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About this Program The attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 opened a new chapter in the turbulence history of the post-Ottoman Levant. A low-grade war between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel begun on Oct. 8, 2023 exploded in September 2024 with devastating effect on both Hezbollah and the Lebanese population and infrastructure. Shifting power balances in the Levant and beyond contributed to the unexpectedly sudden collapse of the seeming impregnable Assad regime after 14 years of civil war. To understand the outlines of any potential emerging orders in Syria and Lebanon it is crucial to understand the history and forces driving today’s fragmented, yet interrelated Levant. Michael Provence, a specialist in modern middle eastern history, will present via Zoom the broad historical context in which recent developments in Syria & Lebanon have occurred. He will discuss the late Ottoman period, the colonial & post-colonial periods in the Levant, the emergence of Israel, the rise of Assad, the fall of Lebanon into civil war, and the emergence of Hezbollah - including its role as a proxy/client of Iran. A Q&A session will follow his presentation. Free to members & the public, available via Zoom. Pre-registration required. About Michael Provence Michael Provence teaches modern Middle East history, focusing on the 20th-century Arab East. He received a B.A in History from U.C. Berkeley in 1994 and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 2001. During 2017-2018 he was Chercheur Résident (Research Fellow in Residence), Institut d’Etudes Avancées de Nantes, France. In 2010-11 and 2014, Provence was an Alexander von Humboldt fellow at the Zentrum Moderner Orient in Berlin, Germany. In 2024-25, he is a visiting professor at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. He is the author of two books and many articles. The books are "The Great Syrian Revolt and the Rise of Arab Nationalism" (2005) and "The Last Ottoman Generation and the Making of the Modern Middle East" (2017). Both available in Arabic and Turkish. Provence lived and studied over the course of many years in several Middle Eastern countries, particularly Syria and Lebanon, between 1998 and 2006. He returns as often as possible.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is convening a second meeting of global leaders Saturday to discuss the developments regarding the war in Ukraine.

We look into the status of book bans in San Diego County and across the country, and how free speech groups and librarians are fighting for the freedom to read.

These creative questions are fun to answer and can help reveal people's personalities. Conflict resolution facilitator Priya Parker shares her favorites and explains how to come up with your own.

Pope Leo XIV is seen as a centrist who shares his predecessor's progressive views on certain social issues. Here's what we know so far.

Rendered beef fat is having a moment as a viral skincare trend. TikTok influencers claim this 'natural' product is a complexion panacea. But is it? We asked skincare experts.

Could 2025 be another game-changing year for bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies? Here are the three things to watch in the new year.

UC San Diego Global Initiatives has partnered with San Diego Sister Cities to present the first Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum, happening November 21, 2024, at UC San Diego Park & Market. The Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum represents an extraordinary international gathering poised to transform San Diego’s sustainability paradigm. Co-hosted by the Kumeyaay and Maasai, the Forum will bring together global Indigenous leaders to engage in a dynamic panel discussion. Covering topics such as ecological health, welfare, art, culture, and resource sustainability, these panels offer diverse perspectives and practical insights to integrate Indigenous traditional knowledge and promote sustainable practices locally in San Diego. The event will also serve as the launch of a virtual reality program preserving cultural ceremonies and Indigenous heritage, aiming to foster cultural understanding, preserve traditions, and nurture empathy, amplifying Indigenous voices to celebrate cultural diversity. Participants will experience how the Maasai utilizes VR to document ancient Rites of Passage ceremonies recognized on UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding list, enrich intergenerational learning, champion Indigenous culture, and forge community connections to advance heritage preservation and appreciation. Attendees will also experience vibrant cultural entertainment, including traditional dances, music, and authentic heritage. These performances are not just captivating—they are crucial for education and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous peoples and their sustainable practices. Captivating cultural exhibits and art displays that showcase the rich heritage and creative expressions of Indigenous communities. These exhibits serve as powerful mediums for storytelling, expressing cultural values, and highlighting the interconnectedness between Indigenous peoples and the environment. The Indigenous Bazaar provides an engaging space to explore traditional clothing, crafts, and sustainable products. Highlighting Indigenous films, the event will showcase compelling works, including “We Are Guardians,” produced by award-winning filmmaker Leonardo DiCaprio. This film sheds light on Indigenous Peoples’ crucial role in safeguarding the Amazon Rainforest. Attendees will have a chance to meet Puyr Tembe, the lead figure in the film, whose activism in environmental justice is deeply inspiring, particularly her efforts in forest conservation in the Amazon. This is an opportunity to explore the rich traditions, sustainability practices, and contributions of Indigenous cultures—all in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Join us as we advance sustainable initiatives on campus and beyond, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Visit: San Diego Sister Cities' Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum at UC San Diego's Park & Market

A series of executive orders aims to promote new kinds of nuclear reactors while restructuring the body in charge of nuclear safety.

Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus resigned, accusing the paper's publisher of killing her piece on owner Jeff Bezos' overhaul of its opinion pages.