Join us in person or live online for this program, and please note the earlier time – 6pm PST.

People place blame for inequality, climate change, political polarization, and other current woes on all kinds of bad actors and influences: authoritarians, corporations, globalization, social media. But the decline of Western empires during the 20th century was arguably the catalyst for it all. Decolonization changed millions of people’s lives—primarily for the better—transforming art, culture, global and local politics, economics, and our ways of understanding the world in the process. But decolonization is also profoundly misunderstood. Have Westerners in particular failed to grasp its importance—and is this getting in the way of solving society’s pressing problems? How has decolonization impacted everything from geopolitics to the moral panic over “cancel culture”?

Artist Serge Attukwei Clottey, and essayists and novelists Laila Lalami and Pankaj Mishra visit Zócalo to discuss why the English-speaking world can’t seem to fully absorb one of the central events of the recent past, and what it all means for our collective future.

Zócalo invites our in-person audience to continue the conversation with our speakers and each other at a post-event reception with complimentary samosas from Paratta.

Zócalo Public Square values audience safety. During events at ASU California Center, only clear bags (maximum size 12” x 6” x 12”) and small clutches (maximum size 8 ½” x 5 ½”) are permitted in the venue. Questions? Ask us at events@zocalopublicsquare.org.

The ASU California Center is inclusive and accessible for all. A platform wheelchair lift is available at our main entrance via Broadway (ground level). Upon checking in for the event, please inform Zócalo staff if you need assistance, or contact events@zocalopublicsquare.org for additional information.