Sunday, January 30, 2011

Uprising in Egypt (YP Discussion Group_

Uprising in Egypt (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 2 February 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

The massive anti-government rallies in Egypt could completely alter the political, economic, and social landscape in the Middle East. Foreign policy in the US, EU, and Israel is reliant on a strong partnership with Egypt. If a government as strong and well-established as Egypt can fall in the face of citizen action, no oppresive government in the Middle East is completely safe. Come discuss what has happened, predictions for the near future, and speculation about where all of this could lead.

Monday, January 17, 2011

The Ethics of Traveling to Poor Countries (YP Discussion Group)

The Ethics of Traveling to Poor Countries (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Tourists in search of an off-the-beaten-path adventure or luxury at prices lower than in Europe turn to poor countries. While the juxtaposition can be meaningful, the social dynamic between tourist and resident can be troubling. Visitors from the rich world enjoy privileges and are excused from observing social custom, as long as they are paying. Hotel and restaurant employees go to incredible lengths to keep rich visitors happy. Is it possible to visit a poor country and avoid the rich master/poor servant relationship? Or is all of this liberal hand-wringing and we should feel good for supporting struggling economies?

Monday, January 03, 2011

Kashmir (YP Discussion Group)

Kashmir (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 5 December 2011 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

The dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan shades their interactions with the rest of the world. It is used to justify ISI interactions with groups supporting terrorism and prevents meaningful cooperation between the two powers. Over the last year, the situation in Kashmir has deteriorated and now resembles the Palestinian Intifadas. Are there opportunities for peace in the region in the near term? Should the US make Kashmir a higher priority?