve into the manifestations of tech authoritarianism, with a particular focus on its emergence and implications within California. The panel will include Elijah Baucom, Finn Brunton, and Lee Crandall, with James Holston moderating.

Borders reflect the many social, historical, and political forces that shape global movement and identity. While borders often suggest fixed lines of division, the experiences within and around them increasingly influence national and global understandings of belonging, sovereignty, and human rights. This panel brings together a group of UC Berkeley graduate students from the fields of history, sociology, and ethnic studies for a discussion on borders and their impact, particularly through the lens of migration, mobility, and resistance across the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Please join us on October 15 from 12-1:30pm for an Authors Meet Critics panel on the book Engendering Blackness: Slavery and the Ontology of Sexual Violence, by Patrice Douglass, Assistant Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies at UC Berkeley. Professor Douglass will be joined in conversation by Salar Mameni, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and Henry Washington, Jr., Assistant Professor of African American Studies at UC Berkeley. Courtney Desiree Morris, Associate Professor of Gender and Womens Studies at UC Berkeley, will moderate. 

Drawing on diverse academic perspectives, this panel discussion will explore the nature of conspiracy theories, their societal implications, and how they are understood and addressed. The panel will feature Michael M Cohen, Associate Professor of American Studies and African American Studies at UC Berkeley, and Tim Tangherlini, Professor in the Department of Scandanavian and the School of Information at UC Berkeley. Lakshmi Sarah, journalist and lecturer at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, will moderate.

Physical spaces profoundly influence community well-being. Understanding this relationship is crucial for leveraging planning and policy to foster equitable outcomes. This panel brings together experts to explore how thoughtful planning and strategic policy can shift power toward communities, creating conditions where all can thrive. This discussion will bridge diverse perspectives on environmental conservation, design psychology, and disability studies to illuminate steps toward more just and inclusive environments. 

The technical world of insurance is a critical lens through which to understand the escalating crises in climate change and housing. As climate risks intensify, both public and private homeowner insurance markets face unprecedented pressure, revealing the interconnections between housing affordability, wealth inequality, and the broader financialization of our communities. This panel brings together experts from diverse disciplines — including Stephen Collier, Desiree Fields, and Dave Jones — to explore the intersection of insurance, housing, and climate.