Recent Programs
April 2, 2009
China emerged from the 20th century not only as a powerful economic force but also as a growing political power. In the United States, debate continues as to whether China should be seen as a partner or competitor. What is the debate in China? How does China see the United States? Where do our interests coincide? Where do they clash? Should we see each other as prospective allies with shared interests in a stable globalized world? Should we see each other as potential adversaries with whom our interests are in conflict? Or somewhere in between? Shen Dingli is professor of International Relations and the Executive Dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, as well as Director of Fudan’s renowned Center for American Studies. He specializes in regional and international security, arms control and non-proliferation, security and nuclear relations between China and the United States, as well as in China's foreign and defense policies. He received his Ph.D. in Physics from Fudan University in 1989, then pursued post-doctoral studies at Princeton University with a focus on arms control from 1989-1991. He was an Eisenhower Fellow in 1996 and advised then-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on strategic planning in 2002. No refunds for cancellations after Tuesday, March 31st. Please advise in advance of any dietary restrictions. Live Webcast Link Webcast Ready? If you have trouble accessing the webcast, or are experiencing technical difficulties, please visit the online FAQ at http://www.bxvideo.com/support/faq.aspx. If you have a problem you are not able to fix with the FAQ, please call the BX Video helpline at 1-800-504-5379. If problems still persist, please call the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh at 412.281.7970. Luncheon Discussion Group Professor Shen Dingli, Director, Center for American Studies, Fudan University (Shanghai) |
March 20, 2009 The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce ten fellowships to secondary school (grades 6-12) educators for a Summer Study Tour to Europe. The trip will begin with six days in Brussels, Belgium. From there, participants will travel to Vienna, Austria.Made possible through a generous grant by the European Union, the tour will focus on current political, economic, and security issues facing Europe as well as U.S. - European relations. The tour will include discussions with representatives of various organizations, such as the European Commission, Permanent Representations to the EU, European Parliament, NATO, the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and OPEC. The participant fee is $500. Participants will be responsible for most of their meals for the duration of the trip. Airfare, accommodations, and local travel are covered through the fellowship. CPE inservice credit will be offered, pending approval. A mandatory pre-departure orientation for participants will be held in May. Participants will be required to submit lesson plans, activities, and a report after the trip. Use the link below to download an application. Please send applications to: Questions? Contact Christina Unger, Education Program Manager, via phone (412-281-7027) or email christina@worldaffairspittsburgh.org. School Outreach June 27 - July 8, 2009 |
March 18, 2009 Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has emerged as the world's predominant power. However, in the 21st century some rapidly developing countries have become increasingly influential. Who are these “rising powers?” Will their emergence change the global balance of power? How will the U.S. react?
As a guide to discussion, we use the Foreign Policy Association's (FPA) annual Great Decisions book, which highlights eight global and regional policy issues with background and arguments from various sides to stimulate discussion, debate, and a better understanding of the challenges facing policy-makers. The Great Decisions 2009 book may be purchased at a Council discount for $20. Topics and dates in the 2009 edition include: February 11, 2009 Great Decisions |
March 5, 2009 Presented by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh in Cooperation with Pittsburgh Oliver High School A founding member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Malawi — along with 14 other countries in Southern Africa — shares a vision of a common future: improvement of the standard of living and quality of life; freedom and social justice; and peace and security for the people of Southern Africa. Come and learn about this fascinating country and the SADC from Her Excellency Hawa Olga Ndilowe. Her Excellency Ambassador Hawa Olga Ndilowe became Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Malawi to the United States of America on December 8, 2006. She is also accredited to Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina and Colombia on a non-residential basis. A public servant in the Malawi Public Service since 1981, Ambassador Ndilowe served as an Information Systems Analyst from 1981 to 1997. From 1997 to 2006, she served as a Permanent Secretary in the Public Service in various portfolios of Water Development, Defense, Home Affairs and Internal Security, Housing, Information and Tourism and Finance. This position entailed top level public service, administrative leadership, and management. Ambassador Ndilowe holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor's degree in Social Science (Economics & Mathematics) from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College. There is no charge for this seminar. Please register by February 23. The Council may be able to accommodate schools after this deadline. Please contact Amiena Mahsoob at 412.281.7973 or send an e-mail to amiena@worldaffairspittsburgh.org. Further details will be sent upon registration. School Outreach Her Excellency Hawa Olga Ndilowe, Ambassador of the Republic Of Malawi |
March 5, 2009 Join us for a special reception and exhibit highlighting Southern Africa, with inspiring looks at This is a free event for Council members and guests, but reservations are required. Special Reception Her Excellency Hawa Olga Ndilowe, Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi |
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