SMU Dedman College — Godbey Lecture Series
The World in Crisis (Tuesdays: June 5, 19 & 26)
"01 – The Reconfiguring House – Middle East
Sabri Ates. Despite the wide diversity of its regimes, the wide variety of its peoples and differing historical trajectories, the notion of a changing Arab World, and the Middle East is in the air. The peoples of the Middle East, but more so, the Arabs, have long been thought by outsiders to have no interest in democracy, legitimacy of authority, commitment to social justice, an open and accountable government or true sovereignty. Yet these are what they are now demanding. In this lecture Dr. Ates will talk about the reasons behind these demands that thrust the Middle East into one of its most tumultuous times and how this new wave is reshaping the Middle East.
02 – Putin’s Back: What Does it Mean?
Stephen Wegren. After four years of wielding power behind the scenes, Vladimir Putin returns to power as the elected president for the next six, and possibly twelve, years. In many ways, the Medvedev presidency simply was marking time and several significant policy challenges continue to exist. The purpose of this lecture is to assess what Putin’s return to the presidency is likely to mean in three main areas: (1) domestic politics and prospects for democratization; (2) social policy and standards of living for Russians; and (3) foreign policy, specifically with the United States.
03 – Understanding the Euro Crisis: Its Implications for the future of Europe and U.S. and World Economics
James Hollifield. This lecture will review the origins of the Euro crisis, looking at the history of European integration from Rome to Maastricht and beyond, and the consequences of the crisis for the future of Europe and the U.S. and global economics."
The lecture begins at 11 a.m., and a lunch will follow at noon. The price is $45 per lecture for members and $65 per lecture for non-members.
(Information courtesy of Southern Methodist University's website.)