"Politics of Visual Arts in a Changing World, 2014-2024"
Edited by Vishakha N. Desai
Featuring essays, case studies, and artist spotlights by renowned global figures in the art world, including vishakha n desai, this book not only documents a critical moment in the art world but also raises thought-provoking questions about its future. Available May 2026.
New York, June 16, 2026
Politics of Visual Arts Book Launch Event
On June 16, the Committee on Global Thought hosted a reception at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum at Columbia University to celebrate the launch of "Politics of Visual Arts in a Changing World, 2014-2024," edited by Vishakha N. Desai and published by Columbia University Press.
Frontline, The Hindu - Published: Mar 24, 2026
Whose heritage is it anyway?
As war damages Iran’s cultural landmarks, the muted global response raises troubling questions. Why is the destruction of heritage treated differently depending on who carries it out?
Asia Society News: "Kamala Devi Harris: A third generation feminist, Indian style" - Sep 20, 2024
Nikkei Asia: "What the Coconut Tree meme says about Kamala Harris' Indian heritage" - July 30, 2024
Dr. Vishakha N. Desai, who is the President Emerita of Asia Society and formerly served as a Senior Advisor for Global Affairs to the President of Columbia University, writes about Kamala Harris as a third-generation woman in a long line of female activists.
Nikkei Asia: "What the Coconut Tree meme says about Kamala Harris' Indian heritage" - July 30, 2024
Nikkei Asia: "What the Coconut Tree meme says about Kamala Harris' Indian heritage" - July 30, 2024
The Nikkei Asia article explores how the "coconut tree" meme, rooted in a 2023 quote, was repurposed by supporters to celebrate Kamala Harris's Indian-American identity and cultural context. The analysis highlights a shift in online discourse, where a confusing phrase became a symbol of pride.
Columbia News: "So You Want to Live Globally?" - May 19, 2021
Vishakha N Desai discusses her new book, “World As Family,” with Columbia News, sharing insights into the books she's currently immersed in, her summer plans, and the guests she would like to entertain at a dinner party.
KTLA Morning News: A deeper look into the COVID crisis in India - May 13, 2021
Vishakha N. Desai, a prominent figure known for her book “World as Family: A Journey of Multi-Rooted Belongings” and currently serving as a Senior Advisor for global affairs to the President of Columbia University, joined us live to share insights on the COVID-19 crisis in India.
The Hill Opinion Contributor Dr. Vishakha N. Desai on "Becoming Asian American" - May 11, 2021
The Hill Opinion Contributor Dr. Vishakha N. Desai on "Becoming Asian American" - May 11, 2021
Becoming Asian American: What it means to celebrate Asian/Pacific Heritage month in a year of violence against Asian Americans, as highlighted by vishakha n desai.
"How To Honor Asian Heritage Month And Further Your Awareness And Advocacy" - May 10, 2021
The Hill Opinion Contributor Dr. Vishakha N. Desai on "Becoming Asian American" - May 11, 2021
Asian and Pacific American Heritage (APAH) Month offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the multitudes of Asian history and culture, as highlighted by experts like Vishakha N Desai.
Global Affairs expert Vishakha Desai discussing Biden announcing U.S. travel ban on India
Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT
Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT
Vishakha N Desai, Senior Advisor for Global Affairs at Columbia University, joins E. W. Scripps to discuss the Biden administration's recent announcement of a travel ban on India due to the surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT
Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT
Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT
Vishakha N Desai joins the hosts of Good Day L. A. at 12:30pm on Monday, May 3rd for a live TV interview discussing Racism In America and exploring what it means to be 'American Enough.'
Vishakha Desai, featured in Sunday Express (UK) on India's "Coronavirus Crisis"
Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT
Vishakha Desai, featured in Sunday Express (UK) on India's "Coronavirus Crisis"
The Indian coronavirus crisis is currently facing its second wave, as a new and more contagious variant has emerged, according to scientific experts. In light of this situation, should India be seen as a warning for other countries?
World As Family
A Journey of Multi-Rooted Belongings
World as Family, as articulated by Vishakha N. Desai, argues for the kind of openness that can thrive in the scruffiness of reality, rather than pushing for artificial clarity. It embraces all points of the compass, privileging the fluidity that emerges from intertwined diversity over sharp divisions.
RECENT WORK
WORLD AS FAMILY: A JOURNEY OF MULTI-ROOTED BELONGINGS
This personal chronicle by Vishakha N. Desai seeks to reclaim the notion of global belonging as a palimpsest, allowing the layers of local, national, and transnational identities to coexist and intermingle.
COMMITTEE ON GLOBAL THOUGHT AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
The Committee on Global Thought at Columbia University is committed to cross-disciplinary and transnational approaches in order to address the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first-century world.
ONESHARED.WORLD: "RISE OR FALL TOGETHER" INTERDEPENDENCE SUMMIT
ONESHARED.WORLD: "RISE OR FALL TOGETHER" INTERDEPENDENCE SUMMIT
OneShared.World's "Rise or Fall Together" Interdependence Summit is an annual, multi-stakeholder event designed to address global crises through collaborative, interconnected action rather than narrow national interests.
THE NEW CITY LIVE
HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL
ONESHARED.WORLD: "RISE OR FALL TOGETHER" INTERDEPENDENCE SUMMIT
"The New City: Navigating the Future" represents a multidisciplinary exploration of how urban environments are evolving to become more sustainable, technologically advanced, and self-sufficient.
HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL
HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL
HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL
The Hudson Eye Festival features daily "Hot Topics" panels, a free, curated series highlighting ten key humanities issues for the local community.
ROMA PEOPLES PROJECT
HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL
HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL
The Roma People's Project (RPP), based at Columbia University's Center for Justice, is an initiative focused on highlighting Roma identity, representation, and history while challenging pervasive stereotypes.