St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs to Bring Analysis and Understanding to a Changing Global Landscape
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- USF St. Petersburg is once again the co-organizer and host of the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs February 12-15. Now in its seventh year, the conference that brings together diplomatic, military, media and academic experts along with thousands of citizens will focus many of its panel discussions on the dizzying array of international issues in flux and impacting the world, from Brexit to trade wars to American foreign policy. The public event is free.
"In a world racked by uncertainty and change, the conference is more important than ever," said Dr. Thomas Smith, co-founder of the conference and professor of Political Science and director of USFSP's Honors Program. "We hope our panels and other events will serve as beacons of insight and analysis for students and campus visitors alike. That is our sole agenda."
The 2019 conference includes around 35 panel discussions and presentations on key issues designed to broaden and enhance perspectives on critical matters. Discussion topics this year include:
- To the UK: rethink Brexit!
- China: let's rule the world together.
- Russia and Europe: friend and enemy, in that order?
- Why is America relinquishing its leadership role in the world?
- St. Petersburg, FL. as an international dining destination.
"Local, national and international experts from a variety of fields and with distinct experiences will share their insights on complicated issues that have serious consequences to our lives," said Smith.
Among the featured speakers is Chas Freeman, an eminent diplomat who has operated at the highest levels of the foreign policy establishment. He was the principal American interpreter during President Nixon's path-breaking visit to China in 1972 and helped design a NATO-centered post-Cold War European security system in the early 1990s. Freeman is an expert on Saudi Arabia and China.
"Our institution fosters an inclusive community by encouraging dialogue about global issues and by connecting our students to the world. That is why organizing and hosting this conference for our city every year remains a high priority for USF St. Petersburg," said Dr. Martin Tadlock, Regional Chancellor of USF St. Petersburg.
The Conference is co-organized with the nonprofit St. Petersburg in the World and sponsored by Raymond James Financial, the Tampa Bay Times, WUSF Public Media, the Open Partnership Education Network and the Sembler Company.
CONTACT: Matthew Cimitile, [email protected], 727-873-4840
SOURCE University of South Florida St. Petersburg
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