April 11: Another chance to hear Pierre Atlas on the Middle East

Pierre Atlas, head of Marian College's Franciscan Center for Global Studies, discuses what can be done in the Middle East

When: Wednesday April 11 -- talk 11 AM to noon, lunch noon to 12:30

Where: Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

Although the U.S. will remain engaged in Iraq during the next year, other factors have emerged to challenge stability in the region. Iran’s nuclear program, the outcome of the conflict in Lebanon, and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations will all play a key role. How will these issues shape the Middle East?

No one in Central Indiana explains these issues more clearly and humanely than Prof. Pierre Atlas of Marian College. Don't miss this talk. It's part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

May 2: Finally take the chance to explore South Africa with Kelly Campbell

Kelly Campbell, Vice President of Operations of Ambassadors for Children, discusses what is happening in South Africa, and how each of us can make a difference

When: Wednesday Ma2, talk 11-noon, lunch noon-12:30

Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and has been an active leader on the continent, yet it still struggles with major issues in the post-Apartheid era. What are the political challenges facing South Africa? What impact is the AIDS epidemic playing on South Africa’s economy and society?






Kelly Campbell is Vice President of Operations for Ambassadors for Children. Ambassadors for Children (AFC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving children around the world through short-term humanitarian service trips and sustainable programs. Voluntourism trips are fast becoming the new way to travel. Voluntourism is the combination of voluntary service to a destination with the traditional elements of travel and tourism - arts, culture, history, geography, and recreation. Kelly has been with the organization since 2004 and have served as an intern, volunteer travel coordinator, and Director of Missions. She recently completed her Masters in International Relations at the University of Indianapolis. She was called out of the country unexpectedly and missed her talk to the Indiana Council on World Affairs ... don't miss this chance to hear her what she has to say.



Kelly's talk is part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

Through the end of January: Move yourself to Big Car for an exhibit of art inspired by Mexican protests

Local artist Sarah Zeta Zuckerman shows "Carteles" at Big Car Gallery (Fountain Square)

When: Through the end of January
Where: Big Car Fountain Square 1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 215 Indianapolis 46203

IndyBuzz's "First Friday" pick for January was "Carteles" [Spanish for "poster"], the Big Car opening of Sarah Zeta Zuckerman's solo exhibition, featuring works of art inspired by political and environmental brutality witnessed by the artist. "Carteles" is an assortment of small drawings, yard signs, clothing, and paintings. The art is priced low, says Zuckerman, "in an attempt to put it out on the streets and in the hands of the masses. Given its cutting-edge, socialist, and contemporary philosophies on the nature of art and its public accessibility, Big Car Gallery was natural fit for this body of work."

The catalysts for the exhibition, Zuckerman says, were public school teachers' demonstrations and police brutality that ravaged the Mexican city and state of Oaxaca. While studying indigenous art in the Oaxaca over the summer, she witnessed the government-ordered police brutality during a peaceful demonstration led by public school teachers, parents, and students protesting for higher teacher wages. As a public school teacher (teaching art at Indianapolis Public Schools' The Key Learning Community), Zuckerman had a great deal of interest and investment in the plight of the teachers. She describes how beginning June 14, 2006, police brutality rained down from helicopter and riot squads, inflaming the demonstrators, and turning a once peaceful city into a war zone. Naturally, this deeply affected millions of families throughout the entire state of Oaxaca, Mexico. 1.3 million public school children did not begin the August semester, and the majority of public school buildings stood empty, while the government headquarters in town had been seized and occupied by members of the revolting APPO party. The protest began May 22, and is still underway, gaining momentum and members from various leftist groups and agencies.

Sarah Zuckerman is an active participant of almost every field of cutting-edge art and culture in Indianapolis, from teaching to dance to the spoken word ... plus she was winner of "Masterpiece in a Day."

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out some of the others related to Mexico coming up. Craig Auchter talks about Mexico on February 7, and Steve Smith addresses the topic February 20. For a perspective about another marginalized group in Mexico, see "African Blood," the film about African-Mexicans at IMA February 22. Conflict and poverty elsewhere in Latin America are topics featured by two of Marian College's Franciscan Center for Global Studies speakers: an official from the World Bank talks about post-conflict Central America; and an influential priest talks about the Catholic Church's work in Latin America.

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January 30: Watch John McCormick and John Clark debate whose power is more super

The Indianapolis Committee on Foreign relations hosts a dinner and debate between IUPUI political scientist John McCormick and IndyBuzzer John Clark over the relative merits of US and European power in the 21st century

When: Tuesday January 30, Reception at 5:45 dinner at 6:30, speaker presentation shortly after 7:30 and ends at 9:00
Where: Woodstock Club 1301 W 38th St, Indianapolis, 46208

This will be an interesting and perhaps even important discussion. Much more will be written about it on IndyBuzz and Provocate.org.

John McCormick is professor and chair of political science at IUPUI, and a British national. He specializes on comparative politics, the EuropeanUnion, and transatlantic relations. He is the author of eleven books, the most recent The European Superpower, which argues that the EU is a new kind ofglobal powerhouse that relies on soft power (economic and diplomatic pressure, encouragement rather than coercion) rather than hard power (mainlymilitary force), giving it a significant advantage over the US in the new globalized international system.

John Clark believes that the US is the most powerful country today and will be into the foreseeable future. Part of this power must be hard. Meaningful solutions to the most urgent problems the world faces will require an America that is strong, self-confident, and wise. The current disasters in Iraq and elsewhere created by the Bush Administration have weakened the ability of DC to impose its will around the world (although there is no compelling reason to think this can't be reversed). More critical is to recognize that the nature of problems in the 21st century are changing in ways that diminish the importance of national (or supranational) governments in places like DC or Brussels.

For RSVPs and more details about this event, contact Courtenay Weldon at courtenay@cweldon.net. More details about the substance is the debate will kick off Provocate.org.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out some others dealing with contemporary Europe. Prof. Didier Gondola discusses the explosive ethnic conflicts in France (and elsewhere in Europe). Stefan Halper looks at the "silence of the Rational Center" in US foreign policy from the Europe's eyes. In fact, many discussions this spring will examine the disoriented American "empire."

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January 15: Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with your family at IHS

Family-friendly festivities to honor Martin Luther King

When: Monday January 15, 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Indiana Historical Society, 450 West Ohio St. ∙ Indianapolis, 46202

If you would rather not take your kids to hear Christopher Edley, head over to the Sharing the Dream: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Indiana," an exhibit opening at IHS January 6. King had many ties to Indiana profoundly shaped the 1960s civil rights movement in the state. In the Lacy Gallery from January 6 through March 31, "Sharing the Dream" will feature documents, letters and images from the IHS collections, including rare photos of Robert Kennedy’s speech in Indianapolis where he shared the news of King’s assassination with the crowd. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech will be available as an audio component of the exhibition.

Monday, January 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in celebration of King’s birthday with special family activities, performances and more that commemorate his work. Visitors can watch a short documentary on King, children can create crafts related to the civil rights movement, participate in a scavenger hunt and enjoy music and dance performances by Asante Children’s Theatre, Kenyatta Dance Company and more.

All free.

If this event sounds interesting, you should bring your family back to IHS on January 26 to explore Madame CJ Walker's "Treasured Collections" with an impersonator of Madame Walker.

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February 7: Figure out what is happening in Mexico and why we should care

Craig Auchter discusses Mexico as part of the Church of the Saviour Great Decisions series

When: Wednesday, February 7 7:00 PM
Where: Church of the Saviour, 6205 Rucker Road Indianapolis

The results of Mexico's presidential election were nearly too close to call: how will this result affect the new Mexican administration's policies? Can Felipe Calderón successfully reform Mexico's policies on energy, trade and border security and strengthen relations with the United States? Prof. Craig Auchter is the chair of the department of political science at Butler University, and is one of the area's leading experts on democracy and social change in Latin America. Sponsored by the Bob Calhoun Memorial Great Decisions Series.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out the ICWA's Great Decisions discussion of Mexico on February 20. And visit the exhibit of art inspired by conflicts in Oaxaca at Big Car through the end of January.

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February 13: Learn about Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East from Prof. Nafhat Nasr

DePauw Emeritus Prof. Nafhat Nasr leads a discussion of the Middle East as part of the Indiana Council on World Affairs Great Decisions Series

When: Tuesday, March 29 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Butler University, Pharmacy Building

Prof. Nafhat Nasr, one of the most distinguished political science professors ever to have served at DePauw University, addresses the ICWA. A native of Lebanon, he specializes in the sources and possible causes of international conflicts.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out Pierre Atlas's Great Decisions on the Middle East talk January 24. John Clark will talk about a less well-known reigion with similar problems -- Central Asia -- March 7 and March 20. Hear a libertarian-leaning perspective on the region January 17. And see a couple of excellent films that illuminate the region's crises: "Iraq in Fragments" February 23 to March 1, and Battle of Algiers March 22.

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February 21: Join Stefan Halper in searching for the "the Rational Center" in policy discussions

Stefan Halper, influential critic of neo-conservative foreign policy, turns his attention to the debasement of public discourse of media-hungry public intellectuals

When: Wednesday, March 21 Social hour 5:30-6:30; dinner 6:30-7:15; talk 7:15-8:45
Where: The Marten House 1801 West 86th Street Indianapolis 46260

A couple of years ago Stefan Halper came to public notice with America Alone: The Neo-Conservatives and the Global Order (written with Jonathan Clarke), a conservative critique of the hijacking of US foreign policy by radical neo-conservatives. Today their argument is well on its way to becoming accepted wisdom among conservatives. In Silence of the Rational Center: Why American Foreign Policy Is Failing, Halper (and Clarke) turn from an ideology to the shrill and sterile DC-centered media and policymaking climate.

Stefan Halper is a Senior Fellow at the Centre of International Studies and a Senior Research Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He directs the Donner Atlantic Studies Programme at the Centre of International Studies and lectures on latter 20th Century US foreign policy, Anglo-American relations, and contemporary international security issues. Stefan Halper holds doctorates from both Oxford and Cambridge. He has served four American presidents in the White House and Department of State and is an expert on U.S. foreign policy, national security policy, the United Nations and Anglo-American relations. Dr. Halper's research interests remain centred on Anglo-American relations, US national security issues and international security matters. Recently he has focused on the nature of the political discourse of the right. and the left, the rise of extremist views and their prevalence in the national political discussion, the rise of anti-Americanism among European elites and the implications for US policy in the decades ahead.

Read this early review of The Silence of the Rational Center, and see this film of Halper and Clarke discussing America Alone.

Prof. Halper will participate in an informal discussion at Sagamore Institute the afternoon of February 21. For more information, contact John Clark at john@sipr.org.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out other discussions of America's disoriented empire such as the debate over Europe vs US January 30, or Pierre Atlas's discussion of the Middle East on January 24.

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March 2: Hear legal theorist John Yoo explain the Constitutional Powers of War and Peace

The Economic Club hosts Prof. John Yoo of Boalt Law School at UC Berkeley for his insiders view of the Bush Administration's legal thinking in the war with extremism

When: Friday March 2 noon
Where: Indiana Convention Center

John Yoo is one of the most controversial legal scholars in the US. If he were only the author of the book The Powers of War and Peace: The Constitution and Foreign Affairs after 9/11, he would have stirred up argument. He argues that the President has almost no checks on his power if the country is at war (and the country is at war for all practical purposes when the President deems it to be at war) and that treaties are not legally binding on American politicians. What pushed him from "controversial" to "notorious" was the position described by David Cole:

Few lawyers have had more influence on President Bush's legal policies in the 'war on terror' than John Yoo. This is a remarkable feat, because Yoo was not a cabinet official, not a White House lawyer, and not even a senior officer within the Justice Department. He was merely a mid-level attorney in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel with little supervisory authority and no power to enforce laws. Yet by all accounts, Yoo had a hand in virtually every major legal decision involving the US response to the attacks of September 11, and at every point, so far as we know, his advice was virtually always the same-- the president can do whatever the president wants.

Yoo has few supporters in academia or Congress ... but his ideas ought to be taken seriously since they will continue shaping the practice of American law and foreign policy long after the next Administration takes power. Yoo was in the center of the debate over President Bush's administration's position on torture, detention, surveillance, civil liberties, and so on. His new book, War by Other Means: An Insider's Account of the War on Terror, he moves from theory to the reality he witnessed and helped shape while advising the President and Attorney General. Geoffrey Stone in the Washington Post captures the book's tone well:

He sets an ambitious goal for himself: "to explain the choices that the Bush
administration made after 9/11," choices made "under one of the most dire
challenges our nation has ever faced." Yoo is mild-mannered, but he is angry,
and his anger pervades this work. He attacks the media, human rights advocates,
legal academics, civil libertarians, former attorney general John Ashcroft, the
Supreme Court, conservative pundit George F. Will, librarians and even the Bush
administration (among others) for cowardice, self-aggrandizement, overreaching,
ignorance, dishonesty and cupidity.

Information: 317-464-2212.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out some of the Great Decisions discussions of the legal aspects of the "war on terrorism" on February 28 and March 13. I will surely disagree with John McCormick about this topic in our debate about the American empire on January 30. I would be very eager to contrast Ruth Bader Ginsburg on March 8 and the #2 guy at the FBI March 20.

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March 7: Learn the rules for the Great Game in Central Asia for the 21st Century

John Clark relives his days as a Central Asian expert ... with a special guest who is a real expert

When: Wednesday, March 7 7:00 PM
Where: Church of the Saviour, 6205 Rucker Road Indianapolis

Rich in energy supplies and strategically located, the five countries of Central Asia attract attention from the Middle East, China, Russia and the United States. How will international competition for energy supplies affect each country? What are U.S. interests in the region?

Joining Clark will be Nodra Isamiddinova, an IUPUI student from Uzbekistan, who will report on her recent trip to her autocratic home country.

Sponsored by the Bob Calhoun Memorial Great Decisions Series

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out Clark's discussion of Central Asia for the Indiana Council on World Affairs March 20. On March 7 I will focus on the internal situation of Central Asia's economies, societies, and governments. I'll be eager to hear about Nodra's impressions of changes in Uzbekistan. On March 20 I will emphasize the geostrategic interests of the US in the region. A good contrast will be Pierre Atlas's discussion of the Middle East January 24.

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March 20: Solve Central Asia's problems with John Clark

Indiana Council on World Affairs, Great Decisions Series
When: Tuesday, March 20 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Butler University, Pharmacy Building

On 9/11 John Clark was working on a project for the United Nations Development Program in Kazakhstan, trying to anticipate and defuse regional instability and conflicts ... wow, that project changed all of a sudden! Now, five years later, it's time to assess how the US has changed Central Asia, and how Central Asia has changed the US.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out his talk (with Uzbek Nodra Isamiddinova) March 7.

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