SOSS - SEA Seminar | Nehru’s India in Asia and Beyond
Scholars of international relations, political thought, and India’s diplomatic history continue to debate the meaning and relevance of non-alignment in India’s foreign policy today. The origins of these debates lie in Jawaharlal Nehru’s articulation of non-alignment at the height of the Cold War, a concept both resolute and ambiguous.
In this talk, Dr. Swapna Kona Nayudu will draw on her acclaimed book, The Nehru Years: An International History of Indian Non-Alignment (Cambridge University Press UK), to explore how India’s approach to international aLairs and the United Nations now understood in summary as non-alignment carved India’s place in the world. Tracing the evolution of non-alignment from Nehru’s time to the present, Dr. Kona Nayudu will examine its contested meaning and its influence on India’s position as the only non-aligned founding member of the UN. Based on meticulous archival research in multiple languages, her work uncovers India’s diplomatic and peacekeeping contributions in pivotal global e…
Contact: socsc_seminar@smu.edu.sg. Speaker Details: SPEAKER, , Swapna Kona Nayudu FRHistS
Principal Research Fellow, NTU
Dr. Swapna Kona Nayudu FRHistS is Principal Research Fellow, Global Asia Research Centre at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Dr. Kona Nayudu is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and serves on the Advisory Council of Harvard University’s Centre for Global Political Thought. Her first book The Nehru Years: An International History of Indian Non-Alignment w
MODERATOR, , Patrick Quinton-Brown
Assistant Professor of… RSVP: . Reserve a seat: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ynmKyZpakUeiQ_Bq_WdGTUGH9G9u-WtAl9UVUOJ8iDJURVQ1MDJNNlQ4OEM3UjVCQkZaT0xIUDczMy4u&route=shorturl. Type: Seminars & Workshops. Subject: Social Sciences & Humanities. Audience: Public. Academic Community. Alumni. Current Student. SMU Faculty & Staff.
Monday, January 19, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM.
SMU Yong Pung How School of Law
Seminar Room 2-16, Level 2
55 Armenian St, Singapore 179943.
For more info visit forms.office.com. Book Launch: Dialogues on Immigration and the Open Society
After some friendly pestering from six of his students curious about his thinking about immigration, a philosophy professor invites them to present their own ideas to him over a series of meetings throughout the term. This book is about their conversations. These dialogues introduce the reader to the most important ethical and political questions about immigration. They ask whether high levels of immigration pose a threat to civilization and consider the economics of immigration, whether states are justified in trying to control immigration, and whether everyone has a right to move or if only refugees can make so strong a claim. Finally, it considers the implications of a philosophy of immigration on the ideal of an open society.
*Tea Reception and Registration start at 6pm.
Contact: socsc_seminar@smu.edu.sg. Speaker Details: Author, , Chandran Kukathas
Professor of Political Science, SMU
Chandran Kukathas is Professor of Political Science at Singapore Management University. He was Dean of SMU’s School of Social Sciences and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Political Science from 2019 to 2024 . Prior to joining SMU, he was Head, Department of Government at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) from 2015 to 2019. He also served as the Chair of Political Theory in the Department of Government and as Warde… RSVP: . Reserve a seat: https://forms.office.com/r/vdWsQ8zcdz. Type: Seminars & Workshops. Ceremonies & Special Events. Subject: Social Sciences & Humanities. Audience: Public. Academic Community. Alumni. Current Student. SMU Faculty & Staff.
Friday, January 23, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:30 PM.
SMU Kwa Geok Choo Law Library
Learning Lab 3 & 4
55 Armenian St, Singapore 179943.
For more info visit forms.office.com. 29 Jan 2026 MST Panel Discussion - Sustainable Energy Transitions in Asia: What’s Next?
Infosessions
Asia's rapid economic growth, surging energy demands, and pressing energy security priorities create a uniquely complex landscape for transitioning to sustainable energy. The delicate balance of phasing out fossil fuels while ramping up renewable energy capacity presents distinct challenges and opportunities for innovation and regional collaboration.
Join us as our esteemed panellists delve into the diverse national contexts that are shaping Asia's energy trajectory. From energy diversification strategies to the nuances of rural and urban development, this discussion will provide invaluable insights into the multifaceted efforts driving the region's sustainable energy future.
This session is tailored for prospective graduate students and professionals eager to explore the dynamic field of sustainable energy in the region. Gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead and discover how you can contribute to Asia's energy transformation.
RSVP: . Reserve a seat: https://smumst.smu.edu.sg/acton/fs/blocks/showLandingPage/a/45772/p/p-007a/t/page/fm/0. Event Details: Moderator: , Ishani Mukherjee
Associate Professor of Public Policy; Urban Fellow (Urban Governance)
SMU
Dr Ishani Mukherjee joined SMU in 2018. Her expertise include policy formulation and design; environmental and natural resource policy and management; policy tools for renewable energy and energy efficiency, particularly in Asia. She received her PhD in Public Policy from NUS, with a concentration on Environmental Policy and was the recipient of the World Future Foundation PhD Prize for Environmenta… Type: Information Sessions. Seminars & Workshops. Talks & Forums. Subject: Urban Management & Sustainability. Audience: Alumni. Current Student. Incoming Freshmen. Incoming PG Students. Professionals. Prospective Student. Public. SMU Faculty & Staff.
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
This is a hybrid session.
In-person Session:
SMU Yong Pung How School of Law
Level 4, Function Lounge 4-02
55 Armenian Street, Singapore 179943
Virtual Session:
The virtual session will be conducted on Zoom.
IR & Cinema: Screening ‘The Nose Knows: Foreignness and Fortune in China
What can films tell us about international relations? We will explore this question by screening William A. Callahan’s documentary film ‘The Nose Knows: Foreigness and Fortune in China’ (2025, 23min), which has won six awards at film festivals in Asia and Europe.
There are so many different kinds of noses. But what can they tell us? Can they be political? Throughout Chinese history, noses have been used to separate Chinese people from foreigners. In the present day, they can also be the key to changing your destiny. If we know more about noses, perhaps we can better understand how China sees itself and its increasingly important place in the world.
Contact: socsc_seminar@smu.edu.sg. Speaker Details: Speakers' Bios, Author:
William A. Callahan
Professor of Political Science, SMU
William A. Callahan is Professor of Political Science at Singapore Management University. Before coming to SMU, Callahan was Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research examines the interplay of theory, culture and politics in China and Asia, and visual global politics around the world. His most recent book, Sensible Politics: Visualizing International Relations… RSVP: . Reserve a seat: https://forms.office.com/r/TDma1v6ERX. Type: Seminars & Workshops. Subject: Social Sciences & Humanities. Audience: Public. SMU Faculty & Staff. Academic Community. Alumni. Current Student. Partners.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
SMU Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium (NAKA)
School of Accountancy, Level 2
60 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178900.
For more info visit forms.office.com.