News from the BYU International Relations Major

Special Topics Courses in Political Science for Fall 2010

2010-08-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

from Prof. Darren Hawkins
Political Science Department Chair

IR Students,

We have a couple of political science classes that have been recently placed on the course listings. Some of them are not typically listed for credit for the IR major, but I’ve made arrangements with Prof. Phillips, IR program coordinator, to have them count. Please consider enrolling in them:

PlSc 359R, Section 003: Political Economy of Communism and Post-Communism: Will count for the International Politics track or the European Politics and History Track.

PlSc349R, Section 001: Game Theory. Will count for the Political Economy track. Game theory is fundamental to much economic and political analysis and will explore strategy and logic in politics and the marketplace. A valuable course in developing more rigorous and strategic thinking!

Thanks.

Political Economy of the Middle East this Fall

2010-07-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

from Donna Lee Bowen, director of the MESA degree and member of the IR committee:

MESA is offering a mini-course on Foundations of Middle East Economics. Jamal Qureshi, SAIS graduate and oil analyst will explore the principles that underlie Middle East politics.

International Relations and Political Science students are welcome to enroll.

The course will be .5 credit hours and will run September 28-30 from 5:30-8 p.m.

"Follow The Money: Understanding The Economic Underpinnings of the Middle East" Jamal Qureshi presents a survey of the basic economic structures of the Middle East which includes the role of oil, population and demographic change, labor issues, water shortages, challenges in agriculture and so forth. He connects these phenomena to the political and social structures prevalent in the area and unpacks the challenges resulting from these economic factors. Qureshi’s goal is to give students a basic toolkit for understanding how the financial and economic lifeblood of the region works and how they can then use that as a tool to better understand things which they might otherwise tend to see from more one-dimensional political or cultural angles. This mini-course will help de-mystify the region and help deconstruct the fatal tendency to see the Middle East as the "other". Instead he will present an area that at its core operates on the same basic human dynamics as anywhere else.

Jamal Qureshi is a 1998 graduate of BYU with a BA in Near Eastern Studies and an Arabic minor. He is married with three children and served in the England London Mission from 1995-1997. After spending a year studying Arabic on a Fulbright grant at the American University in Cairo (AUC), he went on to obtain his M.A. in International Relations and Economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington DC. Born in Colorado and having lived in numerous places in the US, he has also spent many years abroad living in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine, the UK, and Norway. His decade of professional experience includes having worked at the US State and Treasury departments, ExxonMobil's public affairs division, as the lead oil market analyst at consultancy PFC Energy in Washington DC, as the on-desk fundamentals analyst for Barclays Capital's crude and oil products traders in New York City, as a fundamentals analyst and hedge fund liaison at Hess Energy Trading Company (Hetco) in New York City, and now as the lead crude oil and refining trading analyst for Statoil (the Norwegian state oil company) in Stavanger, Norway. While oil markets are his specific professional niche, he considers participation in these markets an ideal perch for gaining a broader understanding of the interaction of markets, economics, politics, and the struggles of the developing world.

European intership opportunity from Cory Leonard

2010-04-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ideally we could find a strong IR, ES or German major, or a student with strong language skills and an interest in int'l business.

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Jacob Garlan Miller
> Date: Fri, Apr 9, 2010 at 5:17 AM

> Since you guys have good BYU connections, drop me a line if you know
> somebody who wants to intern in strategy and marketing in Germany.
> Due to tax reasons (we participate in a government program that
> subsidizes German student interns, so we don't normally take
> foreigners), I can't guarantee any money other than the flight over
> and flight back, but it's with a high-profile company (Grohe) with
> high exposure to senior management (I sit right next to the entire
> board) and I have a lot of real work for them to do. Depending on
> language ability, there is also a possibility of traveling to other
> markets (most likely Europe, Middle East, or Asia). Since it would be
> unpaid, there would be significant flexibility for time off
> (Düsseldorf is very centrally located for visiting Europe and tons of
> low-cost carriers). We could also see if we can find any cheap
> housing arrangements through the church. I'd prefer to find someone
> from the Y, if possible (proud alumnus that I am). Feel free to pass
> on this lame, informal announcement.

Foreign Affairs' Student Essay Contest

2010-03-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

forwarded by Eric Hyer, Asian Studies Coordinator:

From Foreign Affairs:
I'm pleased to announce the inaugural Foreign Affairs' Essay Contest for undergraduate students. We expect to hear some fresh voices from future contributors to Foreign Affairs, so I hope you will encourage all of your students to participate. We are accepting submissions through June 1st. Read more about the contest on ForeignAffairs.com.

Korea Economic Institute Internships

2010-03-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

forwarded by a former BYU student:

Economics/Asia-Related Internship Opportunity in Washington, DC

The Korea Economic Institute (KEI) is looking for undergraduate or graduate students with a background in political science and/or economics, as well as an interest in Asia-Pacific issues (especially Korea) for its internship program. We offer competitive candidates a unique internship opportunity to be integrally involved in the inner workings of an international government policy institute. Applications are being accepted for the Summer 2010 semester until March 25.
Why Intern at KEI?

KEI interns are on the cusp of current events, hearing the news before it is released, and organizing the very interviews that are shown on the evening news. They are directly active in the practice of US-ROK diplomacy and provided maximum exposure to the issues and major players in the field of Korea-US Relations via: report publication, attendance at events, and both peer-to-peer and VIP networking opportunities. At KEI, interns gain experience in the areas of office management, event planning, data collection, economic analysis, and professional writing development.

Main Responsibilities
Attend conferences, programs, and hearings in the Washington area of interest to Korea;
Prepare short reports on such events;
Assist with the event planning and conduct of various KEI-sponsored conferences and programs;
Provide research support to full-time staff;
Administrative activities which will contribute to a fuller understanding of the inner workings of KEI;
Work as a team with members of staff and other interns on major events and projects;
Track specific issues in the media

Qualifications
Undergraduate or graduate student with a background in political science and/or economics as well as an interest in Asia-Pacific issues, especially Korea.
Excellent attention to detail, good organizational abilities and writing skills, professional demeanor, general office skills, strong computer skills.

How to Apply
If you or someone you know is interested in this position and your/their background and skill set match the profile outlined above, please submit a cover letter, resume, application and a brief writing sample to Sarah Howe by email, fax, or mail. There are three deadlines throughout the year. The deadline for Summer 2010 is March 25. For materials or more information, visit our website at http://www.keia.org/internships.php.

Internship Contact:
Sarah Howe
Associate Director for Programs
Korea Economic Institute
1800 K Street NW Suite 1010 Washington, DC 20006
E-mail: sh@keia.org

The CEA is currently recruiting Research Assistants and Staff Economists

2010-03-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

from Mark Showalter in the Economics Department:

CEA is looking for RAs. This is a 1-2 year position. If you know of an excellent graduating student who might be interested, please have them contact me. Good econometric skills are a plus. As are excellent oral and writing skills.

Thanks,
Mark

Dear Mark,
Thank you for your help in recruiting in recent years. I hope you continue to value your time at the CEA. As you know, BYU graduate Eric Cragun worked out well here as an RA.
We are currently recruiting for research assistants in economics for 2010-11. RAs at the CEA generally work here for a year or two, before continuing graduate studies. Perhaps you are in a position to forward the attached document to senior economics concentrators at Brigham Young. (To be more precise, the demographic that I would like to reach are senior thesis writers in economics or those who are considering graduate school in economics--but you may circulate this posting to anyone you see fit.) If you are not the right point of contact, I would be grateful if could could forward this document to the appropriate person.
We also hire staff economists who are usually ABD graduate students. If you know of a grad student who might benefit from a year with us, please let us know. They usually return with lots of ideas for a thesis--in addition to getting to know the policy world.

Steven Braun
Director of Macroeconomic Forecasting
Council of Economic Advisers
phone: 202-395-4666
fax: 202-395-6853
email: sbraun@cea.eop.gov

Japanese Internships

2010-03-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

from Eric Hyer, Asian Studies Coordinator

Two Internships available with Bloomberg in Japan. One position prefers Japanese language experience, the other requires it.

Company: Bloomberg L.P.
Position: Bloomberg is looking for Print News Summer Interns (Tokyo office)
Salary: Paid Intern
Ad Expires: March 30, 2010
Job ID: 1151766
Website: http://www.bloomberg.com

Description:
The Company

Few organizations can keep up with the fast-paced, 24/7 nature of
today's media coverage; even fewer can claim to have helped shape it.
Bloomberg has long been a leading source of data and news and presents
one of the most challenging environments in financial journalism.
Bloomberg offers a unique opportunity to produce real-time stories
that shape the markets and our world.

The Role

Bloomberg News summer interns will gain hands-on experience reporting
and writing for the print/ news wire department of the world's largest
real-time financial news service. Working with Bloomberg's 2,300
journalists in 132 news bureaus around the world, interns will
contribute to coverage of financial markets, companies and economies.
Successful applicants will produce breaking news stories under
deadline pressure. Responsibilities may also include monitoring other
media and writing spot features. This is a paid 10 weeks internship
program based in our Tokyo office this summer.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Communications Studies/Mass Comms or any
equivalent experience is required - Interest in financial markets,
companies and economies - Prior reporting experience is essential -
Prior experience working in a real-time news environment is desirable
- Ability to work within a team under deadline pressure - Fluency in
English and Japanese is preferred - Applicants must be available to
work for 10 weeks program in Jul/Aug 2010

Please APPLY online at
http://careers.bloomberg.com/hire/jobs/job25156.html

Upcoming Ambassador Lectures

2010-03-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

from Erlend D. Peterson, Associate International Vice President

CROATIA
Ambassador: Her Excellency Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Ambassador to the United States for the Republic of Croatia
CV: http://www.croatiaemb.org/
Title: “Croatia and U.S. Relations”
Date: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 12:00 noon
Location: David M. Kennedy Center Conference Room, 238 HRCB
Sponsor: David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

HUNGARY
Ambassador: His Excellency Béla Szombati, Ambassador to the United States for the Republic Hungary
CV: http://www.huembwas.org/Staff/Ambassador.htm
Title: “Hungary and U.S. Relations”
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 11:00 am
Location: Joseph Fielding Smith Building –Classroom B002 JFSB
Sponsor: David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

DENMARK
Ambassador: His Excellency Friis Arne Petersen, Ambassador to the United States for Denmark
CV: http://www.ambwashington.um.dk/en/menu/TheEmbassy/AmbassadorsGreeting/CurriculumVitae/
Title: “Denmark and U.S. Relations”
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11:00 am
Location: David M. Kennedy Center Conference Room, 238 HRCB
Sponsor: David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

GUATEMALA
Ambassador: His Excellency Francisco Villagrán de León, Ambassador to the United States for Guatemala
CV: http://www.washdiplomat.com/ambprof/Guatemala.html
Title: “Guatemala and U.S. Relations”
Date: Friday, April 9, 2010 at 12:00 noon
Location: David M. Kennedy Center Conference Room, 238 HRCB
Sponsor: David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

If you have any questions or suggestions, please telephone me or Kate Andreason at 2-1803. Thank you for your support of this lecture series. The Ambassadors consistently comment on how impressed they are with our students and faculty—and, especially, the excellent questions they are asked during the Q&A session.

Inquiry Conference March 16-19

2010-03-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

Dear International Relations Students:

The Kennedy Center for International Studies will be hosting the 12th Annual Inquiry Conference featuring students’ cross-cultural field research held 16-19 March 2010 in 238 HRCB. This academic conference is a forum for students to present their own findings on topics ranging from international development to social change, from the environment to human development. Most students have spent 7-12 months preparing for and conducting research in countries scattered over five continents. There will also be panel discussions where the presenters will connect their research to others’ and engage with the public.

Additionally, the following presentations by students in your college or on topics related to your discipline might be of interest to you (as part of a larger panel session, see schedule for details):

Political Transition, Social Reaction: 3:00 Wednesday, 17 March, 238 HRCB

Taylor Merkley, presenting “Windmills and Walls: A Social Club Harnesses the Winds of Change in Brandenburg”

Jessica Bingham, presenting “From the Iron Curtain to the European Union: The Influence of changing Political Structures on Romanian Family Life”

Giving and Taking: A Practice in International NGO Evaluation: 1:00 Thursday, 18 March, 238 HRCB

Matt Cox, presenting “Get Involved: The Role of Cultural Immersion in International NGO Evaluation”

Recent Change in Mayan communities: 12:00 Tuesday, 16 March, 238 HRCB

Jonathan Luke, presenting “The Current State of Alcaldia Indigena in Light of its Historical Precedents: The Case of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan”

Giving and Taking: A Practice in International NGO Evaluation: 1:00 Thursday, 18 March, 238 HRCB

Yukiko Seino, presenting “’There's No Progress Because We Lack Business Skills’: Why a Local South African NGO Struggles as Western Influence Grows”

To make the entire experience more academically enriching, after presenting for thirty minutes individually, groups of three-four presenters will sit on a panel to discuss implications of each others’ research.

So browse the conference schedule and locate the conference sessions that interest you, makes you wonder—the most intriguing one or most controversial. Find the one that you know you can’t miss. Then come and join us. All are welcome.

Email inquiryconference@byu.edu or call 801-422-1541 if you have further inquiries about the conference.

--
BYU Inquiry
204D HRCB ∙ 801.422.1541 ∙ www.kennedy.byu.edu/events/inquiry

Romanian Ambassador

2010-02-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

from Erlend D. Peterson, Associate International Vice President

Speaker: His Excellency Adrian Cosmin Vierita, Ambassador to the United States for Romania
Title: “Romania and the US at 130 years of diplomacy relations: Values, partnership and vision”
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 12:00 noon
Location: David M. Kennedy Center Conference Room, 238 HRCB
Sponsor: David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

Ambassador Vierita has a very distinguish background. We hope you will be able to join us. We ask you to invite students and colleagues to attend. Please forward this email to those whom you think will be interested.

Ambassador Vierita’s CV:

Ambassador Adrian Vierita presented his credentials to President of the United States, George W. Bush on January 22, 2008.

Prior to his current assignment, Adrian Vierita served as State Secretary for European Affairs with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since July 2006. Between 2002 and 2006, he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Mr.Vierita is a career member of the Diplomatic Corps of Romania. He joined the Foreign Service on March 1, 1991. He held various executive positions with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Chief of Staff of the State Secretary coordinating relations with Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America, Deputy Director of the United Nations and International Organizations Directorate, Director of the Central and South-East Europe Directorate and General Director for European and Transatlantic Affairs. Other postings abroad include a 4-year tour with the Permanent Mission of Romania to the International Organizations in Vienna, where he covered OSCE negotiations related to CFE Treaty and Black Sea security issues, as well as trafficking in persons and trans-border crime; he also served as Deputy Permanent Representative of Romania to IAEA and UNIDO.

In 2002, he was decorated with the Order of Faithful Service of Romania in the Rank of Officer. In 2003, he received the “Ambassador of the Year” Award and in 2005 was acknowledged Diplomat of the Year by “Nine O’Clock” daily in Bucharest. In 2006, Mr.Vierita received the Great Cross of Merit of The Federal Republic of Germany.

Mr. Vierita graduated the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna program of post-academic studies in International Affairs and European Integration, as well as the Romanian Institute of International Studies in Bucharest, specializing in international affairs and world economy, both awarded with Merit Diplomas. At present, he is a PhD candidate in economic sciences, at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. He has a Master’s Degree from the Faculty of Technology of the Polytechnic University in Bucharest. He was also a Visiting Lecturer to the European College for Liberal Arts in Berlin and co-authored the book “Romania in the United Nations Organization", published by the Encyclopedic Publishing House of Bucharest, in 1995.

He is married to Codrina Eugenia Vierita and has two children. Mr.Vierita was born on July 4, 1962 in Bucharest.

The Asian Cinema Club's Special Gift for everyone for the memorable day

2010-02-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Are you still scrambling to plan the special and memorable day? In tough economic times, it can be a challenge for anyone to make the day special. Well, we are here to help you out coming up with some creative ideas without depleting your wallet. The Asian Cinema Club's upcoming FREE romantic movie will make the day special and memorable for you and your valentine!

The upcoming Korean film, My Dear Enemy will be a perfect movie for this holiday season. It is a romantic black-comeday directed by Lee Yoon-ki, and starring Jeon Do-Yeon and Ha Jeong-woo who are regarded as one of the best actresses and actors in South Korea. My Dear Enemy takes the audience on a long day's journey of the two ex-lovers, and it is about female's view on men and the relationship between a man and a women. A striking combination of realism and idealism exists in this movie as well.

Mark the followings on your calendar:
When:Tuesday, February 9 at 7:30 P.M
Where: B002 JFSB (presented by Asian Studies 495)

Don't forget to bring your dear enemy. if don't, don't worry: that means you don't have any enemy in your life. Just bring yourself! Again. It is FREE!!
Please feel free to contact us at asiancinemaclub@gmail.com with any questions. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Thank you for your support as always,
The Asian Cinema Club

James Schlesinger Lecture

2010-02-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Speaker: Dr. James Schlesinger, Former United States Secretary of Defense and Former United States Secretary of Energy
Title: “Facing Old and New Defense Challenges”
Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Time: 7:30-9:00 pm
Location: Hinckley Center Assembly Hall
Sponsor: Wheatley Institution and David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

James Schlesinger received a bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Harvard College in 1950. He received his master's and doctoral degrees from Harvard University in 1952 and 1956.

Dr. Schlesinger began his government service in 1969 as assistant director of the U.S. Bureau of the Budget (later the Office of Management and Budget), where he also served as acting deputy director. From July 1973 to November 1975, Dr. Schlesinger was Secretary of Defense. Immediately prior to this appointment, he served as Director of Central Intelligence. In August 1971, he was selected by President Nixon to become chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, a position he held until February 1973. Dr. Schlesinger was the nation's first Secretary of Energy, taking the oath of office one day after President Carter signed the legislation creating the new department. He served in this position from 1977 to 1979.

Dr. Schlesinger has also served on many government commissions and advisory groups. Recently, he served as chairman of the Secretary's Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Management. He is vice chairman of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States. From 1999 to 2003, he was a member of the Panel to Assess the Reliability, Safety, and Security of the U.S. Nuclear Stockpile, and from 1998 to 2001, he was a member of the U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century (Hart-Rudman Commission). He recently served as co-chair of the Defense Science Board Task Force on the Future of the Global Positioning System (GPS). He also chairs the advisory group on GPS for the PNT (positioning, navigation, and timing) Executive Committee. He was vice chairman of the President's Blue Ribbon Task Group on Nuclear Weapons Program Management (1984 –1985), and served on the President's Commission on Strategic Forces (1982–1983).

Dr. Schlesinger serves as chairman of the board of The MITRE Corporation. He is a consultant to the Departments of Defense and State, and a member of the Defense Policy Board and the International Security Advisory Board. Dr. Schlesinger is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy. He is a director for Evergreen Energy and Sandia National Corporation. He is a counselor and trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a trustee of the Atlantic Council, the Nixon Center, the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation, the Center for Global Energy Studies, and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation.

Dr. Schlesinger has been awarded eleven honorary doctorates. He is the recipient of the National Security Medal, as well as five departmental and agency medals. He is the recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Distinguished Service Medal, the George Catlett Marshall Medal, the H. H. Arnold Award, the Navy League's National Meritorious Citation, the Distinguished Service Award of the Military Order of the Carabao, the Jimmy Doolittle Award, the Military Order of the World Wars Distinguished Service Award, the Henry M. Jackson Award for Distinguished Public Service, and the William Oliver Baker Award. In 2009, he received the Air Force Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Schlesinger is the author of The Political Economy of National Security, 1960, America at Century's End, 1989, and numerous articles.

Beijing Study Abroad Summer 2010

2010-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

All IR majors should have received this email a couple of weeks ago, but in case some didn't...

The Kennedy Center has initiated a new study abroad program in Beijing (summer 2010 term) to serve the interests of IR and Asian Studies majors. Below are the details of the program. If you are interested and have any questions please contact the International Relations or Asian Studies faculty advisors.

Beijing China Summer Term Study Abroad
Summer Term 2010

Program Details

The People’s Republic of China is emerging as one of the world’s leading economic and military powers. It has a rich history and Beijing is the historical and contemporary cultural and political capitol of China. The focus of the program is contemporary Chinese foreign relations and culture. The program emphasizes international relations, Asian Studies, political science and history. Although designed for students that haven’t studied Chinese or are at the intermediate level. Advanced Chinese language students can be accommodated through independent study. Course offered can be counted toward the IR, Political Science, and Asian Studies majors. Language credit can be arranged through the Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages.

Course Offerings
• Asian 330R Sino-American Relations (3hrs.)
• Asian 330R Politics and Culture (3 hrs.)
• Chinese language (beginning, intermediate, independent study) (3-4 hrs)

Where do Students Live?
Students live in the newly constructed international students dorms at the Chinese Foreign Affairs University located near the center of Beijing.

Semester/Dates
June 21-August 9, 2010
Application deadline is 29 January 2010

How Much Does This Cost?
• Estimated $3800-4200
• Includes LDS, undergraduate tuition (increased cost for graduate and non-LDS students).
• Does not include airfare, personal expenses, or most meals

Interested Students Should Contact:
Director: Eric Hyer is a member of the Political Science Department and specializes in Chinese politics. He has lived for many years in Taiwan and China and from 1995-1996 was a Fulbright Scholar at China Foreign Affairs University.
Director Contact Information: 209 HRCB, Tel: 422-4699, Email: eric_hyer@byu.edu

Undergraduate Research Opportunity

2010-01-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

from Eric Hyer:

Central Washington University, the National Science Foundation, the Center for Historical Environment and Socioeconomic Development of Northwest China at Shaanxi Normal University, and the Northwest Socioeconomic Development Research Center of Northwest University would like to announce the call for applications for the 2010 NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program entitled “Great Western Development, Rural Peasants, and Water Policy across China’s Loess Plateau.” This unique program in social science research will be conducted in Ellensburg, WA, and in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, China in the summer of 2010. Twelve highly-qualified undergraduates and a team of faculty mentors will undertake collaborative research on how economic development and societal change is impacting China’s already precarious environmental position across the Yellow River loess plateau. The six-week program will be conducted between June 21 and August 1, 2010.

The program’s primary objective is to mentor students through the complete process of designing a research agenda and performing primary research in the social sciences at an international field site. It includes a unique combination of close mentoring, student/faculty teamwork, multidisciplinary research, and international field experience. Student participation will be encouraged from all fields of the social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, geography, environmental studies, economics, political science, Asian studies, history, and land/resource management. Juniors and non-graduating seniors are particularly encouraged to apply. Graduate students are not eligible. Applicants are limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Faculty mentors include Richard Mack (economics), Hong Xiao (sociology), Roberta Soltz (biology), and James Cook (Asian studies) of Central Washington University.

Costs of participation (travel, room, board), including the payment of a significant research stipend, will be paid by the program. Student participants are only responsible for their travel to/from Central Washington University.

Deadline for applications is February 15, 2010. Additional information and application forms can be found at http://www.cwu.edu/~nsfreu. Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution/TDD.

Email from Students for International Development

2010-01-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hi,

My name is Michelle Alejandra Rubio from the Students for International Development club (SID.) I am sending this email to ask for your support with our Creative Competition, a new way to help students get involved with international issues. For the past twenty years, SID has hosted an annual Hunger Banquet to raise awareness within the BYU community about global poverty and wealth inequality. The Hunger Banquet is designed to serve as both a fund-raising event and an opportunity for members of the BYU and Provo communities to think critically about the systems of inequity that permeate our world.

This year’s Hunger Banquet theme is Human Dignity, and we are hosting a creative competition as a way of exploring this theme. Our goal is to encourage students to create art that shows the dignity within the bounds of poverty. We are accepting paintings, film, photography, dance, music, creative writing, or any other type of creative platform that can be displayed in a gallery here on campus. I have attached the official flier and ask that you share it with your classes to encourage involvement. As a further incentive, several $200 prizes will be awarded to the outstanding entries.

As a final note, if there is any way for us to send a representative from SID to do a short presentation in class, we would love to stop by. Just email me back and let me know when and where. The deadline for entry is February 18th.

Thank you for your involvement,
Michelle Alejandra Rubio

Check out our website:
http://kennedy.byu.edu/student/SID/hunger/#

Sigma Iota Rho Winter Semester Social

2010-01-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

Winter Opening Social for Sigma Iota Rho - BYU's International Relations Honor Society

Come learn about SIR and eat JDAWGS!

When: Thursday, January 28th

Where: 3223 WILK

Time: 11am

Join SIR on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=268775343570#/group.php?gid=5212700138&ref=ts

Study Abroad in India

2009-11-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

The BYU Study Abroad Program in INDIA is now receiving applications from students interested in a language-centered and research-intensive program in the port city of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh State).

We have a full-time Telugu language instructor; three full-time Indian academic advisors (all professors at Andhra University); five part-time translators; a program physician; and a staff of three cooks and a washerman.

Students write 30-50 page reports that we will submit for publication in book form to a university press, much like the publication process for students in the Guatemala program.

Please do let your students know. I am happy to answer any questions.

Thanks,

Charles W. Nuckolls
Professor, Department of Anthropology
&
Director, India Program

Dr. Phillips Office Hours

2009-11-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

My lovely wife is out of town until Thanksgiving and I need to be home when my two younger children come home from school. My office hours are normally from 2:00 - 4:00 on Monday & Wednesday. However, I will need to change my office hours in the meantime.

So for the next two weeks I will be holding office hours as follows:

9:30 - 10:30 Monday & Wednesday in 166 FOB
9:00 - 11:00 Friday in 166 FOB

Feel free to contact me by phone (810) 422-5928 or email kerk_phillips@byu.edu if these office hours don't work for you.

I will be back to normal office hours starting Monday, November 30th.

Dr. Douglas M. Johnston, “Religion and Statecraft”

2009-11-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Speaker: Dr. Douglas M. Johnston, President, International Center for Religion and Diplomacy

Title: “Religion and Statecraft”

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Time: 5:30-7:00 pm

Location: Hinckley Center Assembly Hall

Sponsor: Wheatley Institution and David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

Douglas M. Johnston

Douglas M. Johnston, Ph.D. is President and Founder of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD). He has served in various positions as a White House appointee and lectured at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He was appointed a Senior Fellow of The Trinity Forum in 2006.

He is known for developing a new synergy for peacemaking based on the joint contributions of religion and politics, as articulated in his acclaimed book Religion: The Missing Dimension of Statecraft (Oxford University Press, 1994). Dr. Johnston’s hands-on experience in reconciliation and peacemaking reflects his deep interest in religion and conflict resolution stemming from his twenty-year involvement with the National Prayer Breakfast and his service on the board of the Washington Theological Consortium.

Dr. Johnston is a distinguished graduate of the US Naval Academy and holds a Masters degree in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University. He has a broad range of executive experience in government, academia and the military, starting with ten years in the submarine service where, at the age of 27, he was the youngest officer in the US Navy to qualify for command of a nuclear submarine.

Most recently, Dr. Johnston served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Among his other duties, he chaired the CSIS programs on maritime studies and on preventive diplomacy.

Among his assignments in government, Dr. Johnston was a planning officer in the President’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, Director of Policy Planning and Management in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower). In academia, he taught international affairs and security at Harvard University and was the Founding Director of the Kennedy School’s Executive Program in National and International Security.

Dr. Johnston has edited and authored several books, including Foreign Policy into the 21st Century: The U.S. Leadership Challenge (CSIS, 1996) and Faith-based Diplomacy: Trumping Realpolitik (Oxford University Press, 2003).

Koch Internship Program

2009-10-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

The spring Koch Internship Program is a unique, paid opportunity for students and recent graduates to work in Washington, D.C. We are currently looking for candidates who not only have a commitment to free-market principles and individual liberty, but also demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit in and outside of the classroom.
Details about the Koch Internship Program:
• Runs from January 19 to May 7, 2010
• Offers part-time flexibility
• Pays an hourly rate of $12.00
• Allows interns to gain real-world experience working in a think thank or policy institute
• Equips interns with the management training and professional development necessary to be successful and effective at advancing liberty
Please take a minute to pass this information along to anyone who may be interested in the program. Applications are due by December 4th.
Please click on our flyer and visit our website to find out more information. If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Thom

Thomas Russell
Associate, Marketing and Recruiting
Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation
1515 N Courthouse Rd
Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22201
www.cgkfoundation.org

The Challenge of Afghanistan and Pakistan

2009-10-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Symposium: The Challenge of Afghanistan and Pakistan
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Location: Hinckley Center Assembly Hall
Time: Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Session: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sponsors: The Wheatley Institution and the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

The Honorable John J. Hamre, President and CEO, Center for Strategic and International Studies, will be the keynote speaker at 1:00 p.m.

The panel participants include:
Stephen P. Cohen, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy, Brookings Institution
Gerald F. Hyman, President, Hills Program on Governance, Center for Strategic and International Studies
John Hughes, Professor of Communications, Brigham Young University
Colonel Michael J. Meese, Head of Social Sciences, U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Lieutenant Colonel Isaiah Wilson, Professor of Social Sciences, U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Panels chaired by:
General Amos A. Jordan, Former CSIS President, Wheatley Institution Senior Fellow

Global Management Student Association

2009-10-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

We have some new and exciting news for you all. We now have a new venue to further your knowledge in international business! The Global Management Student Association (GMSA) is a new chartered club in the Marriott School of Business and the objective is to expose students to the exciting world of international business. Throughout the year we plan to hear from guest speakers, have company visits, participate in leadership activities, and create opportunities to meet other students with the same interests. If this you want to participate and get involved go to http://marriottschool.byu.edu/clubs/ and register.

We will have our opening social on 29 October 2009 at 5:30-6:30pm. We will be pleased to hear from Lew Cramer, CEO and President of the World Trade Center of Utah. He will give us an introduction to the international opportunities around us and share some of his experiences. Club t-shirts will be available for those that have registered or register that night. Hope to see you there!

--
McKay Fitt
President
Global Management Student Association
801.503.8587

Brent Scowcroft Lecture on Sep. 29th

2009-09-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

Brent Scowcroft, the National Security Advisor for Presidents Ford and George H. W. Bush will be speaking at 7:00 p.m. on September 29th in the Assembly Hall at the Hinckley Alumni Center. His lecture is sponsored by BYU's Wheatley Institute.

This series of lectures in international affairs will feature several well-know foreign policy experts at various times during the academic year, so stay tuned for more announcements.

Year-long Job/Internship for Graduates

2009-09-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

From Thomas Russell at the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation:

Just last week the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation began accepting applications for our 2010-11 Koch Associate Program, a year-long job opportunity for those passionate about free-market ideas and who have a desire to become more effective at advancing liberty throughout their careers. Some of our best candidates learn about the program through their professors, so I hope that you will pass this information along to any interested young professionals.

Great candidates for the program, first and foremost, are those with an understanding of and commitment to limited government and individual liberty. Here is a brief description of what else a good candidate should possess:

Required:
* Solid academic record
* 0-10 years of work experience
* Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
* Strong interest in learning effective management in the non-profit setting

Desired:
* Intellectual curiosity
* Willingness to learn and be challenged
* Desire to become a better and more equipped professional
* Humility, integrity, and motivation
* Demonstration of entrepreneurial thinking

Thanks,

Thomas Russell
Associate, Marketing and Recruiting
Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation
www.cgkfoundation.org
Ph: 703.875.1655

Upcoming Movie

2009-09-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

from The Asian Cinema Club:
Hello, everyone

We are very happy to announce you all that the Asian Cinema Club's first screening of the semester is coming soon. The next film will be a Japanese movie, University of Laughs (Warai no daigaku) . It is a 2004 film directed by Mamoru Hoshi, and was nominated for best screenplay and best actor at the 2005 Awards of the Japanese Academy.

Remember the following information:
When: Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 P.M (Running time: 85minutes)
Where: HBLL 3714 (presented by Asian 495) the rooms on the south side of the library.

As always, there will be No Charge for admission, Friends are welcome to come!
Please feel free to contact asiancinemaclub@gmail.com with any questions. Thanks!

We will see you there!!

The Asian Cinema Club

Another Change in Office Hours

2009-09-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

Due to another schedul conflict I need to move my existing office hours slightly.

I will be available in 215 HRCB on Mondays & Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon.

In addition, I will be holding office hours in my economics department office in 166 FOB on Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 and on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00.

I am also available to meet other times by appointment.

Change in Office Hours

2009-09-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

Due to a conflict with a course I would like to sit in on, I am changing my office hours for Fall Semester.

I will be available in 215 HRCB on Mondays & Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 in the afternoon, and by appointment.

Econ 431 - Economic Development

2009-09-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Please note there is a typographical error in the course catalog this year regarding Economics 431. The prerequisites for the class are Econ 380 and either Econ 388 or PlSc 328. Until this year Econ 382 was a prerequisite for the course. The economics department has dropped that requirement, but since Econ 380 was and is a prerequisite for Econ 382, it was not listed previously as a requirement for Econ 431.

You will still need to complete Econ 380 before you can enroll in any 400-level economics course. Econ 432 and Econ 459 also require Econ 381 as a prerequisite. Be sure you make your academic plans accordingly.

Thunderbird School

2009-04-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

From Tom Brennan, Recuiter from the Thunderbird School:

Thanks again for meeting me in my visit to BYU a few weeks ago. I enjoyed presenting to the current students and learning about their interests and future goals. If you happen to speak with any students interested in pursuing an education in global management or global affairs with Thunderbird, you can send them the link below for more information. This is the link to the e-versions of all of our print materials:

http://www.thunderbird.edu/prospective_students/_thank_you.htm

Feel free to share my contact information with anyone who would like to speak with me. We would be happy to return to BYU for a visit in the future.

Have a great week!

Best regards,

Tom Brennan
Director of Recruitment
Thunderbird School of Global Management
(602) 978 - 7219
MSN Messenger: brennantp@t-bird.edu

Looking for an Overseas Experience Next Summer?

2009-04-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

From Scott Cooper in the Political Science Department and a member of the IR Committee of the Whole:

IR students,

As you’re making plans for future study, please consider London Study Abroad in Winter or Spring 2010. The BYU center in London accepts about 45 students per semester and has its own facilities—two townhouses in a cool part of town that have been converted into dorms, classroom space, common areas, and faculty apartments. Students take 4 classes in Winter (or 2 in Spring), but the real highlight is being able to get course credit while living in one of the most interesting cities on the planet. Classes are tied in with field trips in London itself, as well as to sites around Britain (and, in Winter, Paris).

I’ll be teaching Intro International Relations (Poli Sci 170, Winter) and British History & Politics (ES 336, Winter & Spring) and would really like to have a strong contingent of IR-interested students along. London is a great place to talk about stuff like balance of power politics, causes of the great wars, the origins of democracy and rule of law, and Britain’s occasionally difficult relationships with the EU. It’s also of course a great place to take classes on Shakespeare, classical civilization, and world religions.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me (scott_cooper@byu.edu) or the Kennedy Center’s international study office (isp@byu.edu). And remember to tell your parents you’re going mostly for the classes.

Prof. Cooper
762 Kimball Tower
scott_cooper@byu.edu

Congratulations to Stephanie Blood

2009-04-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late and I apologize for being slow to post things this past week or so.

Stephanie Blood, a senior majoring in International Relations, won the “Most Motivational Display” award at the 2009 Strut Your Stuff Internship Fair on April 3rd. There were around 100 participants and only 8 participants won awards, so this is a high honor. Pictures of all the winners are available at the Internship Office Website (www.byu.edu/intern).

Three Cheers!

Brazil Diplomat Lectures

2009-03-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

From Erlend D. Peterson, Associate International Vice President:

Next week appears to be Brazil week. His Excellency Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, Brazil Ambassador to the U.S. will speak at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Ambassador José Alfredo Graça Lima, Brazilian Consul General in Los Angeles, will speak at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 2, 2009. May I invite you to both lectures.

Brazil Ambassador to the U.S. – His Excellency Antonio de Aguiar Patriota
Topic: "Brazil-US Relations: Bilateral, regional and global agendas."
Lecture: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 2:00 pm in the Library Auditorium 1080 HBLL (bottom floor, north-west side)
Web bio: http://www.brasilemb.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=81

Brazilian Consul General in Los Angeles – Ambassador José Alfredo Graça Lima
Topic: (Title has not be given)
Lecture: Thursday, April 2, 2009 – 11:00 am in the Hinckley Center Assembly Hall

Asian Cinema Club's Screening of The Way Home

2009-03-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

We would like to announce that the Asian Cinema Club will be showing the Korean film The Way Home on Wednesday, April 1, 2009. It is in Korean with English subtitles. More information about the film can be found at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312841/.

Michelle Burgess
President of Asian Cinema Club

National Security Studies graduate school presentation

2009-03-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Kennedy Center is hosting the following graduate school information seminar that may be of interest to your students as they consider their future plans following graduation.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009
3:00pm in 257 HRCB (Kennedy Center)

BYU alumni Joshua Johnson (Political Science, 2006), an admissions counselor at Cal State University - San Bernardino, who is currently finishing his M.A. degree in National Security Studies will be here to discuss their master's program and recruit BYU students for:

National Security Studies M.A. degree program at Cal State University, San Bernardino:

The National Security Studies M.A. program at CSUSB is one of just five such programs in the United States, and the only one west of the Rockies. For students interested in international relations, causes of war, arms control, terrorism, and security issues involving Russia, East Asia, or the Middle East, we offer an excellent course of study that is designed to give students the requisite training and expertise to land a job in the U.S. Intelligence Community or with other federal agencies upon graduation. In fact, NSS students get preferential treatment in the federal hiring process because of the program's close relationship with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

The National Security Studies M.A. program at CSUSB houses the CSU Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CSU-ACE). CSU-ACE began in the Fall of 2006 with a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence through the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Students from all majors are welcome to attend. International Relations and Area Studies majors, Political Science majors, Computer Science majors, and Geography majors with GIS experience and/or foreign language aptitude are particularly encouraged to attend.

Undergrad research opportunity

2009-03-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

From Eric Hyer, in the Political Science Department. (He is also the Asian Studies Major Coordinator):

Please beware that any study at other universities or programs must be approved by BYU prior to leaving or there is the risk the credits may not transfer back to BYU when you are done. Check with the Advisement Center for details.

With that caveat...

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES PROGRAM

GREAT WESTERN DEVELOPMENT, RURAL PEASANTS, AND WATER POLICY ACROSS CHINA’S LOESS PLATEAU

Central Washington University and the National Science Foundation (NSF), in cooperation with the Center for Historical Environment and Socioeconomic Development of Shaanxi Normal University, the Northwest Socioeconomic Development Research Center at Northwest University of China, and the Qinghai University for Nationalities announce the call for applications for the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates
(REU) program GREAT WESTERN DEVELOPMENT, RURAL PEASANTS, AND WATER POLICY ACROSS CHINA’S LOESS PLATEAU for summer 2009. This unique program in social science research will be conducted in Ellensburg, WA, Gansu, Qinghai, and Shaanxi provinces of China in the summer of 2009.
Twelve highly-qualified undergraduates and a team of faculty mentors will undertake collaborative research on how economic development and societal change is impacting China’s already precarious environmental position across the Yellow River loess plateau. The seven-week program will be conducted between June 16 and August 4, 2009.

The program’s primary objective is to mentor students through the complete process of designing a research agenda and performing primary research in the social sciences at an international field site. It includes a unique combination of close mentoring, student/faculty teamwork, multidisciplinary research, and international field experience. Student participation will be encouraged from all fields of the social sciences including sociology, anthropology, geography, environmental studies, economics, political science, Asia-Pacific studies, history, and land/resource management. Juniors and non-graduating seniors are particularly encouraged to apply. Graduate students are not eligible. Applicants are limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Faculty mentors include Richard Mack (economics), Hong Xiao (sociology), and James Cook (Asian Studies) of Central Washington University, and Roberta Soltz (biology). We will also be working with a large team of Chinese researchers and students.

Costs of participation (travel, room, board), including the payment of a significant research stipend, will be paid by the program. Student participants are responsible for their travel to/from Central Washington University, passport and visa fees, and personal incidentals.

Deadline for applications is April 20, 2009. Additional information and application forms can be found at http://www.cwu.edu/~studyabroad/faculty-led.html. Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution/TDD.

Graduating Senior Farewell Social

2009-03-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

From Noelani in the Advisement Center:

Thursday, 9 April
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
238 HRCB

Vital graduation information—and good food!

This event is for graduating seniors who have applied for April or August 2009 graduation. Guests are not permitted. Career Placement Services will offer a brief presentation and I will be giving instructions for the convocation ceremonies and information as our newest alumni. Presentations will be given at the top of each hour.

US Treasury Internships

2009-03-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Internship Opportunity – Fall 2009
Office of Economic Policy
U.S. Treasury Department
Washington, D.C.

The Office of Economic Policy, U.S. Treasury Department is currently looking for college students interested in Economics, Finance, or Public Policy for our Fall 2009 internship program. Our program runs year round with three sessions: January through May, May through August, and September through December. Our program is about substance. Interns are generally assigned a long-term research project as well as smaller projects. They are also expected to attend Congressional Hearings and think tank lectures and presentations and summarize these events for the Assistant Secretary and other senior level economists. Candidates should have strong writing skills, be able to work independently, be well organized and highly motivated. Interns are expected to work between 32 and 40 hours a week. There is some flexibility in the work hours if you are taking classes while in D.C. Our intern positions are unpaid. We do provide a subway subsidy to help defray commuting expenses.

If you are interested in applying, submit your resume (with your GPA included), a copy of your transcript (unofficial will suffice), two writing samples and three references tomailto:%20Christine.Devlin@do.treas.gov.Applications are due July 3, 2009. U.S. citizenship required. For further information, please contact Christine Devlin, Office of Economic Policy, U.S. Treasury Department, 202-622-2200.

Getting Majors "Just Right"

2009-03-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Being an economist, I am biased in favor of this essay, which points out how economics is the "just right major". On the other hand, I think it also demonstrates how the IR degree has moved in the "right" direction. Agree with the article or not, it is an iteresting take on what a major should be teaching its students.

http://www.viet-studies.info/kinhte/Economic_Major_CHE.pdf

Advanced Studies Program in International Economic Policy Research at the Kiel Institute

2009-03-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Kiel Institute will continue its successful Advanced Studies Program in International Economic Policy Research with a new round starting in August 2009:

Courses - Lecturers
Economic Growth - Philippe Aghion (Harvard)
Macroeconomics in Open Economies - Charles Engel (Wisconsin)
Monetary Policy: Theory and Practice - Lawrence Christiano (Northwestern)
Monetary and Fiscal Policy in the EU - Jakob de Haan (Groningen)
International Banking and Finance - Steven Ongena (Tilburg)
Labour-Market Economics - Dennis Snower (Kiel)
International Trade - Thierry Mayer (Paris)
Economic Development - Pierre-Richard Agenor (Manchester)
International Migration - Hillel Rapoport (Bar-Ilan)

First outlines for these courses are now available! Participation is possiblein the full ten-month program as well as in selected courses.

I would be grateful if you could pass this information on to interested candidates. Detailed information on the program is provided on the Kiel Institute´s website http://www.ifw-kiel.de/ in the Advanced Studies Section.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and best regards

Harmen Lehment

Professor Harmen Lehment
Director, Advanced Studies Program
Kiel Institute for the World Economy
D- 24100 Kiel

Asian Cinema

2009-03-13T08:39:00.001-07:00

We would like to announce that the Asian Cinema Club will be showing the Japanese film Nausicaa: Valley of the Wind on Wednesday, March 18, 2009. It is in Japanese with English subtitles. More information about the film can be found at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087544/.

Maybe you should consider a PhD...

2009-03-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

from Darren Hawkins (Chair of Political Science & former IR Coordinator):

Dear Political Science and International Relations Students:

As the Department Chair of the Political Science Department, I would like to extend an invitation to you to join us for an informational session we are holding Friday, March 13 that might affect your future! There are many paths that PL SC and IR students can take after graduation. The large majority will get a master’s degree or a law degree. Some of you will go on to get a Ph.D.

We would like to encourage more to consider a Ph.D., but also provide information about masters’ options. So, we are sponsoring the following event along with Pi Sigma Alpha. EVEN if you are just a freshman or sophomore, I strongly encourage you to attend if you have a possibility of thinking about a Ph.D.

NOTE: The first hour will be about Ph.D.s; the second hour (from 2-3 pm) will be on masters’ programs.

Maybe you should consider a PhD...
Come learn from experienced faculty about acquiring a PhD or a professional graduate degree!
Friday, March 13, 2009
1:00pm in 238 HRCB
Refreshments will be served!

Whether this is a choice you have considered or haven’t even thought of yet, this meeting should be a great opportunity for all who attend.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks,
Prof. Hawkins

MESA/IR lectures

2009-03-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

from Chad Emmett (A member of the IR Committe of the Whole, and director of the MESA degree):

IR majors:

Coming up next week are two great lectures from specialists in Middle East terrorism and intelligence.

The first is Monday March 2 at 2:00 in 238 HRCB (Kennedy Center). Dr. Gabriel Weimann, a Communications Professor in the Department of Communications at Haifa University, Israel will speak on “Terrorism and the Internet”. Much of his research has focused on how Islamic terrorist groups have used the internet to further their cause.

The second lecture is on Wednesday March 4 at 2:00 in JFSB B092. Avi Jorisch will speak on: “Tainted Money: Winning the War on Money Laundering and Terrorism Finance”. Avi’s in-country research on Hizballah’s funding of terrorism was instrumental in severely restricting the broadcast funding and abilities of Hizballah’s al-Manar TV.

These two speakers will be accompanied by and introduced by Ahmed Qureshi--a BYU graduate in Middle Eastern Studies who is now president of Harbinger Technologies Group. This group as described on its web site is “comprised of former intelligence operators, military officers, law enforcement personnel, as well as Islamic/Arab culture experts, scientists, software designers and linguists. This diverse team works together to create intelligent solutions – training, consulting and tools that better equip you to understand and know either your clients, allies or your enemies.”

All three of these men are excellent examples of how to turn an IR related degree into a job.

Hope to see you there

Professor Emmett

Washington DC apartment available

2009-02-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

From the Internship Office. If any of you are doing internships in Washington DC this summer and are looking for a place to stay, here is a lead.

Hi my name is McKenna Taylor. My husband and I are LDS and we currently live in Washington DC. We were interested in subleting our apartment for the summer and know that many BYU students/couples come to DC for summer internships. I wanted to know if there would be a way to advertise our sublet because we want an LDS student or couple to rent from us from the middle of May to August. Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon. You can e-mail me at mckennataylor@yahoo.com.

Marketing BYU Inquiry Conference

2009-02-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

from Eric Darsow, Inquiry Conference Planning Committee

Dear International Relations Majors:

The Kennedy Center for International Studies is hosting the 11th Annual Inquiry Conference featuring students’ cross-cultural field research on March 3-6th, 2009 in 238 HRCB. The following presentations by students in your discipline might be of interest to you (as part of a larger panel session, see schedule for details):

Models of Socialization for Youth (2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.):
Cortney Evans (International Relations) “Agents of Political Socialization of Youth in Mukono, Uganda”

Understanding the Misunderstood (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon):
Matthew Adamson (International Relations) “My Life Is Not Upside-down: Parental Loss and Hope among Vulnerable Children in South Africa”

Perceptions of Identity (1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.):
Adam Harris (Political Science) “Facing Reality: An Experimental Approach to Ethnic Identity”

The above students and others will be presenting on their field research experiences from around the world, addressing diverse topics such as conceptions of beauty in India to transportation infrastructure in Beijing. To make the entire experience more academically enriching, after presenting individually, groups of 3-4 presenters will sit on a panel together to critique, debate, scrutinize, and dispute each others’ research.

So browse the attached conference schedule and locate the conference sessions that interest you makes you wonder—the most intriguing one or most controversial. Find the one that you know you can’t miss. Then come and join us and bring your friends, spouses, teachers, pets, and roommates. All are welcome. And it’s free!

Email inquiry.byu@gmail.com or call 801-422-1541 if you have further inquiries about the conference.

More details available at http://www.kennedy.byu.edu/events/inquiry/

Faculty Panel Discussion Today!

2009-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Winter 2009 Book of the Semester
Faculty Panel Discussion
Four faculty perspectives on the ideas presented by William Easterly in White Man’s Burden
Wednesday, 25 February
3:00–5:00 p.m.
238 HRCB

Randy S. Lewis, professor of chemical engineering
Daniel L. Nielson, associate professor of political science
Frank L. McIntyre, assistant professor of economics
Joseph Price, assistant professor of economics

You can watch a podcast of this panel by visiting http://kennedy.byu.edu/archive/.

5 March CFR Call

2009-02-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

from Irina Faskianos via Cory Leonard:

On behalf of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), I invite you and your students to participate in the next session of the Winter/Spring 2009 CFR Academic Conference Call series on Thursday, March 5, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (ET). Roger M. Kubarych, CFR's Henry Kaufman adjunct senior fellow for international economics and finance, will lead the discussion on "The Global Economic Crisis." For the complete schedule of upcoming Academic Conference Calls, please visit http://www.cfr.org/educators/newsletter_detail.html?id=1275.

In addition to his position at CFR, Mr. Kubarych is chief U.S. economist at UniCredit Global Research, which is part of UniCredit Markets and Investment Banking, and is a senior economic adviser for HVB Americas Inc. He was senior vice president and chief economist of the New York Stock Exchange and served for thirteen years at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in a variety of positions. In addition, Mr. Kubarych was special assistant to the U.S. Department of the Treasury undersecretary for monetary affairs, and served on the economic intelligence advisory panel to the director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He has written numerous papers, books, and articles on economic and financial topics and writes a regular column for Japan's Nikkei newspaper.

As background for the discussion, you may wish to review the following materials:

1) "The U.S. Economic Stimulus Plan," Backgrounder, CFR.org, February 18, 2009 (Updated); http://www.cfr.org/publication/18348

2) Roger M. Kubarych, "Testing Time for a Young Administration," Nikkei Financial Daily, February 12, 2009;http://www.cfr.org/publication/18584/testing_time_for_a_young_administration.html (The full text of this article will be included with the dial-in instructions.)

3) "Fact Sheet: Financial Stability Plan," FinancialStability.gov, February 10, 2009; http://financialstability.gov/docs/fact-sheet.pdf

4) "A New Information Infrastructure for Financial Markets," Working Paper, Squam Lake Working Group on Financial Regulation, February 2009;http://www.cfr.org/publication/18568/new_information_infrastructure_for_financial_markets.html

5) "Timeline: Global Economy in Crisis," Interactive, CFR.org, January 26, 2009 (Updated); http://www.cfr.org/publication/18372

6) Simon Johnson, "The Economic Crisis and the Crisis in Economics," Revised Version of Speech Prepared for Presidental Address to the Association for Comparative Economics (San Francisco, January 4, 2009), Peterson Institute for International Economics, January 7, 2009. http://www.iie.com/publications/papers/paper.cfm?ResearchID=1090

South African Ambassador's Visit - Change of Location

2009-02-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

from Erlend D. Peterson, Associate International Vice President:

May I invite you and your students to attend the lectures that will be given by the Ambassador of South Africa to the United States. Will you also forward this email to those whom you feel would be interested in attending Ambassador Nhlapo’s lecture.

South Africa – His Excellency Welile Nhlapo
Topic: ASouth Africa Today: Challenges and Opportunities@
Lecture: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 12:00 noon in the HBLL Library Auditorium.
Web bio: http://www.saembassy.org/

Ambassador Welile Nhlapo’s CV

During the difficult period of struggle against apartheid, Ambassador Nhlapo made a significant contribution to the liberation movement. He began his activities as a student in the Black Consciousness Movement and together with the late Steve Biko and Tebogo Mafole, he co-authored the publication, “Black review,” in 1972 that reviewed the activities of black organizations at the time.In 1973 a banning order was issued against him and he went into exile in Botswana in 1974. During his years in exile, he became the Deputy Editor of the ANC publication, Sechaba, Head of the ANC Youth Section, and other structures of the ANC.

He later became the ANC Chief Representative in Botswana and finally before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs, became the Head of the Political Section in the ANC Secretary-General’s office and later the organization’s International Affairs department.
He joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1994 and was part of the South African Government delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 when South Africa was re-admitted to the world body.

In 1995, he was appointed South African Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. In 1997, he was appointed Special Envoy to Burundi. He also served as non-resident Ambassador to Djibouti, Eritrea and Sudan.

In 1998, he was appointed Deputy Director-General responsible for Africa in the Department of Foreign Affairs. During this period, he participated in South Africa’s conflict resolution efforts in Lesotho, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Comoros, Zimbabwe and Great Lakes region.
In 2001, he was appointed Head of the Presidential Support Unit which advised the Presidency on conflict situations in Africa and the Middle East.

Contributing to the peace process in Burundi, as South Africa’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Nhlapo formed part of the South African negotiating team assisting to find a solution to the conflict in Burundi. He was appointed deputy Head of Mission responsible for political affairs in the African Union Mission in Burundi. He later became the Head of the Political Section of the United Nations Mission in Burundi.

Shortly before assuming the post as South African Ambassador to the United States on 14 August 2007, Ambassador Nhlapo was Director in the Department of Political Affairs (Africa Division 1) at the United Nation’s Headquarters in New York.
Ambassador Nhlapo currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Nelson Mandela’s Children Fund in the United States of America.

Ambassador Nhlapo was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is married to Mrs Sissy Nhlapo; they have three children.

Asian Cinema Club's Screening of Beijing Bicycle

2009-02-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

We would like to announce that the Asian Cinema Club will be showing the Chinese film Beijing Bicycle on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. It is in Mandarin with English subtitles. More information about the film can be found at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0276501/ .

From Andy Spackman in the Library

2009-02-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

Global Trade and Economics
During this open-door workshop we will explore sources for economic indicators, demographics, and trade data provided by the World Bank, IMF, OECD, and UN.

Wednesday, February 18th, 5:30 pm
Repeated Thursday, February 19th, 11:00 am
Room 240 TNRB

This is part of a series of clinics, others of which may also be of interest. You can view the full schedule here: http://www.lib.byu.edu/business/the-business-research-clinics/

Design Your Internship Abroad

2009-01-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

Friday, 30 January
10:00 a.m.
257 HRCB
Name your price to travel abroad.
Intern abroad this summer.

For more information on existing internships see http://kennedy.byu.edu/isp.

CFR Academic Conference Calls

2009-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

BYU is holding regular CFR Conference Calls. They are normally held in the small conference room in the HRCB (just south of the lobby). Here is some additional information forwarded by Cory Leonard.

On behalf of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), I invite you and your students to participate in the next session of the Winter/Spring 2009 CFR Academic Conference Call Series on Thursday, February 5, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (ET). Mona Yacoubian, special adviser to the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention's Muslim World Initiative at the United States Institute of Peace, will lead the discussion on "Dealing with Damascus." For the complete schedule of upcoming Academic Conference Calls, visit http://www.cfr.org/educators/newsletter_detail.html?id=1275.

Ms. Yacoubian is the coauthor, along with Scott Lasensky, of the Council Special Report "Dealing with Damascus: Seeking a Greater Return on U.S.-Syria Relations." She has consulted for a number of organizations, including the World Bank, the U.S. Department of State, RAND Corporation, and Freedom House. From 1990 to 1997, Ms. Yacoubian served as the North Africa analyst in the State Department Bureau of Intelligence and Research, where she focused on the crisis in Algeria. She is a frequent commentator on leading U.S. and international news outlets, and was a Fulbright scholar in Syria and an international affairs fellow at CFR, where she published a monograph titled "Algeria's Struggle for Democracy."

As background for the discussion, you may wish to have your students review the following materials:

1) "Engaging Syria? Lessons from the French Experience," Policy Briefing, International Crisis Group, January 15, 2009; http://www.crisisgroup.org/library/documents/middle_east___north_africa/arab_israeli_conflict/syria/b27_engaging_syria___lessons_from_the_french_experience.pdf

2) Richard N. Haass and Martin Indyk, "A Time for Diplomatic Renewal: Toward a New U.S. Strategy in the Middle East," Restoring the Balance: A Middle East Strategy for the Next President, a CFR-Saban Center at Brookings Book, December 2008; (The chapter will be included with the dial-in instructions.)

3) Scott Lasensky and Mona Yacoubian, "Dealing with Damascus: Seeking a Greater Return on U.S.-Syria Relations," Council Special Report, Council on Foreign Relations, June 2008; http://www.cfr.org/content/publications/attachments/Syria_CSR33.pdf

4) Jeremy M. Sharp, "Syria: Background and U.S. Relations," CRS Report for Congress, May 1, 2008 (Updated).http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33487.pdf

Irina A. Faskianos
Vice President, National Program & Outreach
Council on Foreign Relations
58 East 68th Street, New York, New York 10065
tel 212.434.9465 cell 201.463.4515 fax 212.434.9829
ifaskianos@cfr.org www.cfr.org

BYU Political Review

2009-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

We want to inform you of a new opportunity for International Relations Students. The BYU Political Review is a campus newspaper written by students covering political and international analysis and opinion. We know that it takes time and effort to write an article outside of class, so from now on, if you write and submit an article that is accepted for publication, you will get $20 cash. Submit articles to byupoliticalreview@gmail.com.

Keep articles 700-1000 words on any political topic. Articles with strong arguments and good writing are more likely to be accepted for publication. If your article is published, your money will be available the following Thursday 6:00 257 HRCB. You can read and comment on current articles at byupoliticalreview.com.You can also join our Facebook group and debate politics online with other students. You can join by visiting http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=46132894957&ref=ts

We would love to have you on our staff! If you are interested, please come to weekly meetings Thursday 6:00 257 HRCB. Each week, there are stimulating discussions on political affairs. We look forward to receiving your articles.

Best Wishes,

Zach Davis (Editor)

Asian Cinema Club

2009-01-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

The Asian Cinema Club screens a movie on campus one a month from different areas of Asia. Our goal is to enrich the education of students by providing opportunities to learn more about Asian cultures, language, history, and religion through film. As well as an opportunity to provide extra credit, these screenings can provide exposure to other Asian cultures which will facilitate an understanding of Asia as a whole. Before each screening we have a short lecture by a faculty member.

We would also like to announce that we are screening the Indian movie Water on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00pm in JFSB B002. Here is an informational website. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240200/

Sincerely,
Michelle Burgess
President of the Asian Cinema Club

How Government Looks at Pundits

2009-01-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

An Op-ed piece by Eliot A. Cohen in today's Wall Street Journal. An insightful description of how foreign policy is made within the US government.

"Government resembles nothing so much as the party game of telephone, in which stories relayed at second, third or fourth hand become increasingly garbled as they crisscross other stories of a similar kind ('That may be what the Russian national security adviser said to the undersecretary for political affairs on Wednesday, but it's not how the Turkish foreign minister described the Syrian view to our ambassador to NATO on Thursday.') Add to this the effects of secrecy induced by security concerns, as well as by the natural desire to play one's cards close to one's vest, and the result is a well-nigh impenetrable murk of policy making."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123267054604308313.html

Sigma Iota Rho

2009-01-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

This email is sent on behalf of Stephen Griffiths, Sigma Iota Rho president for winter 2009.

Please send responses to this email to byusir@gmail.com.

Who We Are
Sigma Iota Rho (SIR), the honor society for international studies, is the premier honor society for those interested in international relations, political science and geography. SIR has over 82 chapters in the United States.

Why Join SIR leadership?
· Build friendships that will last past graduation. With similar international interests, you will very likely see SIR members again in the future.
· Strengthen your resume with demonstrable leadership experience.
· Become a part of the BYU experience by being at the heart of an active honor society.
· Meet and network with internationally-focused BYU students. You never know what internship opportunities and class suggestions can come from meeting like-minded peers.

Who we are looking for
· SIR is looking to fill treasurer, activities chair and membership coordinator roles for the winter 2009 semester. These positions are open to all BYU students in international relations, political science, area studies and geography.
· We also accept applications for upperclassmen to serve as Area Emphasis Presidents for Latin America, the Near and Middle East, Europe and other areas. These positions are part of the new Area Emphasis program, a push which will allow students to organize in smaller groups according to geographic interest. If you are interested in Western Europe, for instance, then you will be able to connect with other students who enjoy Europe, speak a European language and/or have visited there.

Responsibilities of SIR leaders
Commit to 2-3 hours of work per week. Attend all SIR brief bi-weekly meetings and bi-monthly activities. If chosen as an Area Emphasis President, plan on organizing two small activities each semester for your cohort.

How to Join SIR leadership?
Again, you do not have to be a current SIR member to apply. If interested in one of the intriguing leadership opportunities listed above, please email blocked::mailto:byusir@gmail.com. Be sure to include the following four points in your email:
Your name and major
Your planned graduation date
What leadership position(s )you are applying for
Why you should be selected for that leadership position(s)

We look forward to receiving applications as we build the internationally-focused community at BYU.

Sincerely,
Sigma Iota Rho Leadership

India Study Abroad

2009-01-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

from Charles W. Nuckolls in the anthropology department:

The brand new INDIA STUDY ABROAD program is now avaiable for applications. Please do pass the word to your students. The program will emphasize language learning and research, with opportunities across the discplines -- from anthropology, political science, and sociolgy, to international business, development, and the arts. The students will be located in Visakhapatnam, a coastal city of 2 million residents and home to four major universities. I will direct the program, in conjunction with my local colleague, Professor M. V. Krishnayya (Andhra University.)

The program will run from August 1st to December 1st, 2009. Applications are due by February 15th.

Archival Travel Footage from China

2009-01-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

I ran across a fascinating post at a blog called "QuirkyBeijing" which links to old film footage at the Travel Film Archive on YouTube. The footage would be very interesting to anyone who has visited these places and wants to see how much things have changed since the early 1900's.

Listening to the narration is a real treat too. The English language has evolved a lot since these clips were made. Attitudes toward the rest of the world seem to have changed also, as these come across as pretty patronizing.

This is worth at least a little of your time.

Here's the link - http://www.quirkybeijing.com/?p=62

Book Review

2008-12-17T20:55:00.001-08:00

Napoleon in Egypt, by Paul Strathern

I finished this book today and enjoyed it greatly. Obviously, the book focuses on Napoleon's invasion and occupation of Egypt in 1798. This is not a period of history about which I knew much and I found this well-researched book quite interesting.

Strathern discusses all aspects of the venture, including the scientific accomplishments. But the focus of the book is clearly on Napoleon and the what, how and why of the invasion. He makes a very good case that Napoleon was intent on following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and establishing an empire based in Egpyt founded on French culture and science. The large number of "savants" he recruited for the mission is just one piece of evidence supporting this idea.

Strathern discusses the major military engagements as well as the political maneuvering between and among France, England, Austria, Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and other states.

My favorite chapters were 18 & 19 which document the pursuit of Murad Bey, one of the previous Mameluke rulers, south along the Nile into Upper Egypt by Napoleon's general, Desaix . This was country through which few, if any, Europeans had traveled and the ancient temples and other ruins they passed were unknown to European historians. The artist, Donon, accompanied the soldiers on this campaign, and the hundreds of sketches he brought back were instrumental in sparking European interest in ancient Egypt and establishing modern Egyptology.

Ultimately, the French were expelled from Egypt by the combined forces of Britain and the Ottomans. Napoleon abandoned his army and returned to Franch before this, however, in 1799, after a failed invasion of Palestine.

The parallels between Napoleon's invasion of Egypt and the US war in Iraq are many, though by no means perfect. This gives the book a lot of contemporary interest beyond the history.

Strathern notes that, "between 1o,000 and 15,000 Frenchmen were probably killed or died of disease during the occupation of Egypt, as well as many times that number of Muslim warriors and Mamelukes -- all in the vain attempt to impose European civilization upon a backward people whose religion encouraged them to regard all change and all foreigners with the deepest suspicion." Regardless of how accurate that assessment is, the book still documents a very good historic example of the limits of military power.

Boren Scholarships

2008-12-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

Cory Leonard sent this email out early this semester. The deadlines for the scholarships for 2009-10 are in February. If you are interested in applying, please coordinate with Cory. His email is Cory_Leonard@byu.edu.

Three BYU students received the prestigious David L. Boren National Security Education Program scholarship for 2008-09, the most that have ever been awarded in the 20+ years BYU has endorsed applicants. Funds provide support for students to study abroad and develop language, cultural, and area experience. They include:
• Marco Moreno-Campoy (Arabic/Jordan)
• Estee Ward (Arabic/Cairo)
• Miles Hansen (Persian/Tajikistan)

We look forward to increasing representation from other important areas/languages as designated by the Institute for International Education (IIE), such as Korean, Russian, Chinese, Turkish, Hindi, and others.

For more information on NSEP: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship or email nsep@byu.edu.

Thanks,

Cory

Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service

2008-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

From Cory Leonard:

Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service
This summer: June 6 – August 1, 2009
Georgetown University, Washington, DC

****PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS – FEBRUARY 5, 2009***

Students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of February 5, 2009 for this summer's Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service. The institute is a dynamic summer program for undergraduate students interested in volunteerism and careers in the nonprofit sector.

This fast-paced Institute offers a rigorous combination of professional experience, academic learning and service projects that will provide students with an unparalleled experience in the nation's capital.

• Internships – Competitive placements with leading nonprofit organizations
• Classes – Up to 9 credit hours from Georgetown University
• Housing – Furnished on-campus apartments
• Service – Variety of hands-on community projects
• Guest Lectures – With Washington's top nonprofit executives and scholars
• Leadership Development – Leadership, mentoring and career building activities
• Scholarships – Over half of all students receive full or partial funding
• Networking – With hundreds of other top student and nonprofit leaders from around the world
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until the final deadline of March 5, 2009. For more information on this exciting opportunity or to start an online application, please visit the website at www.DCinternships.org/IPVS.

Questions about the program or the application process may be directed to Mary Connell, Manager of Recruitment and Admissions, by phone at 1-800-741-6964 or via email at mconnell@tfas.org.

Internship Opportunity

2008-12-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

From the Governor's Office of Economic Development: International Trade and Diplomacy, forwarded from Noleani Porter in the advisement center:

About the Position
The internship gives students hands-on experience in international business and market trends to help identify opportunities for Utah companies to expand abroad.

Activities may include:
· Company consultation
· Inbound/outbound trade missions
· Diplomatic visits

Interns work an average of 20-25 hours per week at $10 per hour. We are currently looking for someone who can commit until the end of June 2009.

Applicants should possess strong skills in the following areas:
· Communication
· Research
· Writing
· Computer
· Foreign language (Chinese or Japanese proficiency a plus, but not required)

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Adam Walden at awalden@utah.gov.

For more information about the International Trade and Diplomacy Office visit www.international.utah.gov.

Critical Language Scholarships

2008-12-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

From Eric Hyer, the Asian Studies Major Coordinator:

Maybe you are aware of this scholarship opportunity for our students interested in studying critical needs foreign languages.

Kathryn Davis Fellowships for Peace: Investing in the Study of Critical Languages Full Scholarships for Intensive Language Study at the Middlebury Summer Language Schools in: Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian

For more information please go to http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/ls/fellowships_scholarships/kwd.htm

International Development Specialization

2008-12-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

Perhaps everyone knows about this already, but I'll post this just in case some don't. We added a new 4-course track in international development to the degree this fall.

Here are the requirements as laid out in the MAP:

Complete the following (3 hours):

ECON 431 : Economic Development. (3:3.0:0.0)

Complete three courses from the following, of which one course must be from political science:

ECON 388 : Introduction to Econometrics. (3:3:0)
ECON 432 : Economic Growth. (3:3.0:0.0)
ECON 440 : Natural Resources and Environmental Economics. (3:3:0)
ECON 458 : International Trade Theory and Applications. (3:3:0)
ECON 459 : International Monetary Theory. (3:3:0)
GEOG 255 : Middle and South America. (3:3:0)
GEOG 271 : Middle East. (3:3:0)
GEOG 272 : East Asia. (3:3:0)
GEOG 273 : Southeast Asia. (3:3.0:0)
GEOG 285 : Environment and Development in Africa. (3:3:0)
PL SC 357 : Middle East: Political Systems. (3:3:0)
PL SC 358 : Politics and Society in Latin America. (3:3:0)
PL SC 444 : The Political Economy of Development. (3:3:0)
PL SC 452 : Islam and Politics. (3:3:0)
PL SC 472 : International Political Economy of Women. (3:3:0)

Book Review

2008-12-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

Meltdown: The Inside Story of the North Korean Nuclear Crisis, by Mike Chinoy

Some of you may have attended Mike Chinoy's lecture at the Kennedy Center on December 4th. It was very good, and if you missed it you can find the podcast by following this link.

I started this book last Thursday and finished it this morning. It is a fascinating look at US policy toward North Korea during the Bush administration (up through early 2008). There is also some good background on US-North Korean diplomatic relations. The most interesting part of the book, to me, was the documentation of the internal warfare in the US foreign policy bureacracy over what the correct US policy ought to be. The book is meticulously researched and would be a good read for anyone interested in North Korea, or in the mechanics of US foreign policy.

Chinoy is obviously a supporter of negotiations with North Korea, but he makes a good case. For the most part the book is historical documentation of what actually happened with little or no editorializing. The fact of the matter is that, despite a hard-line attitude toward North Korea, the Bush administration eventually ended up with pretty much the same deal that the Clinton administration had, but North Korea acquired several addition nuclear bombs in the meantime.

North Korea is run by a reprehensible ruling elite with an awful human rights record, but Chinoy makes a very good case for the US talking with them anyway.

BYU IR International Study Opportunities

2008-12-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

I sent this email to all the majors last month. (Actually, Noelani Porter in the advisement center sent it out). It is worth reposting here.

Dear International Relations Majors:

Just a quick email to inform you of some opportunities to study and receive IR credit for classes taken while residing abroad.

The Kennedy Center offers numerous leads on internships and sponsors a variety of study abroad opportunities. Unfortunately, the international relations content is uneven and the coursework is usually suitable only for credit in one of the major’s specializations. We are working on ways for our majors to take classes at universities in other countries that will count as the direct equivalent of the courses listed in our MAP.

One opportunity is already in place. This is direct enrollment at Cambridge University in England for the summer. Enrollment is open to all majors, and that includes IR majors. More detail on this program is available at the following web address - http://kennedy.byu.edu/isp/isp.php?id=246.

A second opportunity is in the planning stages for Spring Term of 2010 and will involve a Study Abroad experience at the Foreign Affair College in Beijing. This will be a BYU sponsored study abroad program directed by BYU faculty, but at least some of the instruction will be provided by the Foreign Affairs College, which trains all of China’s diplomatic corp. The primary focus of this program would be on international relations, though it will be open to all majors for enrollment.

A third possibility is Korea University’s International Summer Campus which runs for six weeks during July and August each year. Many of the courses taught there are direct equivalents of courses required for the major. More information on this program is available at http://isc.korea.ac.kr/v4/src/program/course.php. The program is rather costly compared to equivalent coursework at BYU, but we are exploring the possibility of an agreement that might allow BYU students to pay BYU tuition. If you are interested in this last option, please contact me before enrolling as BYU has rather strict rules on approving course substitutions from other universities BEFORE taking the classes.

If you are interested in any of these options and have questions, please to not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached via email at kerk_phillips@byu.edu, via telephone at 422-1866 or 422-5928, or during my office hours on Tuesday & Thursday from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. in 215 HRCB.

Welcome

2008-12-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

I hope this is a good idea. I think IR majors and faculty at BYU could benefit from a site that provides information and advice on the IR degree, and which can be updated quickly.

I do not intend to use this site for long posts, or philosophical discussions. I do intend to post the following:

Links to articles that may be of interest.
Reviews of books on international relations topics.
Information on the major; including possible course substitions.
Announcements of relevant events, scholarships, job opportunities etc.
Other random (but related) stuff.

Comments are welcome.

Kerk Phillips, BYU IR Major Coordinator