GUEST ARTICLE: STEPHEN BASKERVILLE
Following in the footsteps of his ancestor, Howard Baskerville, Stephen Baskerville contributed this article to the Baskerville Institute, exploring the complexities of the Iran-US relationship.
Dr. Stephen Baskerville
“Hostility Between Iran and the US
Is Not the Norm – and Is Not Inevitable”
Understanding the rich – and mostly amicable – history of Iranian-American relations may diffuse tensions and help restore stability to the Middle East.
Dr. Stephen Baskerville
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GUEST ARTICLE:
STEPHEN BASKERVILLE
Following in the footsteps of his ancestor, Howard Baskerville, Stephen Baskerville contributed this article to the Baskerville Institute, exploring the complexities of the Iran-US relationship.
Dr. Stephen Baskerville
“Hostility Between Iran and the US
Is Not the Norm – and Is Not Inevitable”
Understanding the rich – and mostly amicable – history of Iranian-American relations may diffuse tensions and help restore stability to the Middle East.
Dr. Stephen Baskerville
2
NEW ISSUE OF THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT
(AZADI ANDISHEH) JOURNAL
I am pleased to share the latest issue of the Freedom of Thought (Azadi Andisheh) Journal in digital format. I believe you will find some of the articles engaging and thought-provoking. For your convenience, please note that the English-language articles are located at the end of the file.
Sincerely,
Professor Ali Banuaziz , Editor-in-Chief
Freedom of Thought (Azadi Andisheh) Journal
Boston College
Dr. Stephen Baskerville
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NEW ISSUE OF THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT
(AZADI ANDISHEH) JOURNAL
I am pleased to share the latest issue of the Freedom of Thought (Azadi Andisheh) Journal in digital format. I believe you will find some of the articles engaging and thought-provoking. For your convenience, please note that the English-language articles are located at the end of the file.
Sincerely,
Professor Ali Banuaziz , Editor-in-Chief
Freedom of Thought (Azadi Andisheh) Journal
Boston College
Dr. Stephen Baskerville
3
UPCOMING WEBINAR
US-Iran Science Diplomacy
The Legacy of Dr. Glenn Schweitzer
March 5, 2024
1 PM (MT)
This program honors Glenn Schweitzer, a visionary scientist and diplomat who stood as a bridge between the United States and Iran during a period of intense political tension. He recognized the inherent value in fostering collaboration, even amidst adversarial rhetoric, and tirelessly brought scientists from both nations together to work on important research projects of mutual benefit. Glenn Schweitzer’s unwavering belief in the power of science diplomacy as the most effective means of fostering positive people-to-people connections serves as a lasting inspiration and the core principle guiding this program.
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UPCOMING WEBINAR
US-Iran Science Diplomacy
The Legacy of Dr. Glenn Schweitzer
March 5, 2024
1 PM (MT)
This program honors Glenn Schweitzer, a visionary scientist and diplomat who stood as a bridge between the United States and Iran during a period of intense political tension. He recognized the inherent value in fostering collaboration, even amidst adversarial rhetoric, and tirelessly brought scientists from both nations together to work on important research projects of mutual benefit. Glenn Schweitzer’s unwavering belief in the power of science diplomacy as the most effective means of fostering positive people-to-people connections serves as a lasting inspiration and the core principle guiding this program.
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OTHER UPCOMING WEBINARS
Houchang Chehabi
“Reza Shah’s Exile in Mauritius”
Feb. 25, 2024
4 PM (MT)
This lecture will be in Persian. There is the option to attend in person, or over Zoom. See the poster for more details!
Is There a Future for Science Diplomacy
A Conversation with Dr. E. William Colglazier
Editor-in-chief of Science and Diplomacy
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
When: Thursday, February 8, 2024
Time: 12pm ET
Register for the Webinar here: http://bit.ly/RDP_
Please join us for a conversation with Dr. E. William Colglazier, hosted by Duke University Rethinking Diplomacy Program (RDP) Senior Fellow, Ambassador (ret.) Bob Pearson, and RDP Director, Dr. Giovanni Zanalda.
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OTHER UPCOMING WEBINARS
Houchang Chehabi
“Reza Shah’s Exile in Mauritius”
Feb. 25, 2024
4 PM (MT)
This lecture will be in Persian. There is the option to attend in person, or over Zoom. See the poster for more details!
Is There a Future for Science Diplomacy
A Conversation with Dr. E. William Colglazier
Editor-in-chief of Science and Diplomacy
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
When: Thursday, February 8, 2024
Time: 12pm ET
Register for the Webinar here: http://bit.ly/RDP_
Please join us for a conversation with Dr. E. William Colglazier, hosted by Duke University Rethinking Diplomacy Program (RDP) Senior Fellow, Ambassador (ret.) Bob Pearson, and RDP Director, Dr. Giovanni Zanalda.
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PREVIOUS WEBINARS
Grappling with Elimination:
How the Power of Sport United and Saved Olympic Wrestling
November 7, 2023
12 PM (MT)
In February 2013, the IOC decided to drop wrestling from the Olympics. But by September 8, after global support, they reversed the decision.
Join us now to celebrate and learn about the behind-the-scenes of this momentous turnaround with key figures such as Nenad Lalovic, Andy Barth, and Adeline Gray, as they discuss wrestling’s power to unite people across borders!
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PREVIOUS WEBINARS
Grappling with Elimination:
How the Power of Sport United and Saved Olympic Wrestling
November 7, 2023
12 PM (MT)
In February 2013, the IOC decided to drop wrestling from the Olympics. But by September 8, after global support, they reversed the decision.
Join us now to celebrate and learn about the behind-the-scenes of this momentous turnaround with key figures such as Nenad Lalovic, Andy Barth, and Adeline Gray, as they discuss wrestling’s power to unite people across borders!
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MEET OUR RESEARCH FELLOWS
Baskerville Institute Research Fellows enrich the Institute’s intellectual life and growth through webinar moderation, seminar participation, and potential involvement in grant-writing and proposal development. Additionally, they work on a specific Institute project aligned with their research area, contributing to the Institute’s digital presence and in-person programming.
HOUCHANG CHEHABI
Bridging continents and disciplines, Houchang E. Chehabi, a Nonresident Fellow of the Baskerville Institute, brings his profound expertise in Iranian politics, history, and culture to enrich the objectives of the Institute.
COLIN FLINT
Professor Colin Flint, Nonresident Fellow at Baskerville Institute and Distinguished Professor of Political Geography at Utah State University, holds extensive expertise in geopolitics, war and peace, world-systems analysis, and just war theory. Previously, he held professorial positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Pennsylvania State University.
To learn more about our Research Fellows, go to https://baskervilleinstitute.org/research-fellows/
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MEET OUR RESEARCH FELLOWS
Baskerville Institute Research Fellows enrich the Institute’s intellectual life and growth through webinar moderation, seminar participation, and potential involvement in grant-writing and proposal development. Additionally, they work on a specific Institute project aligned with their research area, contributing to the Institute’s digital presence and in-person programming.
HOUCHANG CHEHABI
Bridging continents and disciplines, Houchang E. Chehabi, a Nonresident Fellow of the Baskerville Institute, brings his profound expertise in Iranian politics, history, and culture to enrich the objectives of the Institute.
COLIN FLINT
Professor Colin Flint, Nonresident Fellow at Baskerville Institute and Distinguished Professor of Political Geography at Utah State University, holds extensive expertise in geopolitics, war and peace, world-systems analysis, and just war theory. Previously, he held professorial positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Pennsylvania State University.
To learn more about our Research Fellows, go to https://baskervilleinstitute.org/research-fellows/
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NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
The Baskerville Institute would like to welcome the two newest members of our Advisory Board:
Jonathan Freedman and Shannon Peterson.
JONATHAN FREEDMAN
Jonathan Freedman is the president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, where he helps Utah companies grow through international trade and investment. He is a seasoned entrepreneur and international business leader with over 30 years of experience.
SHANNON PETERSON
Shannon received her BA in Political Science and Liberal Arts and her MA in Political Science from USU. In 2003, she received her Ph.D. in International Relations from Ohio State University and a post-doctorate in Marketing and Management from Tulane University in 2011. In addition to teaching political science and international economics at USU, Shannon created and directed the Huntsman Scholar Program in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business for 9 years.
To learn more about our Board of Advisors, go to https://baskervilleinstitute.org/advisory-board/
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NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
The Baskerville Institute would like to welcome the two newest members of our Advisory Board:
Jonathan Freedman and Shannon Peterson.
JONATHAN FREEDMAN
Jonathan Freedman is the president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, where he helps Utah companies grow through international trade and investment. He is a seasoned entrepreneur and international business leader with over 30 years of experience.
SHANNON PETERSON
Shannon received her BA in Political Science and Liberal Arts and her MA in Political Science from USU. In 2003, she received her Ph.D. in International Relations from Ohio State University and a post-doctorate in Marketing and Management from Tulane University in 2011. In addition to teaching political science and international economics at USU, Shannon created and directed the Huntsman Scholar Program in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business for 9 years.
To learn more about our Board of Advisors, go to https://baskervilleinstitute.org/advisory-board/
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UPCOMING EVENT:
USU & BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
In March 2024, the Baskerville Institute and Utah State University will collaborate to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Iranian students arriving at USU in September 1923. The celebration will feature the unveiling of the Baskerville Institute’s mural of friendship at Utah State University.
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UPCOMING EVENT:
USU & BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
In March 2024, the Baskerville Institute and Utah State University will collaborate to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Iranian students arriving at USU in September 1923. The celebration will feature the unveiling of the Baskerville Institute’s mural of friendship at Utah State University.
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BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
2023 HOLIDAY RECEPTION
The Baskerville Institute is honored by everyone who attended our Holiday Party in 2023.
We would not be here without the support of our community members.
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BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
2023 HOLIDAY RECEPTION
The Baskerville Institute is honored by everyone who attended our Holiday Party in 2023.
We would not be here without the support of our community members.
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BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE DIGITAL FRIENDSHIP
Visit the BIDF platform and explore its features. It is a digital platform that connects to online courses offered by American universities. BIDF does not offer these courses itself, but our platform makes it possible for prospective Iranian students in Iran to search for information to help them tailor their educational needs and find essential information.
Click here to browse the pages of BIDF and see the difference we can make by strengthening friendships through education.
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BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
DIGITAL FRIENDSHIP
Visit the BIDF platform and explore its features. It is a digital platform that connects to online courses offered by American universities. BIDF does not offer these courses itself, but our platform makes it possible for prospective Iranian students in Iran to search for information to help them tailor their educational needs and find essential information.
Click here to browse the pages of BIDF and see the difference we can make by strengthening friendships through education.
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SPORT & INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP
Baskerville Institute’s Sport and International Friendship program recognizes the unique strengths of both individual and team sports in promoting global understanding and peace.
Through wrestling, participants engage in a deeply personal journey of self-discipline, perseverance, and mental fortitude. They learn to overcome challenges, respect their opponents, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. These individual attributes, when combined with the collective spirit of team sports like basketball, create a powerful force for positive change.
Basketball, with its emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and shared goals, fosters a sense of unity and belonging among players from diverse backgrounds. They learn to communicate effectively, support one another, and work together towards a common objective. This shared experience cultivates empathy, understanding, and a sense of global citizenship.
Baskerville Institute’s program harnesses the power of both individual and team sports to create a holistic approach to fostering global understanding and peace. By empowering individuals and teams, the program contributes to a more harmonious and interconnected world.
Your contribution will help us provide essential programs and support opportunities to bring individuals and teams from different nations together to build bridges of understanding and foster a more peaceful and harmonious world.
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SPORT & INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP
Baskerville Institute’s Sport and International Friendship program recognizes the unique strengths of both individual and team sports in promoting global understanding and peace.
Through wrestling, participants engage in a deeply personal journey of self-discipline, perseverance, and mental fortitude. They learn to overcome challenges, respect their opponents, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. These individual attributes, when combined with the collective spirit of team sports like basketball, create a powerful force for positive change.
Basketball, with its emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and shared goals, fosters a sense of unity and belonging among players from diverse backgrounds. They learn to communicate effectively, support one another, and work together towards a common objective. This shared experience cultivates empathy, understanding, and a sense of global citizenship.
Baskerville Institute’s program harnesses the power of both individual and team sports to create a holistic approach to fostering global understanding and peace. By empowering individuals and teams, the program contributes to a more harmonious and interconnected world.
Your contribution will help us provide essential programs and support opportunities to bring individuals and teams from different nations together to build bridges of understanding and foster a more peaceful and harmonious world.
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MEET OUR INTERNS
MEET OUR SPRING 2024 INTERNS:
ERIN HARDY
Erin Hardy is a Baskerville Institute intern. Currently a sophomore at the University of Utah, she is studying Russian, Persian, and French. She has a passion for Persian culture and its profound influence in Central Asia and the Middle East. Erin is excited to have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Iranian culture, as well as to learn about the promotion of friendship between the US and Iran.
LESLIE RODRIGUEZ-DIAZ
Leslie Rodriguez-Diaz is a Baskerville Institute intern. She is a senior at the University of Utah, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies with an emphasis on Persian and a minor in Arabic. Leslie stumbled upon her love of Iran and its culture through her passion for Persian. Her desire to connect with the Iranian community and improve her Persian skills is what brought her to the Baskerville Institute. Leslie intends to be commissioned into the United States Army and pursue a career in civil affairs.
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MEET OUR INTERNS
MEET OUR SPRING 2024 INTERNS:
ERIN HARDY
Erin Hardy is a Baskerville Institute intern. Currently a sophomore at the University of Utah, she is studying Russian, Persian, and French. She has a passion for Persian culture and its profound influence in Central Asia and the Middle East. Erin is excited to have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Iranian culture, as well as to learn about the promotion of friendship between the US and Iran.
LESLIE RODRIGUEZ-DIAZ
Leslie Rodriguez-Diaz is a Baskerville Institute intern. She is a senior at the University of Utah, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies with an emphasis on Persian and a minor in Arabic. Leslie stumbled upon her love of Iran and its culture through her passion for Persian. Her desire to connect with the Iranian community and improve her Persian skills is what brought her to the Baskerville Institute. Leslie intends to be commissioned into the United States Army and pursue a career in civil affairs.
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ACHIEVING GREAT THINGS:
THE SUCCESSES OF OUR FORMER INTERNS
LINDSAY HAFEN
SUMMER 2023 – FALL 2023
Congratulations to Lindsay Hafen for graduating from BYU with a Bachelor’s in Middle East Studies. We wish her the best on her new journey!
It is thanks to the generous contributions of our donors to our internship program that our interns continue to thrive. Donate to our internship program by mailing your check to our offices:
350 E 400 S
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111
Suite #407
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ACHIEVING GREAT THINGS:
THE SUCCESSES OF OUR FORMER INTERNS
LINDSAY HAFEN
SUMMER 2023 – FALL 2023
Congratulations to Lindsay Hafen for graduating from BYU with a Bachelor’s in Middle East Studies. We wish her the best on her new journey!
It is thanks to the generous contributions of our donors to our internship program that our interns continue to thrive. Donate to our internship program by mailing your check to our offices:
350 E 400 S
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111
Suite #407
14
BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
SUMMER READING LIST
The Global Politics of Interreligious Dialogue:
Religious Change, Citizenship, and Solidarity in the Middle East
by Michael D. Driessen
Contextualizing Sectarianism in the Middle East and South Asia: Identity, Competition and Conflict
by Satgin Hamrah
Martyr!: A Novel
By Kaveh Akbar
Heroes to Hostages: America and Iran, 1800–1988
by Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet
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BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
SUMMER READING LIST
The Global Politics of Interreligious Dialogue:
Religious Change, Citizenship, and Solidarity in the Middle East
by Michael D. Driessen
Contextualizing Sectarianism in the Middle East and South Asia: Identity, Competition and Conflict
by Satgin Hamrah
Martyr!: A Novel
By Kaveh Akbar
Heroes to Hostages: America and Iran, 1800–1988
by Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet
15
CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Make sure to follow the Baskerville Institute on our social media to stay up to date with world news, our events, and what we are working on!
Follow Us On:
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CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Make sure to follow the Baskerville Institute on our social media to stay up to date with world news, our events, and what we are working on!
Follow Us On:
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DONATE
Your tax-deductible donation to the Baskerville Institute will help us build bridges between Americans and Iranians. Support our Baskerville Digital Friendship program, you can help to ensure that future generations of students from both countries have the opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures and histories and to build relationships that will last a lifetime. Education is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building understanding between cultures.
Send your check to this address: 350 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, Suite #407
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DONATE
Your tax-deductible donation to the Baskerville Institute will help us build bridges between Americans and Iranians. Support our Baskerville Digital Friendship program, you can help to ensure that future generations of students from both countries have the opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures and histories and to build relationships that will last a lifetime. Education is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building understanding between cultures.
Send your check to this address: 350 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, Suite #407
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THE BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
Transforming Friendships Across Borders into Engines of Prosperity and Goodwill
The Baskerville Institute is dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and strengthening the bond of friendship between the people of Iran and the people of the United States. By recognizing and incorporating the critical role of people-to-people friendship between Americans and Iranians, we can open the doors for conversations and collaborations that go beyond the state level. With over a century of friendship between them, this history of friendship provides an opportunity to constructively re-imagine, rebuild, and foster bridges to deepen understanding and connections.
The cultural connections between the United States and Iran run deep. Howard C. Baskerville, who sacrificed his life for Iranian constitutionalism in 1909, bestowed to posterity a model of friendship that is relevant today because it provides an alternative to the mutual satanization and perpetual conflict that has defined U.S.-Iran relations since 1979.
The Baskerville Institute builds on its namesake’s legacy to promote understanding and respect between Americans and Iranians. It runs a lecture/webinar series, hosts a digital archive, supports research fellows and student interns, publishes a newsletter and translation projects, organizes cultural exhibitions and educational programs, and otherwise facilitates bridge-building between Americans and Iranians. The non-profit Baskerville Institute is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and draws on the experiences and expertise of individuals around the United States and across the world.
Newsletter designed and edited by Delara Hosseini (dhosseini@baskervilleinstitute.org)
THE BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE
Transforming Friendships Across Borders into Engines of Prosperity and Goodwill
The Baskerville Institute is dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and strengthening the bond of friendship between the people of Iran and the people of the United States. By recognizing and incorporating the critical role of people-to-people friendship between Americans and Iranians, we can open the doors for conversations and collaborations that go beyond the state level. With over a century of friendship between them, this history of friendship provides an opportunity to constructively re-imagine, rebuild, and foster bridges to deepen understanding and connections.
The cultural connections between the United States and Iran run deep. Howard C. Baskerville, who sacrificed his life for Iranian constitutionalism in 1909, bestowed to posterity a model of friendship that is relevant today because it provides an alternative to the mutual satanization and perpetual conflict that has defined U.S.-Iran relations since 1979.
The Baskerville Institute builds on its namesake’s legacy to promote understanding and respect between Americans and Iranians. It runs a lecture/webinar series, hosts a digital archive, supports research fellows and student interns, publishes a newsletter and translation projects, organizes cultural exhibitions and educational programs, and otherwise facilitates bridge-building between Americans and Iranians. The non-profit Baskerville Institute is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and draws on the experiences and expertise of individuals around the United States and across the world.
Newsletter designed and edited by Delara Hosseini (dhosseini@baskervilleinstitute.org)