A Webinar on the book “New World Empires Cultures of Power and Governance in the Americas” authored by Prof. Dr. Ilhan Niaz was held at Department of International Relations, Muslim Youth University under the initiative of “Research Circle” - a literary venture of the IR Department to inculcate critical thinking in public and a platform to discuss contemporary issues affecting Pakistan, region and the world.
Prof. Dr. Ilhan Niaz elaborated the evolution of states and forms of governance in Pre-Columbian Americas. The author shed light on the characteristics of colonialism and its differences in Americas and South Asia. He presented a comprehensive view about the origin of states, their governance models and the evolution of statesmanship among the leaders of the world. The author explained the distinctive traits of Continental empires and drew comparisons with contemporary world order. Author explained the evolution of democracy in the Americas and especially in the United States of America.
Prof. Niaz explained the concept of democracy according to the USA's forefathers, which is an exclusive club for the rich people to rule. Author also explained his views regarding President Donald Trump’s policies and probable outcomes to the USA's neighbourhood in specific and to the world in general.
The participants asked thought provoking questions regarding the form of governance, role of women through the ages, the role of terrain in designing defence in pre-Columbian Americas and the influence of leader’s personality in shaping U.S. domestic and foreign policies which made the webinar very interactive and fruitful. Author explained every statement with empirical evidences and also deliberated upon probable outcomes in USA’s foreign policy.
Prof. Dr. Ahsan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), International Open University, UK also attended the webinar. Prof. Ahsan extended his facilitations to the author on publication of the new book and expressed his eagerness to read this historical masterpiece.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Munir, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, MY University expressed his gratitude towards the author for taking out time from his busy schedule and to deliver such a thought provoking speech about his forthcoming book in Pakistan which has helped adding a new historical perspective when it comes to the U.S. foreign policy.
In his concluding remarks, the Head of Department IR, Dr. Waseem Khokhar, summed up the webinar and thanked the author for his literary contributions and expressed his anticipation for further collaborations in future as well. In the end Prof. Dr. Ilhan Niaz appreciated the efforts of the university in organising the webinar. The session was followed by a certificate distribution ceremony to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of the organizers.
