Explanation: In the lectures, Napoleon’s Egypt expedition is presented as a catalyst for Orientalist knowledge production (scholars, reports, classifications) and for a “modernizing/civilizing” project directed at the Orient—beyond the purely military campaign. (Lecture/Reading: Ram, Squaring the Circle; also connected to Guba de Sacy and the myth of the Hashishin.)

Explanation: In the lectures, Napoleon’s Egypt expedition is presented as a catalyst for Orientalist knowledge production (scholars, reports, classifications) and for a “modernizing/civilizing” project directed at the Orient—beyond the purely military campaign. (Lecture/Reading: Ram, Squaring the Circle; also connected to Guba de Sacy and the myth of the Hashishin.)