Humanity at a Crossroads

Rediscovering Edward Said’s T.S. Eliot Memorial Lectures given at Kent which formed the basis for his seminal book 'Culture and Imperialism'.  

Hear Palestinian intellectual Edward Said in his own voice, as we play excerpts from the original recordings of his lectures delivered at the University in 1985. 

Together we will explore emerging debates on Palestine, West Asia, the legacies of empire, the role of the intellectual, and the global importance of Humanism. Expert academics from many fields, including Prof Wadie Said, will discuss the enduring influence of Edward Said's ideas on the most urgent questions of our times, and how his thinking still shapes how we understand culture, power, and empire in 2026.

With special guest Professor Wadie E. Said, Professor of Law at the University of Colorado School of Law, speaking about his father's legacy.

• Prof Wadie Said, University of Colorado

Confirmed speakers include:  

• Jessica Elias, University of Kent
• Dr Maria Ridda, University of Kent
• Dr Matt Whittle, University of Kent
• Dr Shahd Hammouri, University of Kent
• Dr Gian Giacomo Fusco, University of Kent
• Dr Basma Eldoukhi, University of Kent
• Dr Haifa Mahabir, University of Kent
• Dr Kaveh Abbasian, University of Kent
  
• Dr Thanos Zartaloudis, University of Kent 
  
• Professor Maria Drakopoulou, University of Kent
• Subhadip Mukherjee, University of Kent  
  
• Dr Roberto De Vogli, University of Padova
• Dr Conor McCarthy, Maynooth University
• Dr Khawla Badwan, Manchester Metropolitan University
  
• Dr Jasmin Diab, Lebanese American University
• Dr Hala Hanina  

Want to know more background about this event and what will be covered?

This event will take place in the Sibson building on the University of Kent campus from 11:00 with arrival refreshments from 10:30, and consist of plenary sessions and break out groups, with a light buffet lunch.

Please book your free place now by filling in the form below, and you will be emailed on the week commencing 4 May with further event details, including the breakout sessions available for you to book your chosen sessions in advance.
Please note this is an in-person only symposium.  

If you can't attend this in person symposium on 16 May at the University of Kent in Canterbury, but would like to hear about the content discussed on the day, please complete this simple online form to share your email with us so we can send you any post event write ups or recordings when available.

This is a collaboration between the University of Kent for our 60th anniversary celebrations, the Kent Law School, School of Social Sciences and School of Humanities.