The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance

Our programs present a broad spectrum of experts who are chosen for their ability to enrich the intellectual life of the university's community, as well as to inform the broader public. Their presence is part of St. Edward’s University's efforts to generate discussion of major national and international public policy issues.

2008-2009 Events

October 19, 2008
7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center
UPDATE: AMERICA AND THE WORLD — POLITICAL CHALLENGES

Co-sponsored by the Latin American Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, DC

From Canada to Chile major changes are underway as the result of the emergence of new actors and forces. Populist leaders have taken power in Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador reflecting new political coalitions. Social movements have exercised increasing strength throughout the hemisphere pressuring governments for change. Global forces have also exerted considerable pressure, as has increased migration. What can we expect in the near future in the Americas? What does this mean for the new administration taking office in Washington in January 2009? These and other questions will be discussed by leading experts.

• Ariel C. Armony: Audrey Wade Hittinger and Sheldon Toby Katz Distinguished Professor, Colby College.
• Cynthia J. Arnson: Director, Latin American Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
• Philip Brenner: Director, United States Foreign Policy Field, School of International Service, American University.
• Joseph T. Eldridge: University Chaplain, American University.
• Patricia Fagen: Senior Associate, Institute for the Study of International Migration, Georgetown University.
• William M. Leogrande: Dean, School of Public Affairs, American University.
• Margaret E. Crahan (Moderator): Director, Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance, St. Edward's University.

October 20, 2008
7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center
UPDATE: AMERICA AND THE WORLD — ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES

Co-sponsored by the Latin American Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, DC

Global economic forces are strongly impacting the Americas from the weakening of the US dollar to runaway inflation in some Latin American countries which has exacerbated widespread poverty. The high price of oil has enriched the coffers of Venezuela while depleting those of Argentina and Uruguay. Chile has benefited from free trade agreements particularly with Asian countries, while other countries have seen mixed results. The economic downturn in the U.S. is impacting all of Latin America and the Caribbean. What are the prospects for the hemispheric economy in the short and medium term? How has increased economic integration affected the stability of the United States’ economy? What are the prerequisites for substantial poverty reduction? These and other questions will be discussed by world renowned experts.

• Patrick Breslin: writer, photographer, former Vice President, Inter-American Foundation.
• Jo Marie Griesgraber: Executive Director, New Rules for Global Finance Coalition.
• Gordon H. Hanson: Director, Center on Pacific Economies; Professor of Economics, Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego.
• Jorge Piñon: Energy Fellow, Center for Hemispheric Policy, University of Miami.
• Margaret Sarles: Chief of Strategic Planning and Research Division, US Agency for International Development, US Department of State.
• Margaret E. Crahan (Moderator): Director, Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance, St. Edward's University.

November 6, 2008
7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center
UPDATE: THE US AND CUBA

January 1, 2009 marks a half century for the Castro government in Cuba, which has outlasted 10 US presidents. There are few international relationships that rival the passion and tension that historically have existed between the US and Cuba. In this UPDATE two Cuba experts, who have visited the island more than 60 times, will explore the questions of what does the end of Fidel’s leadership mean for the future of Cuba and for US-Cuban relations.

• Daniel Erikson: Senior Associate, US Policy, Inter-American Dialogue, Washington, DC.
• Margaret E. Crahan: Director, Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance, St. Edward's University.

February 9, 2009
7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center
UPDATE: EUROPE — POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TRENDS IN EUROPE

Increased economic and political integration in Europe has heightened competition with the United States. US relations with the European Union are complicated and there is much speculation about the direction of a new administration in Washington. An increase in immigration to and within Europe has raised some of the same issues as in the US. What is the future of US-European economic and political cooperation and what can be learned from European socioeconomic models? These and other questions will be analyzed by world class experts.

• Joel Krieger: Norma Wilentz Hess Professor, Wellesley College.
• Cathie Jo Martin: Professor of Political Science, Boston University.
• George Ross: Morris Hillquit Professor of Labor and Social Thought, Director, Center for German and European Studies, Brandeis University.
• Margaret E. Crahan (Moderator): Director, Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance, St. Edward's University.

March 2, 2009
7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center
UPDATE: SOUTH ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST — POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TRENDS

India has emerged as a major economic power in recent years and indications are that it will be an increasingly important global political power. Pakistan is rife with internal strife that affects neighboring countries including Afghanistan and the US presence there. The spill-over effect of the Middle East crisis in South Asia is substantial. What will be the impact of India’s increasing economic strength on the global economy, as well as on the US? What will be the consequences of the Middle East on the stability of South Asia? These and other issues will be discussed by two of the world’s leading experts.

• Sugata Bose: Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Head, South Asia Initiative, Harvard University.
• Ayesha Jalal: Professor of History, Tufts University.
• Margaret E. Crahan (Moderator): Director, Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance, St. Edward's University.

Contact Us
To learn more about the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward's University, contact the center at 512-233-1678.