George F. Kennan Forum Distinguished Lecture Series

“Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea”

7PM April 24, 2014 George F. Kennan Forum Distinguished Lecture Series
“Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea”

In his latest book, Austerity: the History of a Dangerous Idea (Oxford University Press: 2013), Scottish political economist Mark Blyth argues that politics rather than economics makes austerity the default government response to financial crisis. Join us for his perspective on why it doesn’t work.

For more information visit:
The UWM Institute of World Affairs website:
uwm.edu/cie/iwa/

“A Modest Proposal: Escaping Austerity and Debt”

7PM February 24, 2014 George F. Kennan Forum Distinguished Lecture Series
“A Modest Proposal: Escaping Austerity and Debt”

Internationally-renowned scholar James Galbraith will discuss austerity — the current go-to economic policy prescription for governments across the globe. Why are public institutions in crisis when many economies, including our own, are actually bigger than ever? Galbraith will be joined by Greek economist and co-author, Yanis Varoufakis.

For more information visit:
The UWM Institute of World Affairs website:
uwm.edu/cie/iwa/

Kennan Forum April 24, 2013 PART 2
Does Peace Pay? Rethinking Security and Prosperity

Speakers: Diana Chigas, Co-Director, Reflecting on Peace Practice Project at CDA Collaborative Learning Projects and Professor, Fletcher School, Tuffs University
Maina Kiai, Executive Director, InformAction Kenya and UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
Linton Wells II, Director, Center for Technology & National Security Policy, National Defense University and former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
In the 21st century, the concept of security has broadened, as has our understanding of the factors that threaten it. From violence and terrorism, to lawless regions, climate change, and economic instability, we live in a world in which military force alone can no longer keep us safe. Does true security rest on the building of more peaceful and prosperous societies? Beyond the absence of violent conflict, what is the strategic, political, economic, and cultural value of peace to the US and the world?

For more information visit:
The UWM Institute of World Affairs website:
uwm.edu/cie/iwa/

Kennan Forum April 24, 2013 PART 1
Does Peace Pay? Rethinking Security and Prosperity

A Milwaukee native, Ambassador Kennan devoted more than a quarter century serving his country in critically important diplomatic posts throughout Europe and Washington D.C. When he retired from diplomatic service in 1953, he began his second career at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University, his alma mater.

His tireless effort and keen focus resulted in a Pulitzer Prize, a Medal of Freedom, and several nationally acclaimed books. Through his writing, lecturing and learned commentary on global issues, Kennan earned a half-dozen other prestigious awards. His role as a diplomat in the formation of U.S. foreign policy, specifically regarding U.S.-Soviet Relations, is historically regarded as crucially important. This forum is to honor his great contribution.

PART 1
Speakers: Diana Chigas, Co-Director, Reflecting on Peace Practice Project at CDA Collaborative Learning Projects and Professor, Fletcher School, Tuffs University
Maina Kiai, Executive Director, InformAction Kenya and UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
Linton Wells II, Director, Center for Technology & National Security Policy, National Defense University and former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
In the 21st century, the concept of security has broadened, as has our understanding of the factors that threaten it. From violence and terrorism, to lawless regions, climate change, and economic instability, we live in a world in which military force alone can no longer keep us safe. Does true security rest on the building of more peaceful and prosperous societies? Beyond the absence of violent conflict, what is the strategic, political, economic, and cultural value of peace to the US and the world?

For more information visit:
The UWM Institute of World Affairs website:
uwm.edu/cie/iwa/