English

Join us at SOAS for a free discussion with author Mattin Biglari about his book *Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran* (2025). ***Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran: Labour, Decolonisation and Colonial Modernity, 1933–51* by Mattin Biglari** Iran’s nationalisation of oil in 1951 was a key catalyst for the rise of resource nationalism as an animating force of global decolonisation, expelling the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC, now known as BP) after nearly fifty years of domination in southwest Iran. *Nationalising Oil & Knowledge in Iran* turns attention to the origins of nationalisation in the everyday struggles between the oil company and subaltern actors in the city of Abadan, then home to the world’s largest oil refinery and deeply imbricated in networks of colonialism and racial capitalism. Engaging with energy history, postcolonial/subaltern studies, and science & technology studies, the book focuses on the politics of expertise: how nationalisation reproduced the epistemic coloniality of the oil company, which rested on local dispossession, social engineering, as well as racial and gendered segregation. It argues that nationalisation diverged from subaltern contestations of oil expertise in Abadan, which presented a more fundamental challenge to colonial modernity. Reservation details: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch%0A%0A) After the two-hour discussion, we’ll hang around for a chit chat. Are you interested in reading world fiction and non-fiction in English, Spanish and French? Join my other groups: -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/gaia-livres -French Art Group (send me a request) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

***"The spectacle is the existing order’s uninterrupted discourse about itself, its laudatory monologue. It is the self-portrait of power in the epoch of its totalitarian management of the conditions of existence. The fetishistic, purely objective appearance of spectacular relations conceals the fact that they are relations among men and classes: a second nature with its fatal laws seems to dominate our environment."*** **\- Guy Debord\, *The Society of the Spectacle*** Welcome back readers! By popular request, we're bringing back (for a new generation of LMRG readers) an old favourite: the always-relevant Guy Debord and his masterful *Society of the Spectacle*. We'll kick off with the first three chapters. Find the next here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Often maligned as theorymaxxed nonsense but little-read, this slim volume is certainly dense with ideas - all of which carry as much relevance today as those half-forgotten postwar years when the Situationist International made its mark on the world, if not more. With the rise of the Internet and social media, the decline of literacy and the closing of the mass mind, the endless doom-loop of doomscrolling and bed-rotting, increasingly performative protest, the commodification of everything, the Epstein-approved culture war, and the theatre of spectacular cruelty that is imperialist colonial policy from Gaza to Venezuela, we really are living an age where everything that was once directly participated in has passed into representation. Every hand-grip one searches for to get some kind of grasp on the world seems to be a mirage; "participation" in anything, from politics to culture, has been reduced to fandom - limited to nothing more than expressing approval or disapproval through totally mediated social media platforms. Above it all stands an utterly corrupt, irresponsible elite class more and more transparent in how it relishes in conspiratorial play, power-games with unlimited stakes for us and no consequences for them. Such a world where power wears a shit-eating grin and keeps us off our balance by endlessly[ "flooding the zone"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_the_zone) (in Steve Bannon's terms) with distractions so intricate they short-circuit the collective brain is exactly what Debord not only predicted but described in frightening detail, with more than a little bit of humour. So let's dig in and find out: just what can we do to unplug from the spectacle? Is the spectacle even un-plug-from-able? Debord haters, cope and seethe: as a much more orthodox Marxist than he ever gets credit for, there really are some strategies in here. We just need to be creative. Take care and happy reading!

**Hello there!** Our Face-to-Face Afternoon Classes are back this March in London! Are you learning English as a second language and looking for an opportunity to practise your English? Interested in **free, in-person classes**? We’ve got you covered! Here at **Stafford House,** our teachers-in-training are gaining hands-on experience by teaching enthusiastic English learners. Each lesson is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, meet other learners, and improve your English along the way. We also offer **free online English classes (London and Canterbury)**. Check out our other events for more information! Please see the **updated** details below! 🕑 **When:** From **2nd March - 26th March (4 weeks)** ➡️Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ➡️Fridays 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 📍 **Where:** Stafford House London, 2 Southampton Place, WC1A 2DA (just 2 minutes from Holborn Station) 📚 **Level: Both levels available** **\- Pre\-Intermediate \(A2\-B1\)** **\- Upper\-Intermediate \(B2\)** Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive **15- 30 minutes early** to secure your spot. We will ask for your name and email upon arrival. *Please note: confirming attendance on Meetup does not guarantee a place in the classroom.* **Please note that class times or dates may occasionally change due to the nature of the course. If this happens, we will inform you by email.** We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Got Questions? send us an email at [teachertraining@staffordhouse.com](mailto:teachertraining@staffordhouse.com)

**This is a ticketed event for £10, purchases available at [eventbrite here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/philosophies-of-east-west-first-evening-tickets-1982072570414?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1ynpvct%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AOTQxMTAzNjU3LjE3Njk3ODM4NTk.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3Njk4NzEwNzckbzMkZzEkdDE3Njk4NzE5NTMkajQ5JGwwJGgw).** Philosophy means the love of wisdom, and being a philosopher essentially means having an active attitude and awareness towards life. We are all born philosophers, with a natural need to ask questions and with the intuition that there are answers to be found. Every civilisation has tried to pass on its wisdom, leaving us a vast heritage of useful knowledge and experiences to rediscover. Explore the timeless ideas that have inspired and guided humanity throughout history and their relevance and practical application for our lives. This first evening can be attended for £10 as a standalone introduction to **Philosophies of East & West** however if you are interested in learning more about the full 18-week course and applying, please visit [philosophiesofeastandwest.org](https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/ "https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/")

Free English Classes for Women only with Créche. You are welcome to bring your children! **9:30am: doors open** **10:00am: Class starts** **10:30am: door closes** **11:30am: Class finishes** **11:30am: Créche closes** Optional: **Coffee and cake 11:30am to 12:30** Further details: www.freeenglishclasses.org

More Infro and Sign: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-insight-to-impact-womens-health-design-jam-manchester-tickets-1982205961390?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Improve your Spanish/English with a bunch of friendly people over a pint! ¡Puedes mejorar tù Español/Ingles con un grupo de personas amables con una bebida!

Improve your Mandarin and English while making new friends! Join [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.co.uk) at the [Jackalope](https://jackalopelondon.com/) in Marylebone - appropriately situated above a Chinese restaurant, [Liu Xiao Mian](https://www.liu-xiaomian.com/). All levels welcome - these are **very casual** meetups where you're welcome to mingle until finding suitable language partners Pop down for noodles or stay outside in the lovely mews, but whatever you do, come ready to chat, make great new connections, and push your language learning forward 🤗🤗🤗 Feel free to bring anything you think will help facilitate language exchange! (games, flashcards) We often provide ice-breaker question sheets just in case you need some help 🤗🤗🤗 Let us know if you need some help mingling You're welcome to try our HSK Classes in Marylebone: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses) or our Saturday online HSK classes: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses) For more information please contact Harry@ManhattanMandarin.com, 07767260207) Since 2012, with a fantastic team of over 200 native and non-native Mandarin teachers in the US and UK, [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.com) knows what makes for fun and engaging communication between English and Chinese speakers!

**Are you a French speaker looking to practice your language skills in a beautiful outdoor setting?** Join us for a leisurely walk through the stunning Hampstead Heath. We'll chat in French, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the picturesque views. **What to expect:** * **French conversation:** Practice your language skills with fellow French speakers. * **Scenic walk:** Explore the beautiful Hampstead Heath. * **Friendly atmosphere:** Meet new people and make lasting friendships. **Please note:** * **Dress appropriately:** Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. * **Stay safe:** Be mindful of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines. **Respect the environment:** Please leave no trace. Please note that the number of attendees listed here might not reflect the actual number of participants, as the event is also advertised on other platforms. To help cover the costs of running the group and organising these events, we kindly request a small contribution. If you're on the guestlist, please disregard the "Paid/Unpaid" status. If you're on the guest list, your attendance is expected and your payment has been processed. If you couldn't attend the previous event and contacted me beforehand, you're automatically added to the next one. Otherwise, please let me know. Please note that **RSVPs close one day before the event**. **Looking forward to seeing you there!** The London French Language Group

``` Sind Sie Deutsch sprechend und möchten Ihre Sprachkenntnisse in einer wunderschönen Umgebung im Freien üben? Begleiten Sie uns auf einem gemütlichen Spaziergang durch die atemberaubende Hampstead Heath. Wir unterhalten uns auf Deutsch, genießen die frische Luft und die malerische Aussicht. Was Sie erwartet: . Deutsche Konversation: Üben Sie Ihre Sprachkenntnisse mit anderen Deutsch sprechenden Personen. . Malerische Wanderung: Erkunden Sie die wunderschöne Hampstead Heath. . Freundliche Atmosphäre: Lernen Sie neue Leute kennen und schließen Sie dauerhafte Freundschaften. Bitte beachten Sie: . Angemessene Kleidung: Tragen Sie bequeme Wanderschuhe und wettergerechte Kleidung. . Sicherheit: Sie sind für Ihre eigene Sicherheit und Ihr Eigentum verantwortlich. . Pünktlichkeit: Bitte kommen Sie pünktlich, da die Heath weitläufig ist. Respektieren Sie die Umwelt: Bitte hinterlassen Sie keine Spuren. . Wetter: Bei starkem Regen treffen wir uns in einem nahegelegenen Pub oder Café. Veranstaltungsdetails: Route: Wir gehen zum Kenwood House für eine Pause und kehren anschließend zur U-Bahn-Station zurück. . Bedenken Sie, dass wir nach Beginn der Wanderung schwer zu finden sind. Je nach Wetterlage kann sich unsere Route ändern. . WhatsApp-Gruppe: Einen Tag vor der Veranstaltung wird ein Link mit Live-Updates zum Veranstaltungsort veröffentlicht. . Ein kleiner Beitrag: Zur Deckung der Gruppenkosten wird eine kleine Gebühr erhoben. Bitte ignorieren Sie den Zahlungsstatus, wenn Sie auf der Teilnehmerliste stehen. Wenn Sie sich unwohl fühlen, bleiben Sie bitte zu Hause. Wir freuen uns darauf, Sie dort zu sehen! ``` Wir freuen uns auf Ihren Besuch! Die London German Language Group

**Hello there!** Our Face-to-Face Afternoon Classes are back this March in London! Are you learning English as a second language and looking for an opportunity to practise your English? Interested in **free, in-person classes**? We’ve got you covered! Here at **Stafford House,** our teachers-in-training are gaining hands-on experience by teaching enthusiastic English learners. Each lesson is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, meet other learners, and improve your English along the way. We also offer **free online English classes (London and Canterbury)**. Check out our other events for more information! Please see the **updated** details below! 🕑 **When:** From **2nd March - 26th March (4 weeks)** ➡️Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ➡️Fridays 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 📍 **Where:** Stafford House London, 2 Southampton Place, WC1A 2DA (just 2 minutes from Holborn Station) 📚 **Level: Both levels available** **\- Pre\-Intermediate \(A2\-B1\)** **\- Upper\-Intermediate \(B2\)** Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive **15- 30 minutes early** to secure your spot. We will ask for your name and email upon arrival. *Please note: confirming attendance on Meetup does not guarantee a place in the classroom.* **Please note that class times or dates may occasionally change due to the nature of the course. If this happens, we will inform you by email.** We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Got Questions? send us an email at [teachertraining@staffordhouse.com](mailto:teachertraining@staffordhouse.com)

An event for Dutch speakers who want to chat and make new friends in a friendly environment. Pop in and discuss your interests. For organisational purposes, please kindly change your reservation in case you can no longer attend.

French language film with English subtitles. Jodie Foster speaks fluent French, she speaks both French and English in this film so it's great that the Ciné Lumiere cinema at the Institut Français shows it in the original language with subtitles. I am excited to see this! I studied French for a while so I hope I'll understand a little bit. Book your own ticket (standard £14, concs £12): https://cinelumiere.savoysystems.co.uk/CineLumiere.dll/TSelectItems.waSelectItemsPrompt.TcsWebMenuItem_600.TcsWebTab_601.TcsPerformance_6613636.TcsSection_1928774 "When sophisticated psychiatrist Lilian Steiner (Jodie Foster) learns of the death of one of her patients, she is deeply troubled. Convinced it was murder, she sets out on an investigation that takes her across France. Rebecca Zlotowski’s latest film (Grand Central, An Easy Girl) combines the tension of a thriller with a sharp reflection on the place of psychoanalysis in today’s world. Jodie Foster brings depth and brilliance to Lilian in her first major French-language role in more than two decades." This was called a black comedy mystery thriller film ... with particular praise for Foster's performance, which earned her nominations for the César Award, and Lumière Award for Best Actress, becoming the first American to receive nominations in these categories in respective ceremonies. Screen Rant: "What begins as an off-kilter character portrait of a prickly intellectual comfortably slides into a murder mystery investigated by an amateur sleuth with a personal life more chaotic than the lives of the people she treats." Sony Pics Classics/YT: "A frisky, feminine, film noir about psychoanalysis and many other things…" Let's go for a drink afterwards to chat about the film. Please note there is an **attendance contribution of £3.40** which goes towards the yearly Meetup platform fee, and our organisers voluntary time, both necessary to keep this club alive and running! This fee will be split 50/50 between the host, Giselle, and the group organiser Dul, thank you. \*\*🔷**Blue Diamond Membership:** If you like this event, we encourage you to join our 🔷*Blue Diamond Membership*, for a symbolic £10/year towards making the club sustainable in the long run. This will give you some extra benefits beyond helping to keep the Club running, **including but not limited to waiving all Meetup / organisational fees set up per single event** until next Meetup's Fee renewal (September 2026). You can send us your Blue Diamond Member contribution via Revolut: [revolut.me/dulom](http://revolut.me/dulom) Or bank transfer to: Dulcinea Ortiz. 04-00-75 acct 07592035 Please include your Meetup name as reference. \-\-\- ⚠️No Show Policy : London European Club is run by dedicated volunteers, whose time is important and whose efforts towards keeping the Club active must be respected. If you don't show up to three events that you have RSVPed to, you will be banned from the Club. Changing your RSVP in the last 24 hours prior to the event is strongly discouraged.

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

This event is 2:30 - 4 pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."