Iraq: Strategies for Dealing with Uncertainty, Dr. Hank Kennedy, Department of Political Science, WFU. A recurring question found in most public opinion polls and on the 2008 presidential campaign trail: What will be the end-game for the U.S. in Iraq? How will U.S. decisions about continued engagement affect Iraq itself, and the Middle East?
U.S.-China Economic Relations Dr. Wei-Chin Lee, Department of Political Science, WFU. Recent product safety scares have thrown the spotlight on the enormous role China plays in supplying products to the U.S. Could the large and growing trade imbalance with China have an adverse effect on the U.S. economy? What role does the undervalued Chinese currency play?
U.S. Defense Policy Dr. Jerry Pubantz, Department of Political Science, UNC, Greensboro. The U.S. military is adopting new policies and methods for defending the U.S. and its interests abroad. What should U.S. priorities be? How should its forces be structured and deployed to meet new security challenges?
Latin America: the Next U.S. President’s Agenda Dr. Peter Siavelis, Department of Political Science, WFU. The U.S. military is adopting new policies and methods for defending the U.S. and its interests abroad. What should U.S. priorities be? How should its forces be structured and deployed to meet new security challenges?
Foreign Aid: New Players, New Goals? Dr. Sylvain Boko, Department of Economics, WFU. Billionaire Warren Buffet's June 2007 pledge to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation prompted headlines about the size of the gift and the impact it could have on global education and health initiatives. Can private donors be more effective than governments in tackling world problems?
Russia and “Putinism” Dr. Helga Welsh, Department of Political Science, WFU.During his two terms as president, Vladimir Putin has attempted to remake Russia into a major, independent world power. Some of his recent policies have provoked concern in the U.S. and Europe. With a 2008 Russian presidential election expected, what course will Russia take?
