Where is ME? Locating “Armenia” in the “Middle East”

Where is ME? Locating “Armenia” in the “Middle East”

Defining or even locating the Middle East remains a fraught endeavour, particularly in relation to notions of the “Near” East and Orient

By Armenian Institute
Lots of repeat customers 📈

Date and time

Wednesday, June 18 · 6:30 - 8pm GMT+1

Location

Armenian House

25 Cheniston Gardens London W8 6TG United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

Last year, the Biden Administration unexpectedly announced major revisions to its race and ethnicity standards – the first in 27 years – by including a Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) category.

While it is unclear whether this development will survive the Trump administration, the broader Middle East and especially Gaza remain at the fore of the new administration’s foreign policy. However, defining or even locating the Middle East remains a fraught endeavour, particularly in relation to notions of the “Near” East and Orient, to say nothing of semantic nuances across multiple languages. Therefore, this talk will examine the “Middle East” and particularly “Armenia” as sites of recurring ambiguity and anxiety within academic disciplines, foreign policy, legislation, cultural imaginaries, and most importantly, diaspora communities themselves.


This event will be hybrid.

About the Speaker


Thomas Simsarian Dolan received his PhD in American Studies from George Washington University, after earlier receiving degrees from Yale and NYU. Currently faculty in Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies at Emory and faculty affiliate in the Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida, he is also researching and writing a new volume of history for the Armenian General Benevolent Union and a Consultant for Los Angeles County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative. His work has been supported by a range of national and international research institutions. He previously completed a year as a Fulbright US Teaching Scholar in the Department of History at the American University in Cairo.

Frequently asked questions

What is the event cancellation policy?

Requests for refunds must be submitted at least 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the event start time.

What if the event is cancelled?

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel the event, registered attendees will be notified via email. If we are unable to reschedule the event at a later date, a full refund will be issued automatically.

What if the event is sold out?

Please join our waiting list; you will be notified when a ticket becomes available.

Organized by

Lots of repeat customers

The Armenian Institute in London is a thriving cultural centre that fosters dialogues and connections with Armenia, the Diaspora, and the cultures of the wider region. Located in the heart of London, the Institute collaborates with a diverse range of academics, artists, and creatives to deepen our understanding and awareness of Armenian culture. We host a multitude of thought-provoking events, including talks and music performances, and frequently produce publications and digital periodicals.

£0 – £10