October 15 European Union
Having reached the 50th anniversary of the great experiment in European integration, it is time to take stock of the united Europe. Has the integration of new members been successful? What does the debate on Turkey's membership say about the future of EU integration and its changing demographics?
October 22 Latin America
What factors have prevented the U.S. and Latin American countries from forging a strong relationship? What challenges confront U.S. policy in Latin America? Can the U.S. offer an alternative to the influence of left-leaning leaders like Venezuela's Hugo Chavez?
October 29 Russia
During his two terms as president, Vladimir Putin has attempted to remake Russia into a major, independent world power. Some of his recent policies have provoked concern in the U.S. and Europe. With a 2008 Russian presidential election expected, what course will Russia take?
November 5 Defense and Security
The U.S. military is adopting new policies and methods for defending the U.S. and its interests abroad. What should U.S. priorities be? How should its forces be structured and deployed to meet new security challenges?
November 12 Diplomacy
How the U.S. deals with international challenges often depends on how it engages with allies, as well as enemies. How should the U.S. deal with countries like Cuba, North Korea and Iran? What approach should the U.S. take with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah?
November 19 China Trade
Recent product safety scares have thrown the spotlight on the enormous role China plays in supplying products to the U.S. Could the large and growing trade imbalance with China have an adverse effect on the U.S. economy? What role does the undervalued Chinese currency play?
November 26 Philanthropy
Billionaire Warren Buffet's June 2007 pledge to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation prompted headlines about the size of the gift and the impact it could have on global education and health initiatives. Can private donors be more effective than governments in tackling world problems?
This series is intended to be an interactive discussion with the participants.
These presentations/lectures are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.worldaffairsdetroit.org or call (313)577-8270.
The World Affairs Council of Detroit (WACD) promotes understanding of international issues and Southeast Michigan's role in a changing world by providing a non-partisan, nation-wide forum for discussion, analysis and debate. WACD seeks to enrich, educate, and spur long-term economic development in our region and to provide new ideas and cultural perspectives in regards to various issues.
Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to nearly 33,000 students.