Past Events

Bureaucracy Under Populist Rule? – Rubina Zern-Breuer, Michael Bauer & Joe Mathews in a Fishbowl Discussion. | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian
Los Angeles | In-Person

Can Public Bureaucracy Survive Populism?

The German sociologist Max Weber once described the regularity of public administration as protection against arbitrariness, since everyone has to play by the same rational rules. But does this definition still hold up today, with rising populism on both sides of the Atlantic targeting public administration? What is the role of bureaucracy when the legitimacy of electoral processes is constantly …

How Can Women and Girls Win in Iran? | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian
Los Angeles In-Person | Streaming Online

How Can Women and Girls Win in Iran?

This event is generously sponsored by Pedram Salimpour.

In Iran, women have stood as a first line of opposition against government repression for at least 150 years, advocating for social and economic equality, pushing back against discriminatory Islamist edicts, and fighting for a new vision of politics. Today, young women are pouring into Iranian streets again, using phones and social media …

How Does L.A. Inspire First-Time Novelists? | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian
Los Angeles In-Person | Streaming Online

How Does L.A. Inspire First-Time Novelists?

Everybody loves a debut novel. The thrill of discovering a new literary voice, the culmination of years of solitary work, and the possibility of so much more to come will always be catnip to publishers, reviewers, and of course, readers. First-time novelists often pour much of themselves and their family experiences into these works—lending a particular richness and depth. Emerging …

Do We Even Need a City Council? | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian
Los Angeles In-Person | Streaming Online

Do We Even Need a City Council?

Los Angeles City Council member Mitch Englander went to prison for taking gifts from casino interests. Jose Huizar turned his city council office into a criminal enterprise, an indictment contends. Mark Ridley-Thomas faces charges of taking bribes from USC. And three more councilmembers conspired with a top labor official to influence redistricting—spewing racism and hatred on tape and disgracing themselves. …

Can Rural Education Survive the 21st Century? | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian
Bakersfield In-Person | Streaming Online

Can Rural Education Survive the 21st Century?

The pandemic was bad for schools. It was even worse for rural schools, which are often the centers of daily life, culture, and economy in their communities. Poor internet connections made remote learning inaccessible and downright impossible in many cases. Attendance dropped. Rural schools, which struggle to attract and keep staff even in good times, hemorrhaged teachers and administrators; staff  …

How Should We Prepare for Aliens to Arrive on Earth? | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian
Los Angeles In-Person | Streaming Online

How Should We Prepare for Aliens to Arrive on Earth?

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. All bags are subject to search. Questions? Ask us at events@zocalopublicsquare.org.

Since the beginning of time, people have gazed up at the stars and …