In this episode of Asia SenseMaker, historian Eugene Rogan delves into the rich, untold history of Damascus in the 19th century. Discover the societal fractures and power struggles that shaped the Middle East, from the rise of sectarian tensions and the Ottoman Empire’s challenges to stories of bravery and reconciliation. Rogan brings to life the narratives of Muslim and Christian communities, shedding light on events like the 1860 Damascus massacres and the enduring impact of Ottoman reforms. Perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of Middle Eastern history and the roots of modern conflicts.

Join Zsolt Németh, Chairman of the Conservative and Patriotic Group in the Council of Europe, as he explores Central Europe's unique geopolitical identity, strategic position, and evolving alliances. In this insightful interview, Nemeth discusses the historical backdrop that defines Central Europe, its integration with NATO and the EU, and Hungary's vision of strengthening ties with nations like Belarus, Iran, and China. He also addresses pressing issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for peaceful solutions and global cooperation. With a strong focus on Hungary's approach to economic growth, educational partnerships, and collaborative efforts in South and Southeast Asia, Nemeth outlines Hungary's long-term strategies for a balanced and secure future in Europe. Tune in to understand Central Europe's stance on Russia, future EU relations, and the role of global cooperation in achieving sustainable peace.

We invite you to an insightful ASIA SenseMaker session featuring the esteemed Prof. John Willinsky, a global authority on Open Access and the founder and Co-Scientific Director of the Public Knowledge Project. Prof. Willinsky will be discussing his latest thought-provoking book, Copyright's Broken Promise: How to Restore the Law's Ability to Promote the Progress of Science. With a career-defining focus on advocating for Open Access since 1998, beginning at the University of British Columbia, Prof. Willinsky has been at the forefront of transforming how knowledge is shared and accessed globally. His work has sparked critical conversations about the future of scholarly publishing and the legal frameworks that influence it. This session will offer a deep dive into how copyright laws have fallen short of their original purpose and how we can reform them to foster better access to scientific research and knowledge. Don’t miss the chance to engage with one of the most influential voices in academia today! About ASIA SenseMaker These sessions are thought-provoking dialogues on diverse topics, blending informal charm and seminar-quality insights. Explore complex issues, challenge assumptions, and gain new perspectives through online and offline discussions fostering open, insightful exchange. Discover the series, engage with ideas, and contribute to the discourse shaping our future. About ASIA The Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA) is a new interdisciplinary research centre at the Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT University), Gurugram. Our focus on South & Southeast Asia as an academic entity will be all-encompassing, from politics to health, and to do this, we are being joined by some of the leading lights in their field. An important area of our research will focus on the wider region of South Asia and South-east Asia with particular emphasis on economy, health, demography, and security. We've recently Launched 'De/Cypher': Newsletter for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh News! Asia Everyweek (decypher.asia) About the board The board is chaired by Prof. Najeeb Jung (retired Indian Administrative Service officer who served as the 20th Lieutenant Governor of Delhi) followed by Dr. Indu Bhushan- Vice Chairman of ASIA, Dr. Rajat Nag- Member of the Board of ASIA, Ms. Sandhya Vasudevan, Member of the Board of ASIA, Sh. Manpreet Singh Badal, and Mr. Amogh Dev Rai – Ex-officio Director Research and other young researchers. Follow us at: 🌐 Website : https://www.asiaresearch.co 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/100001058/admin/feed/posts/ 📸 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/asia_visual/ 🐦 Twitter : @asiavisual1