NEWPORT, R.I. - Throughout the spring 2011 semester, Salve Regina’s Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, and the Newport Council for International Visitors will sponsor discussions of current global issues as part of its Great Decisions series.
The lecture series is open to the general public and all sessions will be held in the Young Building, corner of Bellevue and Ruggles avenues on the Salve Regina campus.
Sponsored nationally by the Foreign Policy Association, the Great Decisions program is the longest-running and largest grassroots world affairs educational program of its kind. Each year, millions of Americans use Great Decisions to discover and discuss their opinions on foreign policy issues. Following is a list of the spring semester offerings:
"The Caucasus"
7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23
The countries and regions of the Caucasus all have strong national identities but have long lived in the shadow of their larger neighbors: Russia, Iran and Turkey. How does this influence the Caucasus of today? How do the region's energy resources play into its relations with the outside world? Presented by Dr. Nikolas Gvosdev, professor of national security studies at the Naval War College.
"The Horn of Africa"
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9
Since the early 1990s, the U.S. has monitored the Horn of Africa due to security concerns. Internal instability, weak governments in some countries, regional rivalries and a lack of development have resulted in an environment conducive to terrorism. Can the U.S. protect its national interests while mitigating the dangerous conditions in the region? Presented by James Kraska, Howard S. Levie Chair of Operational Law at the U.S. Naval War College, and Dr. Richard Lobban, professor emeritus of anthropology at Rhode Island College.
"USA National Security Since 9/11"
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 16
U.S. national security priorities were expanded after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to include waging war in Iraq and Afghanistan, tightening border security, pursuing cyber-threats, halting nuclear proliferation and attempting to snuff out homegrown terrorism. How has the U.S. national security agenda evolved since 9/11? In what ways will this agenda shape the American way of life in the future? Presented by Mackubin Thomas Owens, professor of national security affairs at the Naval War College.
"Global Governance: Making Sense of Multilateralism"
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23
International cooperation subjects political leaders to an ongoing test: balancing national needs with a commitment to building a durable international order. How has an increasingly interconnected and shrinking world affected the viability of existing agreements and institutions? What economic, social, political and security concerns are currently on the agendas of intergovernmental bodies, and what is the future U.S. role?
"Banks, Governments and Debt Crises"
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 30
As an immediate response to the financial crisis of 2007-2008, governments around the world stepped in to bail out troubled private banks deemed "too big to fail," underscoring the interdependence between private and public finances. With the recent eurozone crisis, what have we learned so far and is it possible to ensure that future crises will not occur? Presented by Dr. Cornel Ban, visiting fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies and deputy director of Brown University's development studies program.
"Germany's Ascendency"
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 6
Germany has emerged from both the financial crisis and the eurozone crisis as the dominant economic and political power in Europe, in particular setting the tone for dealings with Russia, Eastern Europe and Iran. How important is it for U.S. interests to enhance relations with Germany, and how should the U.S. react when German and U.S. interests fail to align?
"Sanctions and Non-Proliferation"
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13
Sanctions have been created to curb nations in violation of international law, especially agreements concerning nuclear nonproliferation. How successfully have sanctions been applied against past violators? Is there any chance sanctions can curtail North Korea and Iran from continuing to develop nuclear weapons? Presented by Sue Eckert, senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies.
"Rebuilding Haiti"
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27
The January 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti struck a country already suffering from widespread poverty and underdevelopment. Did this natural disaster inadvertently provide an opportunity for reassessment and planning a new Haiti? With presidential elections looming in early 2011, what can new leadership bring to restore the country? Presented by Paul Taylor, professor emeritus at the Naval War College.