Register for Eight-Week Public Series on Foreign Affairs

by Adam Frazier
January 4, 2012

Local citizens are invited to participate in an eight-week series exploring global affairs and foreign policies beginning Feb. 8.

Sponsored by Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) and the Mill Race Center in Columbus, the public forum is part of the Foreign Policy Association’s national “Great Decisions” program.

Each year, the private, non-partisan association selects topics that reflect current global events and publishes related discussion materials. Members of civic groups and the general public then engage in weekly forums, led by informed speakers on current international issues, based on the topic and materials.

Dr. Andrae Marak, head of the Division of Liberal Arts at IUPUC and an associate professor of history and political science, believes the series has not previously been offered in the Columbus area.

“We believe that partnering with the Mill Race Center for these discussions is a great opportunity to spark local dialog about international issues,” said Marak. “Our hope is that they will interest a number of citizens who seek better understanding and greater awareness of the global challenges facing our nation and our community. If successful, the series could become an annual event.”

The dates, topics, and locations for the sessions, which begin at 7:30 p.m., are posted at www.iupuc.edu. The topics include: Middle East realignment, promoting democracy, Mexico, Cybersecurity, exit from Afghanistan and Iraq, state of the oceans, Indonesia, and energy geopolitics.

Pitman encourages interested individuals to register quickly as space will be limited to the first 30 participants. Members of the Mill Race Center are eligible for a discounted registration fee, which includes the price of the book. Cost for the entire series is $18 for members and $23 for nonmembers.

The Mill Race Center is located in Mill Race Park at 900 Lindsey Street in Columbus. The Columbus Learning Center is located at 4555 Central Avenue in Columbus. Parking is free.

To register, contact Bob Pitman at the Mill Race Center by phone at 812.376.9241 or e-mail director@millracecenter.org.