PEN World Voices & Global Free Expression

The Brian Lehrer Show explores the return of the PEN World Voices Festival, now in its 20th year, amid ongoing debates over free expression and institutional accountability. Host Brian Lehrer welcomes Dinao Mengestu, PEN America’s new president and a MacArthur Fellow, and Clarice Rosasharif, one of two new co-CEOs, to discuss the organization’s recovery from a major controversy two years prior when dozens of writers boycotted the festival over PEN America’s perceived insufficient response to the humanitarian and cultural crisis in Gaza. The guests reflect on the complexity of balancing global free expression issues—especially in conflict zones—while maintaining a steadfast commitment to defending speech for all, including controversial or unpopular voices. They emphasize PEN America’s role in amplifying marginalized narratives, particularly from Palestine and other threatened regions, and highlight this year’s festival programming, including panels on Gaza’s cultural destruction, dystopian literature, the Holocaust, and the erosion of democracy. The episode also addresses recent political pressures on media, such as the Trump administration’s scrutiny of ABC over Jimmy Kimmel’s comedy, with PEN America urging resistance to government intimidation of free speech. The festival, accessible and free in many parts, offers a vibrant space for global literary dialogue and civic engagement. Key takeaways include: 1) PEN America is committed to defending free expression for all voices, even those that are controversial or offensive, as long as they don’t incite violence; 2) The Gaza crisis prompted a reckoning within PEN America, leading to deeper engagement with cultural destruction and Palestinian narratives; 3) Literature and storytelling are essential tools for resisting authoritarianism and fostering democratic resilience; 4) Cultural institutions must stand firm against political pressure to maintain First Amendment integrity; 5) The World Voices Festival remains a unique, accessible platform for global literary exchange and public conversation. The tone is cautiously optimistic and deeply engaged, reflecting a belief in the power of stories to heal and challenge.