Political Science Department Workshop

To Stand With Palestine: Transnational Resistance and Political Evolution in the United States

Karam Dana

Monday, February 10, 2025

12:15 – 1:30pm

4357 Bunche Hall, UCLA

Abstract: The Palestinian struggle for justice and self-determination has evolved into a central issue in global politics, with far-reaching implications for transnational solidarity movements. Palestinians living in exile across the globe have played a pivotal role in shaping international perspectives, influencing the communities they engage with. This lecture will focus on the shifting political landscape in the United States, exploring the historical and contemporary forces that have driven a significant transformation in public opinion. It will examine how new forms of solidarity centered on decolonization, social justice, and equality are reshaping political dynamics surrounding Palestine in the U.S., contributing to a broader reevaluation of policies and perspectives on the Palestinian cause.

Bio: Dr. Karam Dana is a Palestinian American Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Washington Bothell. He is the Alyson McGregor Distinguished Professor of Excellence and Transformative Research and the founding director of the American Muslim Research Institute. His research examines the evolution of transnational political identities and their impact on civic engagement and political participation, with a focus on Palestinians and American Muslims. As an interdisciplinary scholar, Dr. Dana explores the intersections of religion, identity, and politics, addressing persistent theoretical and policy issues affecting marginalized communities. His work is centered on understanding how ethno-political, socio-cultural, and religious identities are formed, evolve, and adapt under shifting socio-economic and political conditions. He recently published book is titled, To Stand With Palestine: Transnational Resistance and Political Evolution in the United States, which examines the evolution of discourse on Palestine and Israel in the US in recent years. Dr. Dana is the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Teaching Award at the University of Washington and the 2023 Distinguished Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activities Award. In 2024, the Arab American Community of the Pacific Northwest presented him with the Leadership and Outstanding Service Award.