Great Decisions Program Winter 2010
DATE: Monday, Feb 1, 2010 at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Russia and Its Neighbors
SPEAKER: Dr. Yana Pitner, a native of Russia, now serving as an adjunct professor of history and political science at UNCA.
DATE: Monday, Feb 8, 2010 at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: The Global Financial Crisis
SPEAKER: Dr Baarbara Boerner, Associate Professor of Business & Organizational Leadership at Brevard College.
DATE: Monday, Feb 15, 2010 at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: The Persian Gulf
SPEAKER: Dr. Larry Wilson, past President of Marietta College in Ohio, interim president of UNC-A, founder and Provost of Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates.
DATE: Monday, Feb2, 2010 at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: U.S./China Security Relations
SPEAKER: Dr Jim Lenburg, emeritus professor of History at Mars Hill College. He has taught in Chinese Universities and led academic tours to the continent.
DATE: Monday, Mar 1, 2010 at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Kenya and The Requirement to Protect
SPEAKER: Ambassador Peter Chaveas has had careers in both the diplomatic and military arenas. He is former Ambassador to Sierra Leone and Malawi.
DATE: Monday, Mar 8, 2010 at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Preventing Genocide
SPEAKER: Dr. Paul Magnarella is the Director of Peace and Justice Studies at Warren Wilson College, publishing widely on human rights and international justice.
General Program Spring 2010
DATE: Monday, Apr 5, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Moldova World Children's Fund
SPEAKER: Mr. Ray F. West, former Naval officer and the founder of the Moldova World Children's Fund. He currently serves as MWCF's president.
DATE: Monday, May 3, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: The Politics of the World Cup
SPEAKER: Dr. Volker Frank, Chairman of the Sociology Department at UNCA. He not only plays the game but is a student of it.
World Affairs Program Fall 2009
DATE: Monday, Sep 14, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Mexico Today: The Realities of the Economy, Drug Cartels, and Swine Flu"
SPEAKER: Dr. Phyllis Smith, Professor of History, Chair of the Faculty, Mars Hill College
DATE: Monday, Oct 5, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "What happens when your oppressors are next door neighbor: a story of the Kurds and Kurdistan."
SPEAKER: Mr. Kani Xulam, Founder and Director of American Kurdish Information Network, Washington, DC
DATE: Monday, Nov 2, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Obama's Foreign Policy: Nine Month's Out"
SPEAKER: Panel discussion focusing on the first months of Barack Obama's administration: an assessment. Samer Traboulsi - Overview; Larry Wilson - Middle East; Jim Lenburg - China; Lucia Carter - EU
DATE: Monday, Dec 7, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "US and Pakistan, Uneasy Allies"
SPEAKER: Ambassador Dennis Kux, Senior Policy Scholar, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, DC
Great Decisions Program Winter 2009
DATE: Feb 2, 2009 at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00pm)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Egypt in the 21st Century
SPEAKER: Dr. Samer Traboulsi, Assistant Professor of History. UNCA
DATE: Feb 9, 2009 at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00 p.m.)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: The United States and the Rising Powers
SPEAKER: Dr. George Peery, Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, Mars Hill College
DATE: Feb 16, 2009 at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00 p.m.)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Global Food Supply
SPEAKER: Dr. Gerald Voos, Associate Director of the Master of Liberal Arts Program, UNCA
DATE: Feb 23, 20089 at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00 p.m.)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Afghanistan and Pakistan
SPEAKER: Dr. Tom Sanders, Retired University Professor and Instructor, the College for Seniors, UNCA
DATE: Mar 2, 2009 at 07:30 p.m. (canceled)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Universal Human Rights?
SPEAKER: Dr. Mark Gibney, Belk Professor of Political Science, UNCA
DATE: Mar 16, 2009 at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00 p.m.)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Cuba (1959-2009): Culture, Nation and Revolution
SPEAKER: Dr. Elena Adell, Assistant Professor of Foreign Language, UNCA
DATE: Mar 18, 2009 at 07:30 p.m. (rescheduled)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Universal Human Rights?
SPEAKER: Dr. Mark Gibney, Belk Professor of Political Science, UNCA
Spring 2009
DATE: Monday, Apr 6, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Nuclear Arms and Energy
SPEAKER: Leah Karpen led a discussion on the general topic of nuclear arms and energy.
DATE: Monday, May 4, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Turkey
SPEAKER: Dr. Paul Magnarella presented a program on contemporary Turkey.
World Affairs Program Fall 2008
DATE: Monday, Sep 15, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Acts of Conscience"
SPEAKER: Marc Garlasco, Human Rights Watch
DATE: Monday, Oct 6, at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00pm)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Building Peace at Home and Abroad: Commentary from an International Peacebuilder"
SPEAKER: Paula Green, International Conflict Mediator, Karuna Center for Peacebuilding
DATE: Monday, Nov 10, at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00pm)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: panel discussion on "The Implications for American Foreign Relations on the Election of ? on November 4"
SPEAKER: moderated by Dr. George Peery, Professor of Political Science, retired, Mars Hill College
DATE: Monday, Dec 1, at 07:30 p.m. (preceded by refreshments at 7:00pm)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "The State of the World's Health: The Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis from a Doctor's Perspective"
SPEAKER: Dr. Jeff Heck, MAHEC
Great Decisions Program Winter 2008
DATE: Monday, February 4, at 04:30 p.m. (refreshments at 04:00 p.m.)
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: The Iraq End Game
SPEAKER: Dr. Samer Traboulsi, Assistant Professor of History, UNCA
DATE: Monday, February 11, at 04:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: The European Union at 50
SPEAKER: Dr. Linda Cornett, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the International Studies Program UNCA
DATE: Monday, February 18, at 04:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Privatization and Philanthropy in U.S. Foreign Affairs
SPEAKER: Dr. Marc Mullinax, Associate Professor of Religion, Mars Hill College
DATE: Monday, February 25, at 04:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: U.S.-China Trade Policy
SPEAKER: Dr. Jim Lenburg, President of the World Affairs Council of WNC and Professor of History, Emeritus, Mars Hill College
DATE: Monday, March 3, at 04:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Talking to Our Enemies
SPEAKER: Mr. Marshall McCallie, retired diplomat (South Africa and Namibia) and professor (Army War College)
DATE: Monday, March 10, at 04:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Russia and Putin
SPEAKER: Dr. David Dorondo, Associate Professor of History, Western Carolina University
World Affairs Program Fall 2007
DATE: Monday, September 10, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Is Objective Journalism Possible? The Case of Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel."
SPEAKER: Dr. Mohammed el-Nawawy, Queens University
DATE: Monday, October 1, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: The leftist challenge to American interests in Latin America.
SPEAKER: Dr. Alvis Dunn, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
DATE: Monday, November 12, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: A comparison of developments in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
SPEAKER: Dr. Nyaga Mwaniki, Western Carolina University
DATE: Monday, December 3, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Owen Conference Center, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Global economy 101, explaining and understanding the nature of globalization.
SPEAKER: Dr. Jeff Konz, University of North Carolina at Asheville
Great Decisions Winter 2007
DATE: Tuesday, February 6, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Haiti's Children and the Right to Good Health"
SPEAKER: Tom Plaut, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Mars Hill College
DATE: Tuesday, February 13, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Rethinking Middle East Policy"
SPEAKER: Tom Sanders, PhD, Retired after a career as university professor and Associate of Universities Field Staff International
DATE: Tuesday, February 20, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "South Africa: Old Problems, Peaceful Transition, and New Challenges"
SPEAKER: Afaf Omer, PhD, Africana Studies Program Director, UNCA
DATE: Tuesday, February 27, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "War Crimes and International Tribunals"
SPEAKER: Paul J. Magnarella, PhD, JD, Director of Peace and Justice Studies, Warren Wilson College
DATE: Tuesday, March 6, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "The Trials of Mexico"
SPEAKER: Manuel Palma, former director of Na Bolom Cultural Center in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
DATE: Tuesday, March 13, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Can the UN Tackle Climate Change (With or Without the U.S.)?"
SPEAKER: Lenny Bernstein, PhD, L.S. Bernstein & Associates, an environmental consulting company; UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Convening Lead Author for the Fourth Assessment Report
Spring 2007
DATE: Tuesday, Apr 3, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Laurel Forum in Karpen Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "The Middle East: Is Peace Possible?"
SPEAKER: Mitchell Krauss retired from CBS News after a long career in radio and television. For many years he was Middle East Correspondent and covered events such as the implementation of the Egyptian/Israeli Peace Agreement and the Iran Iraq War.
DATE: Tuesday, May 1, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "What Would It Take to Achieve Rapprochement with Iran?"
SPEAKER: Ambassador Bruce Laingen, highest ranking American diplomat in Iran during the hostage crisis.
World Affairs Program Fall 2006
DATE: Tuesday, September 12, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "A Theory of Foreign Policy"
SPEAKER: Glenn Palmer, Department of Political Science, The Pennsylvania State University
DATE: Tuesday, October 10, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Highsmith University Center, Alumni Hall, Room 159 (click for map)
TOPIC: "United States/China Relations: Prospects and Problems"
SPEAKER: Eugene Martin of the U.S. Institute for Peace and a former Deputy Ambassador at the American Embassy in Beijing
DATE: Tuesday, November 14, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Terrorism"
SPEAKER: Peter Probst, Institute on the Study of Political Violence
DATE: Tuesday, December 12, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Humanities Lecture Hall, UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "Global Energy Security"
SPEAKER: Ann Corin, Institute of Global Security
Great Decisions Winter 2006
DATE: Tuesday, February 14, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Turkey
SPEAKER: Tom Sanders, a popular lecturer at College for Seniors and expert in middle eastern countries and cultures
DATE: Tuesday, February 21, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Iran
SPEAKER: Mary Lasher, another popular lecturer at College for Seniors whose interests include both domestic and Middle Eastern topics
DATE: Tuesday, February 28, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Alternative Energy Sources
SPEAKER: Dot Sulock, a Lecturer in Mathematics at UNCA and a frequent speaker to local and national groups on nuclear issues
DATE: Tuesday, March 7, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: India
SPEAKER: Gautam Bambawale, Minister (Political) and Head of the Political Wing of the Embassy of India, Washington, DC
DATE: Tuesday, March 14, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Human Rights in a Time of Terrorism
SPEAKER: Mark Gibney, Belk Professor at UNCA and an expert on international ethical and human rights issues
DATE: Tuesday, March 21, at 07:30 p.m. Asheville only
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Israel
SPEAKER: Robert Deutsch, a local expert on Israeli affairs
World Affairs Program Spring 2006
Special Event: First annual Barbara Chisolm Memorial Lecture
DATE: Tuesday, January 31, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "The Current State of the Middle East"
SPEAKER: Sir Eldon Griffiths, a cabinet member during the Margaret Thatcher government of the United Kingdom.
DATE: Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: A presentation on global pandemics
SPEAKER: Christina Simeonsson, MD, head of Epidemiology section of the NC State Department of Health
DATE: Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "The Democratic Process in Lebanon: Hopes and Obstacles"
SPEAKER: Dr. Samer Traboulsi, Assistant Professor, Dept. of History, UNCA
World Affairs Program Fall 2005
DATE: Tuesday, September 13, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Panel Discussion: "Reforming the U.N.: how, why and what is being proposed."
SPEAKER: Moderator Cleve Mathews, retired journalist and Professor Emeritus at Syracuse University, with Jerome Jones, Brig. Gen. US Air Force, Ret, and David Johnson, PhD, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee
DATE: Tuesday, October 11, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "So Much Growth Yet So Few Jobs: How globalization has shaped this recovery and impacted employment throughout the Carolinas."
SPEAKER: Mark Vitner, senior economist of Wachovia Corporation
Special Event (hosted by WNC UN Association and co-sponsored by WAC WNC - $5 per person)
DATE: Saturday, October 22, at 09:30 a.m. (click for details)
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "UN Reforms: Will They Work? Are They Adequate?"
SPEAKER: John Gershman, Director, Global Affairs program of the International Relations Center and Co-Director of Foreign Policy in Focus (click for details)
DATE: Tuesday, November 8, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "China's Emergence as a World Power."
SPEAKER: L.J. Lenburg, PhD, professor at Mars Hill College
DATE: Tuesday, December 13, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: "European Union Enlargement: Competing Visions, Clashing Realities"
SPEAKER: Robert C. Tatum, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, UNCA; Lilian Fischer, PhD, Investment Management Analyst, Fischer Financial Architects, formerly Associate Professor, University of Virginia
World Affairs Spring Program 2005
DATE: Tuesday, April 19, Reception 05:30 to 07:30 ($25 donation; click here for details); Presentation 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Transatlantic Tensions and Global Security. The Middle East is a major challenge for both the United States and Europe. American and European political leaders call frequently for a common agenda towards this region, yet there are deep transatlantic differences concerning the best course of action in dealing with Iraq, Lebanon, Iran and, of course, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
SPEAKER: Mr. Craig Kennedy, president of the German Marshall fund of the United States
DATE: Tuesday, May 10, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Immigration: Impact On WNC and The Country. This program will address the issue of immigration and how it affects both Western North Carolina and the US as a whole, including national policies, the impact on security as well as emergency, medical and educational facilities, and how immigration fits into the global experience.
SPEAKER: A panel discussion on immigration with panelists representing the media, government, local schools, medical services and immigrants.
Great Decisions 2005
DATE: Monday, February 7, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: China: Challenges Ahead: China is increasingly influential globally, but continues to face obstacles at home. As China's record economic growth continues, the country must still contend with a growing gap between rich and poor, devastating pollution and resource shortages. What strategies can China adopt to sustain its economy while meeting the needs of its people?
SPEAKER: Dr. Marc Mullinax, Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Mars Hill College (MA East Asian History)
DATE: Monday, February 14, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Genocide, Sudan's crisis in Darfur: The conflict in Sudan's Darfur region has drawn the world's attention because of the humanitarian crisis it has spawned. What role will the international community take in resolving the Darfur crisis? What role should the U.S. play?
SPEAKER: Dr. Mark Gibney, Belk Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina-Asheville
DATE: Monday, February 21, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Global Water Issues: Scarcity of water in many regions creates problems and conflict for large numbers of the world's population. What policies should be adopted to ensure water quality? What international actors or governments will make the greatest impact on improving water governance?
SPEAKER: Dr. Dee Eggers, assistant professor, Environmental Studies Department, University of North Carolina-Asheville
DATE: Monday, February 28, at 07:30 p.m. Cancelled (Asheville location only)
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Russia: Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has been shaping its image as a power in Europe and Asia. Putin, in turn, is reshaping Russia by centralizing authority within the federal government. Are Putin's reforms a step backward for Russian democracy? How will Russia overcome the real challenges of terrorism and a struggling economy?
SPEAKER: Dr. David Dorondo, Associate Professor of History, Western Carolina University
DATE: Monday, March 7, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Global Poverty Gap: The promise of globalization is that it will benefit poor countries through trade and close the poverty gap. Critics have argued that high debt owed by poor countries to rich countries has widened the gap between these countries. What can be done to narrow the global poverty gap?
SPEAKER: Dr. Linda Cornett, Assistant Professor, Political Science Department, and Director of International Studies, University of North Carolina-Asheville
DATE: Monday, March 14, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Outsourcing Jobs: Outsourcing has been characterized as a threat to American jobs and companies by some, while others claim it is necessary to stimulate overall economic growth. What effects does outsourcing really have on economies that are sending jobs overseas? How does outsourcing affect economies that are receiving the influx of jobs?
SPEAKER: Dr. George Yates, Associate Professor Emeritus, Management and Accountancy Department, The University of North Carolina at Asheville
DATE: Monday, February 28, at 07:30 p.m. Rescheduled (Asheville location only)
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA (click for map)
TOPIC: Russia: Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has been shaping its image as a power in Europe and Asia. Putin, in turn, is reshaping Russia by centralizing authority within the federal government. Are Putin's reforms a step backward for Russian democracy? How will Russia overcome the real challenges of terrorism and a struggling economy?
SPEAKER: Dr. David Dorondo, Associate Professor of History, Western Carolina University
World Affairs Fall Program 2004
DATE: September 13, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: Flashpoints and Shifting Sands: the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict in 2004 (click here for expanded description).
SPEAKER: Dr. Walter Ziffer (click here for bio) and Ahmad Amara (click here for bio).
SUGGESTED READING LIST: Click here.
DATE: September 22, at 11:30am
PLACE: Jerusalem Garden Café
SPECIAL EVENT: Informal luncheon and discussion of the Israeli Palestinian conflict (click here for details)
DATE: October 11, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: Debate: US Foreign Policy - The Democratic and Republican Perspectives
SPEAKER: Dr. Mark Gibney, Belk Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, University of North Carolina-Asheville (Democratic perspective) (click here for bio); Dr. William Forstchen, Department of Social Sciences, Montreat College (Republican perspective) (click here for bio); Dr. Linda Cornett, Director of International Studies, University of North Carolina-Asheville (moderator).
DATE: October 21, 6:00 to 8:00pm
PLACE: Greenlife Grocery on Merrimon Ave
SPECIAL EVENT: Global beer tasting featuring brews from Asheville to Europe and Asia (click here for details)
DATE: November 8, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: The Future of Korea
SPEAKER: Three person panel consisting of one representative each from the Korean Embassy, the US State Department or another Washington-based foreign affairs organization, and the Korean Economic Institute. The panel will address all aspects of U.S.-Korean relations and the situation on the Korean peninsula including political, economic, and security issues.
DATE: November 17, from 6 to 8 pm
PLACE: Glass House, Ramsey Library
SPECIAL EVENT: Campus-community international potluck (click here for details)
DATE: December 13, at 07:30 p.m.
PLACE: Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: The Impact of Religion in Nation Building and Foreign Policy
SPEAKER: Dr. Marc Mullinax, Department of Religion and Philosophy, Mars Hill College (click here for bio)
Great Decisions 2004
DATE: Monday, February 2, at 07:30 p.m. Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: Weapons of Mass Destruction: What are the Real Threats?
SPEAKER: Brigadier General Jerome Jones, U.S. Air Force (ret), current board member, World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina
DATE: Monday, February 9, at 07:30 p.m. Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: The United States and Europe
SPEAKER: Mr. Ralph Lambert, Citibank (ret.), current board member, World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina
DATE: Monday, February 16, at 07:30 p.m. Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: Reform in the Middle East: Is democracy in the future? What will be the impact of Iraq?
SPEAKER: Dr. Tom Sanders, past president of the World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina
DATE: Monday, February 23, at 07:30 p.m. Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: Public Diplomacy: How can Americans become more engaged in foreign policy? How can the U.S. reach citizens in other countries?
SPEAKER: Dr. George Peery, Professor of Political Science, Mars Hill College
DATE: Monday, March 1, at 07:30 p.m. Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: The Media and Foreign Policy
SPEAKER: Mr. Watson Sims, former Foreign Correspondent and Editor of World Services for the Associated Press (click here for bio).
DATE: Monday, March 8, at 07:30 p.m. Reuter Center (lower level), UNCA
TOPIC: Diversity in Islam
SPEAKER: Dr. Kathy Meacham, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Mars Hill College
World Affairs Spring Program 2004
DATE: March 25, at 07:30 p.m. Owen Conference Center , UNCA Campus
TOPIC: The North Korean Crisis: How it Began, Where it Stands, Future Prospects
SPEAKER: Mr. Don Oberdorfer, Journalist-in-Residence at Johns Hopkins University's Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. and author of The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History
DATE: April 19, at 07:30 p.m. Owen Conference Center , UNCA Campus
TOPIC: Conflict in the Congo in Historical Perspective
SPEAKER: Dr. Guy Martin, adjunct visiting professor of political science at the University of North Carolina at Asheville
World Affairs Fall Program 2003
DATE: September 8, at 07:30 p.m. (Social Hour: 06:30 p.m.) Owen Conference Center , UNCA Campus
TOPIC: The West in the World: An Unlikely Ascent, 1500-2003
SPEAKER: Dr. William Spellman, Dean of Humanities at UNCA
DATE: October 11, at 07:30 p.m. Owen Conference Center , UNCA Campus
TOPIC: The World Bank and Development: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
SPEAKER: Mr. John Donaldson, Advisor, U.S. Affairs, The World Bank Group
DATE: November 10, at 07:30 p.m. Owen Conference Center , UNCA Campus
TOPIC: Nuclear Weapons from a South Asian Perspective
SPEAKER: Dr. Arjun Makhijani, President, Institute for Energy and Environmental Research
DATE: December 1, at 07:30 p.m. Owen Conference Center , UNCA Campus
TOPIC: Taiwan Cross Strait Relations and the Implications for US regional interests
SPEAKER: Mr. C.J. Chen, Representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S.
Great Decisions 2003
DATE: February 3, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Women and Human Rights" What standards should govern how countries treat women and allow for the full participation of women in education, business and politics?
SPEAKER: Professor Phyllis Smith, Departments of History and Womens Studies, Mars Hill College
DATE: February 10, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Afghanistan" Will the fledgling Afghan government be able to rebuild the country or will it fall victim to the internal conflicts that precipitated the previous civil war?
SPEAKER: Professor Bill Forstchen, Department of History, Montreat College
DATE: February 17, at 07:30 p.m. Postponed to March 17 due to icy conditions.
DATE: February 24, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Unilateralism vs. Multilateralism" U.S foreign policy makers are faced with significant choices in the areas of diplomacy, development and security. What is the future direction of U.S. foreign policy?
SPEAKER: Professor Linda Cornett, Department of Political Science, UNCA
DATE: March 3, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Nigeria" Africa's most populous country and emerging democracy faces many challenges. How will religious conflicts, regional tensions and oil production affect Nigeria's stability?
SPEAKER: Professor Bonny Ibawoh, Department of Political Science, UNCA
DATE: March 10, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "China" U.S.-China relations are at once cooperative and competitive. How will China's political transition and the changing international environment affect the two countries?
SPEAKER: Dr. Sarah-Ann Smith, retired Foreign Service Office, Former President of the Western North Carolina World Affairs Council
DATE: March 17, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "The United States and Saudi Arabia" The United States has great strategic and economic interests in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. How will the U.S.-Saudi relationship be affected by the war on terrorism and a possible war on Iraq?
SPEAKER: Professor Elmoiz Abunura, Departments of Political Science and African Studies, UNCA
World Affairs Spring Program 2003
DATE: April 14, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "The Workers' Party in Power: The First Hundred Days of the Lula Government in Brazil"
SPEAKER: Dr. Anthony Pereira, associate professor of Political Science at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana (click here for full cv).
DATE: May 12, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Jordanian Reform: Overcoming Challenges & Regional Crisis"
SPEAKER: Jafar Hassan, Deputy Chief of Mission for Jordan (click here for bio).
Special Presentation
DATE: May 29, at 02:30 p.m. UNCA Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall
TOPIC: "The Changing Nature of Warfare: Causes and Consequences."
SPEAKER: Gen. Lester L. Lyles, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (click here for bio).
World Affairs Fall Program 2002
Fall - Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities
DATE: September 9, at 07:30 p.m. (Social Hour: 06:30 p.m.) UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Contemporary Latin America: Global Changes and Democratic Disenchantment"
SPEAKER: Jonathan Hartlyn, Professor of Political Science at UNC-Chapel Hill
DATE: October 14, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Reform Failures and the Prospects of Development in Latin America"
SPEAKER: Dr. Luigi Manzetti, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Latin American
Studies at Southern Methodist University
DATE: November 11, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: democratization and development in the specific context of Mexico
SPEAKER: Armand Peschard-Sverdrup, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Mexico Project and responsible for analysis of Mexico's domestic politics, trade, investment, and U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations.
DATE: December 9, at 07:30 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "Argentina: Prospects for Recovery"
SPEAKER: Professor Carol Wise, School of International Relations, University of Southern California.
Special Program
DATE: September 16, at 07:00 p.m. UNCA Owen Conference Center
TOPIC: "War Against Iraq?: Who Will Decide? Who Will Fight? Who Will Win?"
SPEAKER: BG Jerome Jones, USAF (ret)
Great Decisions Winter Program for 2002
Feb 7 - "Why Do They Hate Us? The Roots of Terrorism;" Dr Marc Mullinax; Department of Religion and Philosophy, Mars Hill College
Feb 14 - "Korean Security Issues;" Dr Heon Lee, Department of Sociology, UNCA
Feb 21 - "Middle East Peace Process;" Dr Tom Sanders, World Affairs Council
Feb 28 - Columbia and Drug Trafficking;" Dr Greg Clemmons, Dept of Modern Foreign Languages, Mars Hill College
Mar 7 - "Russia Reexamined;" Dr David Knisely; World Affairs Council
Mar 14 - "Energy and the Environment;" Dr Rick Maas, Department of Environmental Studies, UNCA
World Affairs Fall Program for 2001
Sep 10, 2001 - "Japan: A Political Economy in Ferment;" Robert Angel, PhD, Associate Professor of Government and International Studies; U of South Carolina
Oct 8 - "China: The Chaos of Everyday Life in a Globalizing System;" Anne Thurston, PhD; internationally acclaimed author of The Private Life of Chairman Mao
Nov 12 - "Tumultuous Transitions: Moving Toward Democracy in SE Asia;" Surain Subramaniam, PhD, Department of Political Science, UNCA
Nov 26 - "US Policy Toward Asia: A Global View;" Nayan Chanda, Director of Publications, Yale Center for the Study of Globalization; former editor Far Eastern Economic Review.
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WAC WNC Past Programs