The center's new UPDATE series will present experts on such topics as Africa on Jan. 28, Latin America on Jan. 31, Russia on Feb. 4, religion and politics on Feb. 18 and women's leadership on March 3. All events are free and open to the public.

UPDATE: AFRICA

Monday, Jan. 28

7 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

Gain insights into Africa's major political, economic and social issues — beyond Darfur, HIV/AIDS and civil wars — from Robert I. Rotberg, director of the Program on Intrastate Conflict, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and Catherine Boone, professor of Government, University of Texas at Austin.

UPDATE: LATIN AMERICA

Thursday, Jan. 31

7 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

(Co-sponsored by the Washington Office on Latin America)

Hear firsthand the recommendations of the briefing paper "Forging New Ties: A Fresh Approach to U.S. Policy in Latin America" that was prepared for presidential candidates, Congress and the White House from Geoff Thale, Program Director of the Washington Office on Latin America with commentary by Margaret E. Crahan, Kozmetsky Center.

UPDATE: RUSSIA

Monday, Feb. 4

7 p.m.

Maloney Room, Main Building

What do the recent elections in Russia and the ongoing influence of Vladimir Putin portend for future of U.S.-Russian relations and the role of Russia internationally? Find out with Zoltan Barany, the Frank C. Erwin Jr. Centennial Professor, Department of Government, University of Texas at Austin with commentary by Brenda Vallance, dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences, St. Edward's University.

UPDATE: RELIGION AND POLITICS

Monday, Feb. 18

7 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

Explore the role religion plays in politics in the Middle East and the United States with Justin Anderson of King's College, University of London, and Kerry Boyd Anderson, Middle East Consultant with Oxford Analytica.

UPDATE: WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP

Monday, March 3

7 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

(Co-sponsored by the Office of the President and Hilltop Leadership Development, St. Edward's University)

Women in politics have increased nationally and internationally. Currently there are 13 women who are heads of state. Women have also expanded their presence in the work place. What are the challenges they face? Find out from leaders in politics, economics and education.

Established through a $3 million gift from Ronya Kozmetsky and her late husband, George, the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance promotes understanding of global issues.

For more information about the Kozmetsky Center: www.stedwards.edu/kozmetskycenter.