What might pose an alternative to party politics, that dominate current politics and narratives of the past? Roughly a century ago, in the aftermath of the first world war, circles of intellectual youths in China explored possibilities for new forms of social and political organization that would lead to both national revival and a new and more peaceful human existence. These explorations soon led to the emergence of mass-based political parties in the 1920s, but for a brief moment between 1919-1921 they also gave rise to a handful of attempts at small, utopian communes.

As climate breakdown intensifies and effective solutions are sought, a new front has developed in the fight against global warming: lawsuits. In the US, fueled by historical discoveries attesting to deceptive activities by fossil fuel producers, dozens of suits modeled after tobacco and opioid litigation have sprung up. In Europe and elsewhere, other suits seek to align corporate and government policies with the Paris Agreement. And in international courts, claimants seek action based in human rights principles.

Marguerite de Navarre (1492-1549) was a woman of many talents. By marriage she became Duchess of Alençon, then queen of Navarre; by birth she was sister of the French King François I. Her status and intersecting official positions enabled her to build a vast network of ambassadors, magistrates, clergy, poets, and administrators. As early as 1521, an ecclesiastical correspondent, Bishop Guillaume Briçonnet, urged Marguerite to remain united to her brother and mother – the ‘trinity’ that would determine the course of French politics and diplomacy throughout the 1520s.

The Pharos Lectures are an ongoing series of free public lectures and conversations delivered by the most distinguished public intellectuals. Like their namesake, the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, they are intended to serve as a beacon and invitation to learning in a darkening age.

Join us for a discussion with Iván Duque Márquez, the Former President of Colombia and hear his insights on Colombian foreign policy.

When: Jan 27th 2023, from 15:30 to 16:30.

Where: Amersi Foundation Lecture Room, Brasenose College, University of Oxford.