The Conflict in the Middle East: Contexts and Ramifications is a series of conversations that provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing war and conflict, focusing on historical roots, current dynamics, and potential pathways to peace. The series explores the longstanding tensions between Israel and Palestine, the political and social implications for both sides, and the broader regional and international impact.
Each session features experts in the field, including historians, legal scholars, political analysts, and human rights advocates, who discuss key events leading up to the current conflict, the humanitarian crisis, and diplomatic efforts. The goal of these academic discussions is to foster an informed dialogue that helps audiences understand the complexities and perspectives involved in the crisis.
All sessions will be held for free online via Hopkins at Home, though registration is required.
These discussions are part of the Johns Hopkins University’s commitment to the creation of knowledge and the exploration of ideas. Read more about free expression at Johns Hopkins.
Upcoming Conversations
Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the Israel-Palestine Conflict
January 2025
Speakers: Michelle Goldberg of the New York Times and Samer Sinijlawi, Palestinian political activist
Our speakers examine the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia, particularly in light of current events. What are the responsibilities of educators, policymakers, and activists in combating hate while fostering mutual respect?
Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace
February 2025
Speakers: Omer Bartov of Brown University and Bret Stephens of the New York Times
Our experts will delve into the historical roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict, examining key milestones and socio-political factors that have shaped its trajectory. Are there viable solutions for lasting peace?
Human Rights in the Crossfire
March 2025
Speakers: Samuel Moyn of Yale University and Seyla Benhabib of Columbia Law School
Our guest speakers will discuss the condition of human rights within the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a focus on allegations of human rights violations, the application of international humanitarian law, and the role of global advocacy in shaping narratives.
International Law and the Israel-Palestine Conflict
April 2025
Speakers: Kevin Jon Heller of the University of Copenhagen Centre for Military Studies and Martin Lederman of Georgetown Law
Join us as our speakers examine the role of international law amid the current landscape of violence and conflict in the Middle East. What are the challenges of enforcing accountability and how do legal frameworks influence the complexities of diplomatic strategies?
Academic Freedom, the First Amendment, and Israel-Palestine Protests
May 2025
Speakers: Cass Sunstein of Harvard University and Michael Roth of Wesleyan University
Join our guests to explore tensions between freedom of speech and academic freedom in the wake of recent protests–particularly on college campuses–regarding the war in Gaza.
Previous Conversations
Michelle Goldberg
Michelle Goldberg has been an opinion columnist at the New York Times since 2017. She was part of a team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service for reporting on issues of workplace sexual harassment.
Samer Sinijlawi
Samer Sinijlawi is a Palestinian political activist and founding chairman of the Jerusalem Development Fund. He was a head of the International and Israeli relations on Fateh Supreme Committee and oversaw relations between Fateh and major political parties in Europe and the Arab world as well as in Israel.
Omer Bartov
Omer Bartov is the Samuel Pisar Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University. Educated at Tel Aviv University and St. Antony’s College, Oxford, he has written widely on war crimes, interethnic relations, and genocide.
Bret Stephens
Bret Stephens is an opinion columnist for The Times, writing about foreign policy, domestic politics and cultural issues.
Samuel Moyn
Samuel Moyn is the Kent Professor of Law and History at Yale University, where he also serves as head of Grace Hopper College.
Seyla Benhabib
Seyla Benhabib is a senior research scholar and adjunct professor of law at Columbia Law School. She is also an affiliate faculty member in the Columbia University Department of Philosophy and a senior fellow at the Columbia Center for Contemporary Critical Thought.
Kevin Jon Heller
Kevin Jon Heller is Professor of International Law and Security at the University of Copenhagen’s Centre for Military Studies, which is part of the Department of Political Science.
Martin Lederman
Professor Lederman was Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel from 2009 to 2010, and an Attorney Advisor in OLC from 1994-2002.
Cass Sunstein
Cass R. Sunstein is currently the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard. He is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy at Harvard Law School.
Michael Roth
Michael S. Roth ’78 became the 16th president of Wesleyan University in 2007, after having served as Hartley Burr Alexander Professor of Humanities at Scripps College, Associate Director of the Getty Research Institute, and President of the California College of the Arts.