Omnipresent in discussions of contemporary France, Franco-Arab relations take root in centuries of shared history, turmoil and cultural exchange. Henry Laurens, one of France’s foremost experts on the Middle East and Chair of History of the Contemporary Arab World at the Collège de France in Paris, explores in depth the complex and fascinating relationship between France and the Arab world, from colonialism to present-day tensions, on a quest to uncover the “Franco-Arab thing.” The discussion following the lecture will be moderated by Nadine Moeller (NELC).  A reception will follow.

This event is presented as part of the “Marianne Midwest” series, which provides a forum for distinguished speakers from France to engage audiences at the University of Chicago, and to interact (via the internet) with audience members in Alliance Française locations throughout the Midwest.

This event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Global Voices Lecture Series, the France Chicago Center, the Office of French Cultural Services, the Alliance Française de Chicago, the UChicago French Club, and the Center for Middle Eastern Studies.