May 4: China -- Today and Tomorrow

Susan Erickson, Political Science at IUPUI

When: Wednesday, May 4 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis

China is increasingly influential globally, but continues to face obstacles at home. As China's record economic growth continues, the country must still contend with a growing gap between rich and poor, devastating pollution and resource shortages. What strategies can China adapt to sustain its economy while meeting the needs of its people?

Susan teaches political science at IUPUI, primarily courses about American politics, the role of the news media, conspiracies, gender. But anything I know about China and Asia (which is not much, even though I teach classes and give a lot of talks about those topics) I know because of Susan Erickson. Twenty years ago, when we were both student in Berkeley, she introduced me to her passion of Taiwan, which she had correctly identified as providing poor dictatorships with the best model of achieving prosperity and freedom. She remains an insightful observer of China, one of the most popular speakers for "Great Decisions" programs, and this should be an excellent event.