Foreign policy, globalization, global security—these terms are often used in news headlines and tossed about in political debates. But what do they really mean and why are these issues important to all of us?
Those questions prompted the development of Foreign Policy Week, which will be held September 10–13. Foreign Policy Week is collaboration of the Center for International Education, the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, and the Department of Political Science.
Each night of the week, there will be a different event:
September 10—Introduction to US Foreign Policy, 6:00 p.m., International House
James Todhunter will discuss the history of foreign policy in America. Todhunter recently earned his doctorate in political science from UT. He specializes in international relations.
September 11—Global Security and Defense, 6:00 p.m., Baker Center Toyota Auditorium
Brandon Prins will discuss how US foreign policy changed after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and compare President Barack Obama’s and presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s security and defense policies. Prins is an associate professor of political science at UT and a Global Security Fellow at the Baker Center.
September 12—Globalization, the Global Economy, and Austerity Policy, 6:00 p.m., Baker Center Toyota Auditorium
Tony Spiva and Jon Shefner will talk about the economy and globalization as they relate to US policies in the last forty years. The discussion will focus on the economic impact of US relationships with Latin America and Asia. They will discuss austerity, the process of reducing deficit spending by lowering government benefits. Spiva is professor emeritus in economics and has worked as an adviser in economic projects in several different countries. Shefner is a professor and department head of sociology and has also worked internationally.
September 13—Student Debate, 6:30 p.m., University Center, Shiloh Room
The student Speech and Debate Society and the Central Program Council Issues Committee are hosting this event. Students from the Speech and Debate Society will debate Obama’s and Romney’s foreign policy stances.
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C O N T A C T :
Amy Blakely (865-974-5034, ablakely@utk.edu)