What’s in a Name?
The old adage, “March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb,” is often attributed to the weather patterns surrounding this month in many parts of the world. It is a tempestuous month, yet one filled with optimism. The name, “March,” is from the Roman god of war, Mars. For thousands of years March was the first month of the year because it contains the Vernal Equinox and the first day of Spring.
HESIRC Upcoming Events
Harvard Instructor Series on International Relations
Mar 30, 2023, 2:30PM - 3:30PM ET Online
Harvard Extension Student International Relations Club (HESIRC) proudly presents its “Harvard Instructor Series on International Relations" discussion!
Join us online March 30, 2023, from 2:30PM - 3:30PM EST as we discuss "The Negotiation Task Force and Red Horizon Exercise” with Dr. Arvid Bell, scholar and entrepreneur who specializes in complex conflict analysis, negotiation strategy, and international security. He is a Lecturer on Government at Harvard University, Director of the Negotiation Task Force at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, and Partner at Negotiation Design & Strategy (NDS), a training, advisory, and research development group.
To register: https://bit.ly/ARVIDBELL
Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative Women in Foreign Policy Conference
Mar 4, 2023, 8:30AM - 6:00PM ET On Campus or Virtual
The Women In Foreign Policy Conference is a one-day event that brings together undergraduate and graduate students with the common interest of empowering women in a career in foreign policy. The conference invites undergraduate and graduate students from Harvard University, alongside delegates from schools in the greater Boston area, Canada, and the East Coast.
The one-day event will feature keynote speakers, a series of workshops/panels, and networking events. It is open to students of all genders.
There will be free lunch, refreshments, campus tours and a recruitment event with the Undersecretary.
To register: https://tinyurl.com/WIFP23
WILDER Lecture Series
LECTURE 1: SAVING HALF THE EARTH
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 6:00 PM EST
Dr. Dennis Liu, Vice President of Education, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation
The predicted sixth mass extinction is among the most significant threats to the world. Half-Earth is a call by the late Dr. E.O. Wilson to protect half the land and sea, thus reversing the species extinction crisis and ensuring long-term planetary health. The Half-Earth lecture will cover how saving half the Earth helps nature and the climate for our long-term recovery.
To register: https://harvard.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qf-iprT0sH9bRvv1l8uEhqz_YuZ2...
HESA & HESIRC Hybrid Social
Saturday, Apr 1, 2023, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
HESA and the HESIRC team up to bring you a fun evening of food and culture trivia! This event will take place on campus and online. We hope to see you there!
To register: https://tinyurl.com/hesaandirc
Coming Up Around The World
It’s Women’s History Month here in the United States! Women comprise 49.58% of the world’s population (un.org) and women make significant contributions to every sector of society every single day. HESIRC celebrates all of the women throughout history who have contributed to the advancement of women in all aspects of society, particularly in government, diplomacy, security, and conservation. To read more about how “the women of Harvard paved the way for the next generation” and continue to carve new paths today, visit Harvard’s page on Women’s History Month.
Global Observances
March 8th: International Women’s Day
On this day the world takes a moment to celebrate the achievements of women as well as highlight the struggle for equality. The HESIRC strongly encourages you to visit the Harvard Radcliffe Institute website (www.radcliffe.harvard.edu) where you will find dozens of stories within the Highlights: Women, Gender, and Society section outlining the role of women within Harvard University and discussing the advancements achieved and hurdles faced by women worldwide. If you want to learn more about how women factor into defense, peace, and security efforts, watch HESIRC’s Harvard Instructor Series on IR event recording with Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese.
March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day
This day is a national holiday in Ireland and observed in many other countries globally. In Ireland, it is a five-day celebration that includes street fairs, parades, carnivals, and live music. Traditionally, the town of Downpatrick in Northern Ireland hosts pilgrims traveling to the grave of St. Patrick. The cathedral in the town of Armagh, Northern Ireland also sees swarms of visitors as this was where St. Patrick had his bishopric. The town is the modern seat of both the Catholic and Protestant churches in Ireland/Northern Ireland. Visit the Harvard University Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures to learn more.
March 20th: Nowruz
International Relations students and practitioners working in and with modern Iranic/Persian cultures know that these societies still celebrate their New Year, or Nowruz, in the ancient tradition during the month of March. Globally, ethnic Persian cultures from countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran all usher in the new year on March 20th, 21st, or 22nd of every year based on the exact minute of the Vernal Equinox. Celebrations often start at the beginning of the month and last for 30 to 40 days, and include the deep cleaning of the house, purchase of new clothes and furniture, and the consumption of symbolic foods with family and friends. The Center for Middle Easter Studies Harvard University site offers a wealth of information, research, and activities for students.
March 22nd: Ramadan
Ramadan begins March 22nd of this year. The dates for Ramadan are set by the Islamic lunar calendar and, worldwide, millions of Muslims observe the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet Mohammad. During Ramadan, followers fast from sunup to sundown, abstaining from food, drink, tobacco, and other activities. Special morning meals, called suhur, and evening meals, called iftar, are prepared and shared with the community. Ramadan is a time of prayer and studying the Quran. It is summed up after 30 days on the holiday of Eid with great celebration. The Center for Middle Eastern Studies also offers a mailing list for any interested students looking to receive information about relevant events, research, and opportunities within the Middle East–related fields.
Happy March, everyone!
