Ian Buruma
(The Hague, NL, 1951) is a sinologist, japanologist, journalist and writer. Asian culture, democracy, religion, politics, Islamic fundamentalism, and the aftermath of World War II are returning subjects in his vast body of work. His essays have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, NRC and The New York Review of Books. Buruma grew up in The Hague, the child of a British mother and a Dutch father. His book Their Promised Land: My grandparents in times of love and war tells the story of his London-born, German-Jewish grandparents. He has been a professor of democracy, human rights and journalism in New York since 2003. He received the Erasmus Prize in 2008.
Past events
Thinking Beyond the State
Is the state capable of coping with globalization? Ian Buruma spoke with American-Mexican author Jennifer Clement and writer David Van Reybrouck.
IS: The Horror Show
How should one analyze staged and theatrically planned murderous acts? What is the relationship between IS's bombastic horror-pathos and the fascist European propaganda of the 1930s? A late night show with conversations, a reading and music.
This Is Not America (Part 2)
The choice of Trump is seen primarily as a protest by citizens against the political elite, and a sign of broad discontent among the American public. Is the USA our role model?
This Is Not America (part 1)
A late-night show about the United States of America that touches on many issues, from the shrinking middle class to the differences between whites and blacks, from hopeful new immigrants to the embittered white underclass. The America of the supporters of President Trump.
Ian Buruma Introduces Witold Szabłowski
A conversation about the importance of investigative journalism, and the rise of literary non-fiction. Witold Szabłowski is an award-winning Polish "literary" journalist and Ian Buruma is internationally acclaimed as one of the most influential thinkers of our time.
At the Home Front
Ian Buruma wrote Year Zero: A History of 1945, about the aftermath of WWII. Stefan Hertman's War and Turpentine describes World War I through the eyes of his grandfather. Both authors used the experiences of a family member as motivation to delve into world history. Louise O. Fresco starts off the program with a commentary.
Talking to the writers: Ian Buruma and Geling Yan
Join the regulars' table. We listen to their favourite music, and talk to them. Don't forget to have your books autographed. English and Dutch.
The great estrangement: East-West 1945-1950
Ian Buruma and Ad van Liempt talk to Godfried van Run about a crucial episode in our history: 1945-1950. The Indonesian Linda Christanty begins with her view on that period in which Indonesia broke away from the Netherlands. In Dutch.
Don't mention the War: China and Japan
How do we look back on the role of China and Japan in WO II? China and Japan expert Ian Buruma and the Chinese writer Geling Yan talk to Mathijs Deen about coping with war traumas, using film extracts. In English.
Writers and film: Ian Buruma
Writer Ian Buruma discusses his selection of extracts from war films with Paul van der Gaag (VPRO's OVT). With among others extracts from Apocalypse Now and Throne of Blood. In Dutch.
In search of pure Islam
Joris Luyendijk speaks with journalist Rachida Azough, writer Ian Buruma and the Moroccan/Dutch writer Fouad Laroui on Laroui's book On Islamism. Dutch spoken.
