UC Alumni Netherlands: The Power of Conflicting Perspectives by Kevin Pham

Join fellow UC alumni from across all campuses for an engaging afternoon of thought-provoking discussion and meaningful connection. This special event features a talk by Dr. Kevin Pham (BA UC Irvine, PhD UC Riverside), The Power of Conflicting Perspectives, followed by an interactive audience discussion and a relaxed networking reception. Whether you're hoping to exchange ideas, reconnect with old friends, or expand your professional circle, this event offers the perfect setting to do so. Your ticket includes drinks and light bites—so come join us for an afternoon of insight, community, and connection.

Run of Events:

2:00pm - Doors Open

2:15pm: Talk begins 

3:00pm - Networking Reception

4:30pm - Event Ends

This event will be moderated by Berna Idriz (BA UC Irvine).

Description 

Learning from conflicting perspectives on a country’s situation and history can be frustrating but fruitful. In this talk, Dr. Kevin Pham (UCI & UCR) will discuss how experiential learning programs within the University of California system—which gave him opportunities to travel with UC students to regions affected by conflict—influenced his recent book, The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization. His book showcases conflicting perspectives among Vietnamese thinkers in the 20th century for how the Vietnamese should strengthen themselves to stand up to French colonial domination, what the Vietnamese should do with their traditions given the influx of political and social ideas from the West, and how they should harness feelings of national shame to construct national dignity. Their answers offer surprising lessons for how we in the West can enhance our understanding of decolonization, shame, dignity, and cross-cultural engagement. The talk will be followed by a discussion with the audience and a reception where UC alumni can socialize and network.

Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at the University of Amsterdam. His first book,The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024) is the winner of the 2025 Ralph Bunche Award from the American Political Science Association. He was born in San Jose, California, and earned his BA at UC Irvine, his master’s at the University of Amsterdam, and his PhD at UC Riverside. He co-hosts two podcasts that make Vietnamese history accessible to a broad public: Nam Phong Dialogues and Viet History Makers. For more information, visit his website: www.kevindoanpham.com

This event is hosted by the UC Alumni Network of the Netherlands with support of the University of California Trust and Berkeley Club Netherlands.

Notes

Photography: Please note photography will take place at this event. Entry constitutes consent to such, and to any use, in any and all media. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us via the email below or speak to a member of staff on arrival to the event.

Code of Conduct: By attending a University of California Trust event, you are agreeing to comply with our code of conduct. To learn more, please visit here.

This event is subsidised by the UC Trust for alumni, students and friends of the University of California.

Questions? Contact us here.