Global Forces in the Post Cold War World Lecture Series

The Global Peace and Security Program, Global and International Studies Program, Interdisciplinary Humanities Center and Arts & Lectures at University of California, Santa Barbara establishing a lecture series entitled, "Global Forces in the Post-Cold War World" in the academic year 2000-2001. This program examines the conduct of foreign policy since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ascendance of the United States as the most powerful actor in global affairs. It explores the configuration of forces (economic, political, social, and environmental) now shaping global affairs and the responses of national governments, international agencies and trans-national business and service entities to the new realities of a post-cold war world. The program places special emphasis on regional conflicts that have emerged in the post Cold-War period as well as national realignments, such as the expansion of NATO and the creation of the European Union.

Distinguished guest speakers have included ambassadors and other representatives from nation-states; representatives from the UN, NATO, WTO, European Community and other regional and international agencies; heads of non-governmental organizations or other human rights organizations; and thoughtful spokespersons from global business, media, environmental and other service entities. The lectures are linked directly to courses offered in Global and International Studies Program at UCSB and are also be advertised to the public.

Guest speakers are invited to address specific areas of political, economic, social and environmental concern within their country and geographic region. Their lectures enable students to hear the voices of governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the development of global policies related to trade, security, human rights and the environment. Of particular interest is the opportunity to hear from representatives from often-neglected regions of the world -- Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and elsewhere.

"Global Forces in the Post-Cold War World Lecture Series" is being funded by a Campus Program Activity Grant from the Institute for Global Conflict and Cooperation at the University of California, a cost-sharing grant from the Interdisciplinary Humanities Center at UCSB, and support from private donors. In addition, it is being put on in partnership with non-governmental organizations such as the Physicians for Social Responsibility, Santa Barbara Committee on Foreign Relations, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and PAX 2100 as well as educational programs such as the International Studies Association at Santa Barbara City College and the International Studies Program at Ventura College.

Past Events

Samantha Power
"A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide"
April 8, 2003
View Web Page :: View Video

Ahmed Rashid
"Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam in Central Asia"
February 9, 2003
View Web Page :: View Video

Ambassador Joseph C. Wilson, IV
"Iraq: Disarmament or Conquest?"
January 22, 2003
View Web Page :: View Video

Philip Gourevitch
"Writing About Wrongs: Moral Clarity and Political Reality"
December 8, 2002
View Web Page :: View Video

Hassan M. Yousufzai
"The Untold Story: Peacebuilding in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kashmir"
November 25, 2002
View Web Page

Robert Reich
"Globalization and Its Discontents"
Tuesday, May 29, 2001
View Web Page

Marc Kielburger
"The Power of One: How One Person Can Work for Human Rights and Change the World"
Wednesday, April 4, 2001
View Web Page

Dane F. Smith, Jr.,
"The Making of U.S. Foreign Policy toward Africa"
Thursday, February 27, 2001
View Web Page :: View Video

Inder Kumar Gujral
"India Today and Tomorrow"
Wednesday, October 25, 2000
View Web Page

William Pace
"Globalization and Democracy"
Thursday, October 12, 2000
View Web Page

back to "Endowed Series"