Professor Kevin Pham (University of Amsterdam) will be speaking about his 2024 book The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization on Monday March 3, at 3pm in Humanities 1 room 210.

To attend virtually, join via Zoom here.

In his new book, The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024), Kevin Pham traces an intergenerational debate among six influential figures in colonial Vietnam. These visionaries debated how to respond to French colonialism, the role of tradition amidst Western influence, and how to transform national shame into dignity. Kevin will also share his personal motivations as a Vietnamese American for writing this book, and how he addresses gaps in representation of Vietnamese political thought and challenges Western-centric perspectives in political theory.

Kevin Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, demonstrating its relevance to global discussions on key political concepts. His works are published in esteemed journals, and he co-hosts two podcasts: Nam Phong Dialogues and Viet History Makers. The Architects of Dignity is his first book. More information is available on his website: www.kevindoanpham.com.

Please note: We will read the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the book and discuss it with Kevin following his remarks. But you are also welcome to lurk in the audience if you do not have a chance to read it or do not want to join the conversation. If you want to receive the readings, please email ekeser@ucsc.edu.