International Political Economy

First IPE Brown Bag Talk of Spring

2012-01-30T10:53:00.000-08:00

Please join us for the first brown bag talk of the Spring on Wednesday, February 1st at 1 pm in the Murray Boardroom. IPE Senior Sally Judson will discuss her summer research in Turkey where she examined why the accession negotiations between Turkey and the European Union have frozen. Turkey’s long march towards the EU has resulted in the nation becoming the most controversial accession candidate today. Many scholars have argued that due to the EU’s hesitancy, Turkey is turning its back on the West and moving its attention to Middle Eastern neighbors. She found that despite the multiple obstacles to membership and lack of momentum, neither Turkey nor the EU is likely to halt the negotiation process.

Extraction, Consumption and Politics in Peru

2012-01-25T09:56:00.001-08:00

IPE Summer Research Fellowship Deadline is Approaching

2012-01-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

The deadline for applications for $4000 IPE Summer Research Fellowships is approaching. Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, February 22 , 2012.

For more information on the IPE summer grant program and to find links to other university-sponsored summer grant opportunities, please see http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/undergraduate/ipe/summer-research-fellowship/

IPE Alumna Update

2012-01-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

After graduating in 2003, Abby Ormsbee Isaacson spent four years as Program Director of a local nonprofit serving children with HIV/AIDS and their families. She and her husband then moved to Boston where she received her Master of Public Health degree. They have recently settled in her home state of Colorado with their first little one, Avery, while he pursues his Masters in Religious Studies. She continues to network, volunteer and job search in the nutrition and HIV/AIDS field in Denver while enjoying mothering, hiking, sewing and cooking. They look forward to returning to the Northwest in the future.

IPE Alumni Update

2011-12-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

After graduating from Puget Sound in 2008, Emily Noel (pictured on left) earned her MSc in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics. Returning to Seattle she then interned with the World Affairs Council and the Washington State Department of Commerce. She now works as the Development Coordinator for a local outdoor education and conservation organization.

Jessica Bruce, class of 2008, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin, West Africa from 2008-2010, where she worked with small businesses, NGOs, and local governments on a range of community development issues. She then completed an MSc in Economics as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at the University of Nottingham in England. She is currently living in London where she is interning as a commodities analyst.

2012-13 Study Abroad Deadline is January 17!

2011-12-02T07:51:00.001-08:00

This just in from International Programs:

If students want to study abroad during the summer 2012, the fall 2012 or the spring 2013 they MUST turn in their Approval to Apply Form by January 17, 2012.

Click here for the Approval to Apply Form

Forms should be returned to the Office of International Programs (215 Howarth). Students can also email the forms to the office.

January 17, 2012 is the first day of the spring 2012 semester.

Bill Campbell Fund for Study Abroad

2011-11-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

This just in from Prof. Greta Austin ... funding to help you get the most from your study abroad experience!

Please encourage students going on study abroad next spring or fall to apply to the Bill Campbell Fund of Phi Beta Kappa, the academic honor society, for research funding or continued study.

The Campbell Fund funds research for one or two Puget Sound students who are studying abroad. The purpose of the grant is to give students a chance to extend the period of their study abroad program in order to complete a special project or course of study. Awards typically range from $500-$1,500.

In 2010 two students received scholarships totaling $2100 for research on young Japanese recluses and on open-air markets in France. The application form is attached below. It requires a two-page description of the research project and the budget. Students should apply directly to Greta Austin (CMB 1028/ggaustin@pugetsound.edu) by November 15, 2011.

Thanks for your help,

Greta

Greta Austin / Chair, PBK Scholarships Committee / Associate Professor, Department of Religion, CMB 1028

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BILL CAMPBELL MEMORIAL FUND

Application Form

The Bill Campbell Memorial Fund was established by his wife, Nelly Campbell, and his many friends around the world. Bill was an educated, cultured, and international man who personified the goals and aspirations of the University. His love of learning was not limited to his area of scientific research but embraced the full range of human experience. Because of his outstanding contributions to science and the University, he received an honorary degree from Puget Sound in 1992. The Bill Campbell Fund ensures that Bill’s passion for learning and sharing ideas, his enthusiasm, his courage, his love and concern for the environment will be passed from generation to generation of Puget Sound students and that he will occupy a place at the heart of the University.

The Fund makes grants to one or more students enrolled at the University of Puget Sound who are studying abroad as part of one of the University’s recognized Study Abroad programs. The purpose of the grant is to give students a chance to extend the period of their study abroad program in order to complete a special project or course of study. Awards typically range from $500-1500. They are made by the scholarship committee of the Delta of Washington Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the national academic honor society.

The deadlines for applications are November 15 for spring programs and April 1 for fall programs.

Name _____________________________________________

Mailing Address _____________________________________________

Permanent Address _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Email __________________ Phone ________________

1. Clearly describe the goals for your study abroad program and the specific project you plan to accomplish with the help from the Bill Campbell Memorial Fund. Include a project budget for the period of time that would be covered by the Campbell Fund. The length of this project description and budget should be two to three single-sided pages, double-spaced, in length. Please e-mail this to the chair of the PBK Scholarships Committee, Greta Austin, ggaustin@pugetsound.edu.

2. Send Greta (CMB 1028/Wyatt 118) an unofficial copy of your transcript and a complete copy of this form.

3. I understand that if I am chosen to receive this award, I will e-mail a written report on the results of my study abroad experience, especially the period covered by this grant, within one semester of my return.

Student Signature: _____________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________

Jessica Reichard '10: Public Health in Guatemala

2011-11-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

This just in from Jessica Reichard IPE '10:

Pop Wuj Clinic Tour from Timmy Foundation on Vimeo.

Hello Loggers! Have to say, always feels good to greet fellow Puget Sounders.

I’m writing from Quetzaltenango (Xela), the second largest city in Guatemala. I arrived here about 5 weeks ago to work on a multifaceted grant on behalf of Timmy Global Health, an American non-profit working through locally run clinics here in Xela, as well as two in Ecuador and one in Nigeria. I stumbled across Timmy after months of searching for an organization that aligned ideologically with my strong belief in sustainable and locally focused development – in addition to a willingness to cover my minimal in country costs.

The grant itself focuses on improving a number of public health goals within the population served by our local clinic and Spanish school, Pop Wuj (named after Popol Wuj, the Mayan book of mythical history). It funds an 18 month long development program focusing on midwifery, early childhood nutrition, improved stove building, the education of local community health workers, and increased levels of chronic disease care.

I’m sharing the responsibility of this rather intimidating task with another young woman, Anna Pollack, a recent MPH graduate from John’s Hopkins, and Dr. Meg Sullivan, a fantastic pediatrician and director of medical programs at Pop Wuj. I’d love to describe all of them, but I fear I’d lose readership with such a verbose post – however, I’d love to share more, if anyone is interested in a particular aspect of the funding itself.

I’m lucky enough to be focusing specifically on the nutrition initiative, which currently includes about 20 families with children under 2. Myself, Meg, and a group of local volunteers interested in improving nutrition teach about improved food health and nutrition, as well as give out small packages of ‘NutriButter’, a very delicious, sweet peanut-buttery substance that contains essential nutrients to stimulate growth and prevent stunting, and incredibly common outcome of high levels of malnutrition in rural Guatemala. We hope that with both components – one short term to stave off imminent stunting, the other long term to improve overall familial health outcomes – we will be able to make a difference in at least one small Mayan community here in Guatemala. The malnutrition numbers are truly staggering in this country, and I’ve quickly discovered that taking small bites out of a massive problem is the only realistic way to achieve success on this scale.

Taking the leap and committing to a long term of international work – be it volunteer or compensated (ever so slightly) – is both the greatest dream and greatest fear of most IPE majors. From my short experience so far, I can say I have absolutely zero regrets, and feel better prepared every day to continue pursuing my passions both inside and outside of the classroom.

In addition to awesome social entrepreneurship going on here in Xela, Pop Wuj also offers an incredible immersive Spanish program. Those looking for something amazing to do in the summer should really consider a trip to Xela – it’s welcoming without appearing in the least bit touristy, and a fantastic place to carry out meaningful social development. Oh, and did I mention, best hot chocolate of my life? Absolutely to die for.

Jessica Bruce '08 on Peace Corps and Rotary Fellowship

2011-11-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Jessica Bruce '08 will talk about her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa and as a Rotary Ambassadorial Fellow at the next IPE Brown Bag at Noon on Wednesday, November 2 in the WSC Murray Boardroom.

Everyone is invited to attend!

Development Work in Asia or Latin America: Nov 1 Info Session

2011-10-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

This just in from the Fellowships Office:

The Graduate Fellowships Committee is holding an information session next Tuesday, Nov. 1., at 7 pm in Wyatt 109 on fellowships through Princeton-in-Asia, Princeton-in-Africa, and Princeton-in-Latin America. These fellowships involve either working in development in Latin America or Africa, or else teaching English in Asia, with the possibility of spending a second year working for an NGO in Asia.

Background on the programs:

Puget Sound has sent four students to Princeton-in-Asia in the last three years. http://www.princeton.edu/~pia/

Princeton-in-Asia is looking for students who are flexible, intellectually curious, and ambitious. They do not need to be at the top of their class, although they should have a gpa at least above a 3.0. Two Puget Sound graduates are currently teaching English with PiA, one in Cambodia and one in Singapore. Their names are Griffin Hotchkiss and Micah Stanovsky, and their blogs are online at http://www.pugetsound.edu/voices

I would also like to encourage academically strong students with a strong interest in development and NGOs to apply to Princeton-in-Latin America http://www.princeton.edu/~pila/and Princeton-in-Africa (http://www.princeton.edu/~piaf/). We have not sent anyone to those relatively small programs yet, but a Whitman student is working for PiAfrica.

Deadlines are Nov. 21 (PiAfrica) and Dec. 1 (PiLA and PiA).

Could you encourage students to attend the information session? Griffin and TaReva Warrick-Stone ’09 will be phoning in to talk about their experience and to offer advice about the application process.

Interested students may also contact me for more information.

Please forward this to any faculty or students who might be interested.

Thanks so much for your help!

Greta Austin

Associate Professor, History of Christianity

University of Puget Sound

1500 N. Warner St., Box 1028

Tacoma, WA 98416-1028 USA

1-253-879-3752

http://www.pugetsound.edu/faculty-pages/ggaustin

Reports from IPE Summer Research Fellowship Recipients

2011-10-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sally Judson:

For my research, I investigated why the negotiations have stalled between Turkey and the EU and the potential consequences on the future of Turkish-EU relations. I traveled to Istanbul and Ankara for two weeks to meet with officials and scholars on Turkish-EU relations. The meetings were a result of both my personal networking and a tailored tour organized by Political Tours. The organization provided me with a guide in Istanbul and Ankara who accompanied me to meetings I had established and also additional meetings scheduled by the program. In Istanbul, I attended nine meetings with university professors on issues such as visa liberalization, minority rights in Turkey, Turkish foreign policy, the Cyprus issue, and the current state of negotiations. I also attended a high level meeting on visa liberalization between the EU and Turkey. In Ankara I met with five members of the EU Secretary General (EUSG), the institute in charge of negotiations and aligning Turkish policy with EU accession criteria, as well as a member of the European Commission Delegation to Turkey and representatives from the UK and Greek embassies. I also met with a human rights lawyer and the director of the German Marshall Institute, an organization that works to develop transatlantic relations between the EU, US, and Turkey. By drawing on insights gained during my travels and academic research, I came to understand the main impediments to Turkish accession, as well as the future prospects for EU relations.

Mike Knape:

My IPE Summer Research Grant afforded me maybe the most formative experience of my college career: the opportunity to backpack around South America for nearly three months while learning the intricacies of relevant fieldwork skills. I traveled from La Paz, Bolivia to Santiago, Chile exploring the political economy of lithium, the element that powers everything from our smart phones to our electric cars. I spoke with noted regional economists, activists, businessmen, and government bureaucrats, all of whom helped shape my understanding of a complex international industry. I was one of few foreigners allowed access to the Bolivian government’s lithium pilot plant and had a VIP seat across from the Bolivian Vice-President at one of the biggest folkloric festivals. I even got to have a little fun in the process, skiing in the Chilean Andes and mountain biking down “the world’s most dangerous road” in rural Bolivia. Of course my trip wasn’t without its ups and downs as I had my passport, laptop, and credit cards stolen, but as a whole it was an unbelievable experience. The interviews and conversations I had during the summer have been crucial in formulating my senior thesis this fall on the balance of public versus private firms in natural resource industries.

Nov. 1 Lecture by Ezra Vogel on Deng Xiaoping

2011-10-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Distinguished Asia scholar Ezra Vogel will give a public talk on Deng Xiaoping, the pragmatic revolutionary responsible for China’s dramatic modernization drive in the late twentieth century. Deng, who was behind the bloody 1989 crackdown in Tiananmen Square, will be revealed for his other, less well-known, leadership role—as the man who probably did more than any other to nurture China’s economic juggernaut and to open its doors to the West.

Vogel, professor emeritus at Harvard University, will present his lecture, Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China, Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 4–5 p.m. in Trimble Forum, Trimble Hall on the campus of University of Puget Sound. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. The talk is hosted by the Asian Studies program

A well-travelled researcher of Japan, Korea, and China, Vogel has written many books that trace the political and social transformations in East Asia over more than five decades. His book Japan as Number One: Lessons for America (1979) became a top seller in Japan and was followed two decades later by Is Japan Still Number One? This spring saw the launch of The Park Chung Hee Era, a potent account of Korea’s rapid growth following the Korean War, co-authored by Vogel and 22 other scholars.

Interest Meeting for New Southeast Asia Field Course

2011-10-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Southeast Asia in Cultural, Political, and Economic Context (Asia 399) is a new seminar course that incorporates an immersive cultural experience in Indonesia and Thailand for two weeks at the end of the semester. It will be taught by Gareth Barkin (CSOC) and Nick Kontogeorgopoulos (IPE), and counts as an upper-division elective for CSOC and IPE. Applications are required, and the informational meeting should be attended by all interested students. The study-abroad portion of the course is integrated into the curriculum, and will require fees, including airfare.

INTEREST MEETING: Thursday, October 20^th at 5pm in McIntyre 309

Course Description

This course provides an overview of diversity and change in Southeast Asia, with a focus on, and field component in, Indonesia and Thailand. Students will examine the origins and development of complex state societies from an in-depth, ethnographic perspective. Students will explore issues of religious syncretism, gender, agriculture, the cultural impact of European colonialism, and the post-colonial period of nation building in Southeast Asia. Students will also delve into geographically focused case studies, which look at the cultural component of many important issues facing the region, including environmental decline and deforestation, the impact of globalization, the problems of ethnic and religious minorities, and other socio-cultural issues. The second half of the course will examine economic and political processes shaping the region. Specific topics include the economic legacies of colonialism, contemporary patterns of economic growth, patterns of change in rural communities, the process of urbanization and challenges faced by residents of Southeast Asian cities, the role of the state in managing development, democratization and human rights in Southeast Asia, and demographic patterns. The international portion of the course lasts approximately two weeks, and features an immersive stay at local universities in Indonesia and Thailand. The field component is required, and includes guest lectures by local scholars, trips to cultural and historic sites, ethnographic projects, and potential trips to neighboring areas. Students will be responsible for their own airfare, as well as other potential program fees. Prerequisites are CSOC 200 or IPE 201. Application and instructor permission are required.

Jessica Frank '08: Social Enterprise in India

2011-10-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Jessica Frank IPE '08 writes from India:

Greetings from India. I'm writing you to let you know about the fellowship I am currently participating in and to welcome any IPE seniors to apply for next year. I've been here since July and have already learned and experienced so much. The fellowship trains post-graduates in social enterprise by placing them as a consultant in a social business here in India. This year, every fellow is placed in an Affordable Private School, but next year placements will likely expand to other sectors as well. We are given great opportunities to make a difference in our schools, but also to work on projects with other social enterprises, attend conferences, and travel independently. I highly recommend the program to any loggers who are open to living in India for a year, are demonstrated leaders, and are interested in how business and non-profit ethics can intersect to create sustainable change with high social impact.

The program is called IDEX Fellowship in Social Enterprise and it is run though a US company called Gray Matters Capital.

http://www.idexfellowship.com/

Hope all is well at UPS!

Jessica

Here are details:

Gray Matters Capital (GMC) is proud to announce IDEX Fellowship in Social Enterprise is now accepting applications for the 2012 cohort. IDEX is a 10-month fellowship that builds future social enterprise practitioners. The program launched by GMC in 2010, aligns with the Foundation’s mission to empower social enterprises with access to financial and human capital enabling them to achieve greater scale and expanded social impact. This will be the third year that IDEX provides college graduates with a professional, cultural and social immersion into the field of social enterprise across India.

Ideal IDEX Fellow
We are looking for passionate change-agents who are committed to support the development of enterprises that serve low-income populations while creating a positive social impact. We seek individuals who have a proven track record of leadership and are enterprising and innovative in their approach to identify opportunities and implement market-based, sustainable solutions.

Who can apply?

Passionate college graduates and professionals who want to apply their skills to supporting social businesses. They have an academic background or have worked (usually but not required) in one the following areas – Strategic Planning, Finance and Accounting, Economics, Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, and Operations.

Application process and selection process:

- Apply online www.idexfellowship.com

- Application deadline – January 15, 2012

- Fellowship start date – July 2012

Global Health Competition

2011-10-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

IPE talk on Chinese involvement in Costa Rica

2011-10-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Wednesday, October 5th at 12 noon in Murray Boardroom for our second IPE brown bag talk: Chinese Politics - A View from the Bleachers.

Scholars, policy analysts, and pundits alike have hotly debated the potential effects of China’s current development policies in the Third World. Whether framed as the emergence of a China Model or a Beijing Consensus, these analyses suggest that China’s current model of development threatens liberal values. Professor Monica DeHart will briefly explore the contours of this debate and then draw on her recent fieldwork in Costa Rica to explain what these development policies look like on the ground...or, more correctly, from the bleachers of the new national stadium China just built there. From this perspective, she will explore why so many are cheering China’s arrival and what it might mean for development politics in the region.

Hitachi Job Night 10/12

2011-10-02T10:50:00.001-07:00

Econ alumus Joe Woolley adds ...

We’ll spend some time during the Q&A talking more generally about applying for jobs in the business sector with an econ/IPE degree, how to leverage the skills that come with an econ/IPE degree in cover letters and interviews, what additional experiences strengthen the resume of applicant majoring in econ/IPE, etc. Hopefully, including these topics makes the session beneficial to anyone applying for jobs before or after graduation, regardless of their year – juniors and sophomores should be able to pick up some valuable tips as well.

Talk on Arab Autumn

2011-09-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

Please join us on Wednesday, September 28th at 12 noon in the Murray Boardroom (in the Wheelock Student Center) for the first IPE Brown Bag Talk. Professor Dillman will discuss recent developments in the Arab world, including the collapse of the Qaddafi regime and upcoming elections in Egypt and Tunisia. He will argue that there is still hope for democracy, despite the obstacles posed by men with guns.

Seattle Law and Development Conference

2011-09-18T08:09:00.001-07:00

Just received this invitation and I am passing the information along to the IPE community. I hope some of you can attend. Cynthia Howson, who was a visiting IPE professor two years ago, is one of the presenters. Follow the links for details.

It is our great pleasure and honor to invite you to the 2011 Law and Development Institute Conference: “Law and Development at the Microlevel: From Microtrade to Current Issues in Law and Development”.

The Law and Development Institute (LDI, www.lawanddevelopment.net), established in Sydney, Australia, promotes law and development agendas, conducts relevant academic research, and provides forums for academic exchanges in law and development. Twenty-eight leading scholars and professionals from several countries are currently participating in the LDI. The LDI held the inaugural conference in Sydney on October 16, 2010 (www.ldiconference.net), which was promoted globally and attended by over one hundred scholars, lawyers, students, and government officials from several countries.

The LDI, in conjunction with Seattle University School of Law, holds its second conference in law and development on December 10, 2011, at Seattle University School of Law (Student Center, "LeRoux Room"). Eighteen leading speakers from nine countries, including U.S.A., Canada, Japan, Korea, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, and India, are scheduled to present key issues on international trade, investment and finance, and least-developed countries from the perspective of law and development. The conference schedule is attached for your reference with this invitation letter.

On-line registration will be required for conference attendance. The online registration site will be available by October 15^th, and will be announced on the LDI website, www.lawanddevelopment.net (news and events section).

Study Abroad Events Sept 19-20

2011-09-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

This just in from Roy Robinson (Director of International Programs):

Hi. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to make a very brief announcement in your classes to let students know about 2 upcoming Study Abroad Events:

Sophomore Interest Meeting – Monday, September 19 from 4-5 in the Trimble Forum – this meeting is specifically for sophomores to learn about the study abroad process.

Study Abroad Fair - Tuesday, September 20 from 11-2 in the Wheelock Student Center Rotunda – Students will have an opportunity to learn about our study abroad programs, talk to past study abroad students and meet with study abroad program representatives.

Thanks in advance for your help promoting these events. If you have any questions please contact me.

Sincerely,

Roy Robinson

ASK Night is This Thursday

2011-09-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Wondering what you can do with your major? Learn about possible career paths and begin building your professional network by attending ASK Night this Thursday. Connect with alumni from your same major and/or working in related fields:

Ed Wilder ’86, Financial Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Wells Fargo Advisors
Arianna Bodaghi ’10, Business Development, Hinshaw’s Automotive Group
Christopher Cummins ’05, Sales Manager, DSV Air & Sea Inc.
Maureen Goodman ’00, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney
Leslie Brown ’92, Partner, Carey Perkins, LLP
Joe Woolley ’10, Business Consultant, Hitachi Consulting
Tim Baars ’06, Senior Analyst, SAIC Energy, Environment & Infrastructure
Sarah Fridovich ’08, Public Affairs, APCO Worldwide
Claire Buetow ’09, Resource Coordinator, The Boeing Company

Please join these alumni, and others at:
Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Night 2011
Thursday, Sept. 15: drop by anytime between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m.
Wheelock Rotunda
Dessert provided.

Coming Soon: Hitachi Consulting Job Forum

2011-09-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

This just in from Joe Woolley, UPS grad now at Hitachi Consulting:

Hitachi Consulting Info Session for Economics & IPE Dept’s

Wednesday, Oct. 12^th at 7:00pm in MC 303.
This informational meeting will be for any economics or IPE students, especially first semester seniors interested in participating in our recruitment process that runs from mid-October through November. At the meeting, 2-3 Puget Sound econ/IPE alums will give an overview of what our firm does, what types of projects we work on, what we look for in applicants, and how the skills we received from our Puget Sound Econ or IPE degree are put to use in the workplace. We will allow ample time to explain the application process and answer any questions throughout the session. (Our goal is to have it be as interactive as possible).

Econ majors from Puget Sound have done a wide variety of things within our firm and one of our VP’s has even said that she’s always been impressed by the analytical skills that economics students bring to the table. We currently have 5 individuals who majored/minored in Econ or IPE at Puget Sound. In total, we have 12 Puget Sound alums based out of our Seattle office.

For more info: www.hitachiconsulting.com

Fall 2011 IPE Brown Bag Schedule

2011-09-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars: here is the schedule for this semester's IPE Brown Bag discussions.

9/28 – Prof Brad Dillman on the Arab Spring.
10/5 – Prof Monica DeHart on Chinese involvement in Costa Rica.
10/19 – Mike Knape, IPE Summer Fellowship recipient, on the lithium industry and Peru and in Chile.
11/2 – Jessica Bruce, IPE alumna, on experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa and a Rotary Ambassadorial Fellow.

Brown Bags are at Noon in the WSC Murray Boardroom.

Mary Anne Hitt, director of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, to speak on Wednesday, September 7th

2011-09-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

After receiving a $50 million dollar grant from Michael Bloomberg, the Beyond Coal campaign is in the national spotlight more than ever before. Mary Anne Hitt will discuss her own journey from college environmental club founder to the national stage, what the Bloomberg grant means for America's energy future, and the role of her campaign in the broader fight against climate change.

Wednesday, September 7th, at 5:30 in Thompson 175.

Pizza will be provided before the event. This talk is co-sponsored by IPE and Environmental Policy and Decision Making

Alumni Report: Kate Eberle and the Muslim Alliance of Indiana

2011-08-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

This just in from 2011 IPE graduate Kate Eberle:

Marhaba min Indianapolis zimlaa IPE! Hello from Indianapolis fellow IPErs! It seems crazy that little over a year ago I was preparing to go back to UPS, with little to no plan after Senior year, and here I am, two months after the soggy Sunday that was graduation, an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer serving in Indianapolis with the Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI)! For those of you who are new to AmeriCorps, or have only heard of the direct service branch NCCC, AmeriCorps*VISTA is a professional development service program that places college graduates (many recent grads) with nonprofits dedicated to eradicating poverty. VISTAs serve for a one year term, working with their hosting organization on capacity developing projects.

So far, my time with the Muslim Alliance has been amazing. My specific assignment for the next year is to create a survey that assesses the needs of this population, and then to develop programs that meet those needs. So far, ideas on the table have ranged from a refugee oriented microfinance program to the expansion of our pro bono legal clinic services. I’ve had the opportunity to work with awesome non-profits across the city, from battered women’s shelters to refugee resettlement agencies.

In addition to researching and creating programs, I’ve also had the opportunity to get to know the community I’m serving. Last month, all four VISTAs at my office accompanied one of MAI’s partner organizations and thirty Iraqi refugees to Chicago. Many of them had never seen the city (nor had I), and with Ramadan approaching, wanted to take advantage of the Arabic districts bounty of Arab grocery stores. It was a great chance to practice my (bad) Arabic and connect on a personal basis with the refugees. I also recently attended MAI’s Seventh Annual Governor’s Iftar (the breaking of the fast for Muslims during Ramadan) held at the Indiana Statehouse and mix with some of Indiana’s most respected Muslim leaders.

Had I not graduated during a recession, I might not have considered national service as an option. I’m so excited that I’m using a lot of what I learned as an IPE major, and even some of the information I gathered from my thesis. Many other recent UPS grads are also embarking on the AmeriCorps*VISTA adventure and I can’t say enough good things about it!

Photos: The top photo shows staff in Kate's group with the Executive Director on the bottom left. The Maghrib Prayer is taking place in the Indiana Statehouse at the Governor's Iftar"

IPE Faculty Update: Professor Emelie Peine

2011-08-19T12:56:00.001-07:00

Professor Peine checks in with this report:

I wrote the first draft of a chapter for a book on the ethics of competition in the global agro-food industry that is based on research I did last summer in China looking at how transnational agribusinesses are integrating the Brazilian soybean export industry and Chinese industrial pork production. The book is edited by agricultural economist Harvey James at the University of Missouri and will be published by Springer.

I also submitted an article to the Journal of Appalachian Studies about the political economy of modern-day moonshining in east Tennessee that is based on my master’s thesis. The manuscript received a strong review, and my co-author Kai Schafft of Penn State University and I are currently working on revisions.

Early in the summer I enjoyed eating lots of fresh chard, kale, spring onions, lettuce, and spinach from the University garden, and I look forward to getting my hands dirty again soon with some more harvesting, weeding, and fall planting. If any IPE students want to get involved in the garden this fall, send me an email!

IPE Faculty Update: Professor Brad Dillman

2011-08-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here's an update from Professor Brad Dillman:

I continued research and writing on illicit trade, especially human smuggling and wildlife trafficking. It is surprising how much variation there is in almost all numerical data on illegal activities, so I have become interested in writing a chapter on the "politics" of illicit numbers.

I spent considerable time staying up to date on changes in the Arab world. Since the Tunisian uprising in January 2011 our understanding of Arab politics has been challenged profoundly. There are many new debates and interpretations among scholars of the Middle East--it's an exciting time to study the region.

In preparation for fall classes, I've read some of the newer writings on the financial crisis, global value chains, and constructivism. Those of you in my classes will get a chance to study some of these articles. It's also an exciting time to be studying the dynamics of the international political economy.

Alumni Report: International Law Conference

2011-08-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Inder Datta (IPE '09) is starting his second year at the University of Oregon School of Law. He writes that ...

"I've recently been selected to be on the Oregon Review of International Law, and am excited to begin editing some of the premier articles in the field of international law."

"We will be doing a symposium the weekend of October 21st, and it would be great if you could tell students about it, even if they cannot come. Here is the website, http://waynemorsecenter.uoregon.edu/twail/ "

Congratulations to Inder on his law journal appointment. The conference he is organizing looks very interesting -- check it out!

IPE Faculty Update: Professor Mike Veseth

2011-08-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick update from Prof. Veseth

My new book Wine Wars came out in June so I've been busy doing interviews with newspapers, magazines and radio shows here in the U.S. and around the world (one chapter examines wine in China, so there's been a good deal of interest in Asia).

I spent several weeks in Italy where I chaired a session and gave a presentation at a wine economics conference. And I recently spoke at a reception for new alumni organized by the Portland chapter of the Puget Sound alumni association.

Now I'm gearing up for fall classes! I look forward to seeing all my students when classes begin.

IPE Faculty Update: Professor Pierre Ly

2011-08-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

What have your IPE faculty been up to this summer? This is the first is a series of reports from our widely scattered faculty (who will reassemble on campus in a few days for the start of Fall classes).

Professor Pierre Ly's report focuses on his research.

I spent the first part of the summer revising and resubmitting a paper analyzing competition for funding between microfinance projects on Kiva.org, co-authored with Geri Mason from Seattle Pacific University. The revised paper has just been accepted for publication in the journal World Development.

I have also completed and submitted a paper on the governance of NGOs' commercial enterprises. In addition to finishing another paper, I am spending the last month of summer reading about the economics of networks, looking into a potential new collaboration.

I look forward to using what I have learned this summer to help IPE students develop their research projects this coming fall.

State Dept Resources for Study Abroad

2011-08-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here's useful information from DipNote, the U.S. State Department's blog.

While much of the country bakes under the August sun and most families are enjoying a final vacation before school starts this fall, over 225,000 young Americans are preparing to depart for Study Abroad programs around the world. The U.S. Department of State's highest priority is the protection of U.S. citizens abroad. The safety and welfare of U.S. students studying and traveling overseas is a special concern to us, and it's the reason for our efforts to inform and assist student travelers.

How do we do this? Before students depart for exciting new locations, we encourage them and their college or university study abroad programs to check out a fantastic resource -- our award-winning Students Abroad website. The site offers students and schools a friendly, easy to navigate travel toolkit. It's a one-stop reference for international travel. We also share important safety and security information with students overseas via Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare. And just last month, we launched our Smart Traveler app for iPhone users.

If a student loses his or her passport, is arrested, falls ill, or becomes a victim of crime, the student, his or her family, and advisers can use these online resources to obtain information on how to reach the Department of State and our embassies and consulates all over the globe for help. We strongly encourage students to enroll in our online Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which enables our embassies or consulates to send them current safety and security information, and contact them more easily in the event of an emergency.

So visit our Students Abroad website as soon as you can and get all our information and our travel toolkit. Then join us in conversations on Facebook and Twitter. Remember, a well-informed traveler is a safe traveler!

Mary Hantsch, the author of this post, serves as a Consular Officer in the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management.

World Affairs Council Internships

2011-07-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

This just in from the World Affairs Council of Seattle. The text of the program flyer is pasted below.

The World Affairs Council is recruiting intern candidates for our Fall 2011 term. Although the “official” start date for the Fall internship term is October 3, we do have a few positions available immediately in Community Programs and in the International Visitor Program. I’ve attached our program flyer – if you could forward this to the people in your network and students whom you think might be interested, I’d really appreciate it.

Thank you!

Margaret Tyson
Operations Manager - World Affairs Council

The World Affairs Council is your link to the world.
Inquisitive. Connected. Thoughtful. Advancing a deep understanding of global affairs and
cultures through programs that engage local residents directly with leaders, educators, and
visitors from around the world.
Dynamic. Open Minded. Inclusive. Providing opportunities for everyone in Greater Seattle
to become intellectually, educationally, personally, professionally and culturally enriched.
The networking and learning opportunities that are gained through an internship with the
World Affairs Council are endless! Join our team and broaden your international knowledge!
Application deadline: August 27, 2011
Positions available immediately!
Requirements
• Commitment of 12-15 hours per
week during normal business hours
• Conversational English skills
• Interest in world affairs
• Excellent organizational skills
• Professional attire
• 3 month commitment, 6-9 months
preferred
The World Affairs Council is seeking
Fall Interns for:
• International Visitor Program
• Community Programs
• Communications
• Global Classroom
• Administration

For more information about the World Affairs Council, details about our programs, or
to apply online, visit our website at:
www.world-affairs.org
Please send all application materials to:
Margaret Tyson
Phone (206) 441-5910 • Fax (206) 441-5908
mtyson@world-affairs.org

Grad School Fair September 2

2011-07-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

The American Political Science Association Grad School Information Fair

during the 2011 APSA Annual Meeting in
Seattle, Washington

1pm-3pm on Friday, September 2, 2011
Washington State Convention Center

Please click on the following link to RSVP.

For more information on APSA's Student Resources, visit
http://www.apsanet.org/gradstudent/

Commencement 2011: Baby, the Rain Must Fall.

2011-05-15T14:05:00.001-07:00

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Boeing Internships

2011-05-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Marc Phillips (UPS '10) passes along this information about internships at Boeing.

I wanted to quickly let you know about some upcoming information sessions for Boeing Internships. Below are the scheduled dates and times.

May 24 - 9:00 AM PDT
June 7 - 2:00 PM PDT
June 29 - 11:00 AM PDT

The details for calling in, as well as a list of the internships available, can be found by clicking the link below.
e-flyer<http://www.boeing.com/events/marketing/college/NW_Business_Majors/> (http://www.boeing.com/events/marketing/college/NW_Business_Majors/)

Emmy #2 for Greg Groggel IPE '06

2011-05-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Greg Groggel (IPE '06) recently received his second Emmy Award. Greg and his ABC Sports team received the Emmy for Outstanding New Approaches to Sports Programming for their coverage of the XXI Winter Olympic Games.

Greg has recently been producing a series on Rugby in America for BBC America. Here is a clip from one of the episodes.

Rugby Fitness Fiasco from Greg Groggel on Vimeo.

Landsea Rural Development Institute Internships

2011-05-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

This just in from Brad Vickers IPE'05. Landsea's global headquarters are in Seattle.

I serve on a non-profit board (Around-n-Over) with a person who works for Landesa rural development institute (http://www.landesa.org/). Landesa works with governments and other local organizations to create tailored approaches to expand land rights to the rural poor.

They have several internship openings for this summer and next fall. Please forward this onto any IPE students that may be interested in working with Landesa. The internship description is available at:

http://www.landesa.org/who-we-are/careers/program-intern/

The deadline for applying to the summer internship is May 9. This may be too short of a turn around, but there's plenty of time to put together an application for a Fall internship.

All the best,

Brad Vickers '05

Jeff Bale IPE '07: On the Global Health Career Path

2011-04-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Where will your IPE degree take you? Here's an report from Jeff Bale, IPE '07:

Greetings fellow IPErs! My name is Jeff Bale and I was an IPE graduate in ’07. Upon graduation I joined the Peace Corps and recently decided to pursue a masters in global health. I will be attending Emory University next fall to do just that. I’m writing to give you a brief explanation of how I arrived at this decision.

While at Puget Sound I spend my time between two departments, IPE and Biology. I joined the Peace Corps after college and spent two years in Namibia working as a secondary school teacher just south of the Angolan border. My job as a teacher was continually interrupted by infectious diseases that spread among my students. The rains brought mosquitos and malaria as well as an outbreak of cholera. HIV/AIDS threatened the lives of my teachers and students. I spent the majority of my second year teaching HIV/AIDS, malaria, and cholera prevention and working with the community to develop adequate water and sanitation.

Leaving Namibia was difficult, and although I left many friends there, my commitment to global health continued. I currently work at a biotechnology company in my home state of Utah developing tests for tuberculosis and other diseases. This fall I applied and was admitted to my top choices for graduate school. I chose Emory University because of its excellence in preparing professionals in global health and because of the opportunities to work with infectious disease at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

I know my career is far from planned out, but I know I’m on the right track. The IPE major has been wonderful in preparing me to delve into global health; global health requires an understanding of social structure and political economy, in addition to the biology of disease. My Peace Corps experience was not a detour, but a foundation that provided me with experience and determination. It’s been immensely rewarding to spend time in a developing country working on global health issues at a community level. I want to spend my career designing effective global health interventions in infectious disease. If you have any questions about global health or my experience in Namibia, don’t hesitate to contact me, jeffbale@gmail.com.

Apps for Development

2011-04-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Need an outlet for your IPE creative energy? The World Bank has challenged the public to create innovative software applications that move us a step closer toward solving some of the world's most pressing problems.

There are prizes and you can see the cool apps already entered at http://appsfordevelopment.challengepost.com/

Here is information from the website:

About Apps for Development

The World Bank launched its Open Data Initiative in April, 2010. This initiative made an array of data sets, including the World Development Indicators, Africa Development Indicators, and Millennium Development Goal Indicators – free for all.

The Apps for Development Competition aims to bring together the best ideas from both the software developer and the development practitioner communities to create innovative apps using World Bank data.

The Competition challenges participants to develop software applications related to one or more of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Submissions may be any kind of software application, be it for the web, a personal computer, a mobile handheld device, console, SMS, or any software platform broadly available to the public. The only other requirement is that the proposed application use one or more datasets from the World Bank Data Catalog available at data.worldbank.org.

Applications submitted to the Competition should address at least one of the following objectives:

Raise awareness of at least one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), or
Contribute to progress toward meeting one of the MDGs by 2015.

Applications which best satisfy the competition criteria will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to have their apps featured on the World Bank Open Data website. Competition participants are encouraged to also use other relevant indicators and datasets, and to be creative in exploring approaches for realizing the goals.

About the Millennium Development Goals

The MDGs represent a collective ambition for our world. Simply put, the MDGs express a vision of a world in which extreme poverty and hunger have been eliminated, and the economic and human welfare of poor people worldwide has been tangibly improved. The MDGs articulate specific targets to be reached by 2015 related to poverty and hunger, universal education, child health and other crucial dimensions.

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Thanks to Marina Balleria for pointing out this program.

Professor Emelie Peine on the Radio!

2011-04-14T14:11:00.001-07:00

Listen to a program on rising food prices, featuring IPE Professor Emelie Peine:

http://www.kuow.org/podcast/WeekdayA20110412.mp3

Food Justice Conversation comes to the Rasmussen Rotunda

2011-04-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

What is food justice and how do we create a more just food system?

Five speakers from around the Puget Sound community will address this question in a two hour panel discussion moderated by IPE professor Emelie Peine. The speakers include:

* Bill Aal; Co-Chair of AGRA Watch program, Community Alliance for Global Justice

* Kelsey Beck; Public Policy Manager, Food Lifeline

* Kevin Glackin-Coley; Executive Director, St. Leo Food Connection

* Dean Jackson; Cultural Change Worker, Urban Farmer, Director - Hilltop Urban Gardens

* Carrie Little; Farmer, Mother Earth and Little Earth Farms

The conversation happens Wednesday, April 20th from 6-8 PM in the Rasmussen Rotunda in the Wheelock student center.

Business and Global Poverty Conference: SPU, April 1-2

2011-03-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

What Is the Role of Business in Ending Global Poverty?

The Bottom Billions/Bottom Line conference welcomes business and thought leaders from around the nation to explore ways in which we all can change how business does business and can contribute to human flourishing. Whether it’s social enterprise, corporate global supply chains, business start-ups in developing countries, or microfinance – business is creating powerful frameworks to meet the needs of people globally. Find out more about the conference (schedule, presenters, driving directions, etc) by clicking here.

Dates:

Friday, April 1, 6–9 p.m.
Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Location: Upper Gwinn Commons on SPU's campus in Seattle

Costs:

Student: $35*
Non-student: $90

Final Brown Bag Talk of Spring - Professor Peter Dorman on Child Labor

2011-03-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Join us at 12 noon on Wednesday, March 23rd in WSC 101 for the final IPE Brown Bag talk of the year.

The ILO’s International Program on Child Labor has sponsored a study that looks at the consequences of conflict for the worst forms of child labor in five regions: Angola, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Unfortunately, it is difficult to establish a baseline—the factors that influence these types of child labor in more peaceful contexts—because there has been insufficient research on them. Nevertheless it is possible to tentatively identify a set of potential pathways that lead children into dangerous situations in the wake of conflict, and markers that can guide individuals and groups devoted to relief efforts. Overall, children are at great risk as a result of conflict, and not always in the same ways or for the same reasons as adults.

Peter Dorman is an economist who teaches at Evergreen State College in Olympia. His main areas of research are international economics, the economics of climate change, occupational health and child labor. His first assignment on child labor was serving as a member of the National Academy of Sciences panel that produced the report “Protecting Youth at Work” in 1998. Since then he has headed several research projects for the International Labor Organization’s International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor, including a cost-benefit study of the global elimination of child labor and an investigation into the economic exploitation of children in four countries. He is currently involved in two projects that focus on the health hazards of child labor and interventions to reduce them.

Summer Jobs with the Fund for the Public Interest

2011-03-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Fund for the Public Interest is a national non-profit organization that works to build support for progressive organizations across the country. They run campaigns for the Sierra Club, the Human Rights Campaign, USPIRG, and Environment America. This summer they will be in over 50 cities, working and lobbying to help win environmental and social justice campaigns.

Last summer their staff helped ban off-shore drilling to protect our coasts, repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and increase food safety standards to make school lunches safer- all while building valuable leadership skills.

Currently, they have paid positions open on their campaign staff in each of their locations. They require that interested candidates are hard workers and have excellent communication skills.

As a member of their staff, you will fundraise, build membership for our partner groups, and educate and activate citizens on pressing issues. You will also have the opportunity to organize press conferences and build coalitions with other non-profit organizations. While on staff, you gain knowledge of pressing concerns our country is facing, learn how to effectively generate public support, and obtain a firm understanding of the political process.

They will hold information sessions and interviews at University of Puget Sound March 30-31.

To find out more and apply, please visit www.jobsforgoodcauses.org or call 1-800-75-EARTH.

World Affairs Council Internship Opportunities

2011-03-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

2011-02-25T13:28:00.001-08:00

Internship Opportunity

2011-02-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

Applications are currently being accepted to fill a full-time position at Northwest Immigrant Right Project (NWIRP) as well as five other social service internships for September 2011-August 2012. The applications are due on March 1, but letters of recommendation will be accepted until March 8.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice for low-income immigrants by pursuing and defending their legal status. It focuses on providing direct legal services, supported by their education and public policy work.

See http://nwirp.org/ for more information.

As a Legal Advocate, you would be interviewing Spanish-speaking clients to screen for potential immigration relief eligibility, and then to refer them to resources within and outside of NWIRP.

The position at NWIRP is hosted by the Quaker Experiential Service and Training (QuEST) internship program. The University Friends Meeting (Quakers) owns a house in Seattle’s University District, where they provide housing for 6 interns (who are both Quakers and non-Quakers) working at various social service organizations, including NWIRP. Applying to intern for NWIRP is thus a two-step process – beginning with the QuEST application:

http://www.quest-seattle.org/index.php?id=1

For more information, please contact Leigh Barrick, IPE 2009 (Email: leigh@nwirp.org)

Labor Migration, Urban Segregation and Supermodernity in Contemporary Arabia

2011-02-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

Please join us for our 3rd IPE brown bag presentation with Professor Andrew M. Gardner, Assistant Professor in Comparative Sociology.

Andrew Gardner, a cultural anthropologist, has been conducting research in the Gulf States of the Arabian Peninsula for over a decade. Building on two years of recently-completed research in Qatar, this presentation describes a series of overlapping research projects that focus on the large transnational migrant population in the region and how their presence has patterned the spatial discourse of the contemporary Gulf Cit

Place: Wheelock Student Center 101
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Prep Sessions for Foreign Service Exam

2011-02-10T16:31:00.001-08:00

Foreign Service Oral Assessment: TUESDAY FEB 15, 5:30-8:30 pm

The Foreign Service Oral Assessment is the third step in the selection process leading to a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State. If you have been invited to the Oral Assessment, or think you may be invited one day, then you may want to attend this session. Brooks A. Robinson, a Senior Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat in Residence at the University of California, Berkeley, will discuss what to expect and how to prepare for the Foreign Service Oral Assessment. This event will be held in Room 301 Bannan Hall on the campus of Seattle University. Please RSVP to caldip5@berkeley.edu.

Foreign Service Officer Test: THURSDAY FEB 17, 6:00-8:00 pm

Are you thinking about taking the Foreign Service Officer Test, the first step in the selection process leading to a career with the Department of State as a diplomat? If so, then you may want to attend this prep session at the University of Washington-Seattle. (Exact venue to be confirmed shortly.) Brooks A. Robinson, a Senior Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat in Residence at the University of California, Berkeley, will discuss the test itself, test-taking strategies, how to prepare, and what qualities the test seeks to evaluate. This prep session is designed for anyone considering taking the exam, even if they have not yet registered.

For further information on State Department career and internship opportunities, please explore itswebsite at http://careers.state.gov. For other guidance about preparing the foreign service exam, take a look at the selection process.

2011-02-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

Marina in Morocco

2011-02-06T08:40:00.001-08:00

IPE junior Marina Balleria is studying in Morocco this semester and I thought you might be interested in her observations on life in a Muslim country in North Africa, especially given the current political turmoil in the region.

Marina's blog is called "In the Wild Blue Yonder" Marina cautions readers that while "I'd love to have my link posted ... please include a caveat that it has no designs to be an informed, journalistic, or even politically correct and sensitive type blog, but more of a series of observations. I do try to keep the "Today I did this..." entries to a bare minimum."

A recent post begins ...

Here are two obvious observations:

1. TV makes the strange stranger.

2. I’m sorry Gil Scott-Heron, now the revolution is always televised.

And blogged, too. I'm looking forward to Marina's observations and insights as the semester (and revolution) unfolds.

IPE Summer Research Deadline Approaches

2011-02-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Time is running out!

The deadline for applications for $4000 IPE Summer Research Fellowships is fast approaching! Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, February 23, 2011.

For more information on the IPE summer grant program and to find links to other university-sponsored summer grant opportunities, please see http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/undergraduate/ipe/summer-research-fellowship/

For some tips on applying for summer research grants, please attend the summer research information session on Wednesday, February 9th, 4-5 pm in McIntyre 309. Monica DeHart from Comparative Sociology will provide some advice for those applying for social science summer research awards.

IPE Program Assistant Job Announcement

2011-02-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

Would you like to work for the IPE Program next year and help organize our programs and events? If so, then you should apply to be the IPE Program Assistant.

This is a paid position with funding for about 5 hours per week at a wage of around $12 per hour. The IPE Program Assistant works with the IPE Director and faculty to organize programs that enrich the experience of IPE students at Puget Sound (and other duties as required).

If you are an IPE major and would like to apply for this position, send the following items to Professor Nick Kontogeorgopoulos (konto@pugetsound.edu) by noon on Friday, February 18, 2011.

Your name and contact information;
A list of the IPE-related classes that you have taken;
The names of two professors who know you well;
A brief statement (1-2 pages) of why you would like to be the IPE Program Assistant (and why we should hire you);
A specific proposal for an event or program that you would like to organize next year for IPE students. Please include a sample poster that you would design to promote the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Professor Kontogeorgopoulos.

Interested in the Foreign Service?

2011-01-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

Please join the IPE Program and CES for the first IPE Brown Bag Series speaker of the semester! Grab your lunch and join us for a special presentation on how to prepare for the Foreign Service Officer exam. Our guest speaker, Mr. Trip Atkins, has extensive experience in both the Civil and Foreign Service. Come help us kick off the spring semester this coming Wednesday, February 2nd, at noon in Wheelock Student Center (SUB) 101.

Trip Atkins has served as the Assistant Regional Director of the Department of State’s Seattle Passport Agency since 1998. Prior to his current assignment, he served 13 years as a Foreign Service Officer for the Department. Previous assignments include overseas tours as Management Officer in Vladivostok, Russia; General Services Officer in Moscow, USSR; and Consular Officer in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Domestic assignments have included tours with the Secretariat Staff and Operations Center and in the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Visa Office and Office of Overseas Citizens’ Services.

Mr. Atkins is a recipient of the Department of State’s Superior Honor Award and Meritorious Honor Award. His foreign languages are Russian and German. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia, and currently lives in Seattle with his wife and three children.

If you have any questions about the event please feel free to contact Elizabeth Cohen (emcohen@pugetsound.edu).

Summer Internship Opportunities at Georgetown University

2011-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems - www.DCinternships.org/ICPES
Institute on Business and Government Affairs - www.DCinternships.org/IBGA
June 5 – July 30, 2011
Held at Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Priority Deadline: February 3, 2011
Final Deadline: March 3, 2011

Sponsored by The Fund for American Studies, ICPES and IBGA combine a substantive professional experience for 30 hours a week with a challenging academic experience at Georgetown University. These fast-paced, eight-week residential program provides students from around the world with the opportunities to gain an edge in today’s competitive job market and graduate school admissions, and experience the excitement of Washington first-hand.

SAMPLE PAST INTERNSHIP SITES

Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems
American Family Business Institute
Atlas Economic Research Foundation
Civic Enterprises
Congressional Offices
DC Mayor’s Office
Federal Agencies
Southern Governors’ Association
Tax Foundation

Institute on Business and Government Affairs
Aerospace Industries Association
Healthcare Leadership Council
NASDAQ
National Federation of Independent Business
Quinn Gillespie & Associates, LLC
Qwest Communications
Siemens, Corp.
U.S. Telecom Association

PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Internships – Competitive placements in public policy and government affairs
Classes – Up to 9 credit hours from Georgetown University
Housing – Roommate matching and furnished on-campus apartments in the heart of DC
Guest Lectures – With Washington’s top policy and industry experts
Exclusive Briefings – At the State Department, World Bank and Capitol Hill
Leadership & Professional Development – Leadership, mentoring and career building activities
Networking – Interaction with seasoned professionals and student leaders from around the world
Scholarships – Approximately 70% of students receive generous awards based on merit and financial need

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Students will be accepted on a rolling basis until the Final Deadline of March 3, 2011. Students applying by the Priority Deadline of February 3, 2011 will be given preference in admissions and priority scholarship consideration.

Fore more information and an online application, please visit our website www.DCInternships.org or contact Elizabeth Matecki, Recruitment and Admissions Assistant at admissions@tfas.org or 1-800-741-6964.

Please click here to request an informational brochure: https://www.DCinternships.org/tfas/brochure/index.asp

How Microfinance Lost its Soul

2010-12-14T08:20:00.001-08:00

The Huffington Post has just published an article on "How Microfinance Lost its Soul" written by 1996 Puget Sound IPE grad Aaron Ausland. I'll copy the first few paragraphs below. You can read the whole article here.

Microfinance has lost its soul. Six fundamental shifts in the practice of microfinance have left it operating more like a for-profit bank and less like an innovative pro-poor movement.

I don't have much against banks; they mostly do good things for people who can access their services. But, if you happen to lack title to property, a credit history, or official identification, as many of the world's poor do, banks are little more than sets of closed doors. Until recently, the only options for accessing credit and savings services were informal networks and local moneylenders. That all changed with the invention of microfinance -- a pro-poor social innovation that has provided access to financial services to millions of people previously thought to be "unbankable."

Over the past three decades, a massive scale-up has taken place as NGOs, banks, foundations, and private investors launched MFIs in every corner of the globe. Even I got swept up in the excitement and led a 1999 launch of an MFI in Bolivia. At some point though, a good part of the movement got hooked on the hubristic notion that we had to provide credit to every person on earth, and in order to do this we'd have to access the formal capital markets, which it was assumed (falsely) are driven solely by financial incentives. And so, without hardly a look ahead at what it would mean, profitability became the leading indicator of success. Instead of talking about how many people had been helped to move out of poverty, MFIs began bragging about low rates of portfolio at risk and high rates of ROI. Mission statements were revised to soothe investor apprehension. Healthy assets were prized over healthy borrowers. In short, microfinance lost its soul.

Here are six fundamental shifts in the practice of microfinance that accompanied us down this path.

1. Shift from targeting poorest of poor to the moderately poor.

There are two problems with lending to the poorest of the poor when you are concerned more about profit than poverty alleviation. One is that they are very vulnerable to external shocks. A late rain, a death in the family, a run-over pig -- these are economic catastrophes for the poorest of the poor. They don't have savings or other sources of credit to fall back on. When faced with a choice of surviving or repaying their loan, these will survive. Second is they don't have a huge appetite for credit. They generally don't need or want large loans. To make any money, a lender either has to charge very high interest rates, or have very low per loan operating costs. Many lenders began sidestepping these issues by abandoning the very poor and lending instead to the moderately poor -- a safer and more profitable lot.

2. Shift from rural to urban.

Other lenders pushed down operating costs by focusing operations in cities. With a high population density, the time and cost required for a loan officer to service his caseload is reduced. Simultaneously, the nature of the loans shifts from agriculture to commerce, which keeps capital cycling quickly through the loan portfolio, generating more cash for the lender. But, the rural poor, who already had the least access to financial services, were further abandoned.

3. Shift from starting businesses to growing businesses.

To decrease risk and increase repayment rates, MFIs began shifting away from start-ups and toward business growth. When they worked with the poorest of the poor, they were providing seed capital that gave the poor entrance to income generating activities. But, most new businesses fail, especially when led by inexperienced entrepreneurs, whereas established businesses have a better shot at profiting from an influx of additional capital. So, those who already had some capital and income generation were given access to more, while those who had none lost the opportunity.

Click here to read the rest of Aaron's article.

Rave Review for Prof. Grunberg's New Book!

2010-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

Prof. Leon Grunberg is one of the founders of the IPE Program and Puget Sound and so we are pleased to celebrate the rave reviews that his new book is receiving. Here's what the New York Times says:

November 20, 2010

The Pain of Change at Boeing

By HARRY HURT III

ONCE upon a time, major American companies and their employees treated each other as family. The companies provided job security and lifelong benefits; in general, workers were loyal and engaged in their jobs, the occasional strike notwithstanding.

But that relative harmony ended with the advent of globalization, according to “Turbulence: Boeing and the State of American Workers and Managers” (Yale University Press, 238 pages), a meticulous and illuminating case study of the nation’s largest manufacturing exporter.

The book has four authors with a combination of academic and private-sector backgrounds: Edward S. Greenberg, Leon Grunberg, Sarah Moore and Patricia B. Sikora. Based on their research and experience, they write: “The very innovations and changes Boeing introduced to remain a leading producer of airplanes — altered management strategies, pervasive technological changes, extensive outsourcing, broad global partnerships, massive layoffs, and drastically altered ways of working — produced stress and turbulence in the lives of workers and managers alike.”

And the authors say Boeing’s woes are a cautionary tale for corporate America because the company suffered despite extraordinary advantages. “As one of only two manufacturers of large passenger jets in the world, Boeing occupies an extraordinary economic niche, and has had generally enlightened policies, along with strong unions to protect its employees,” the authors write. “Many American companies and their employees, in virtually every economic sector, face similarly strong competitive pressures but without Boeing’s advantages.”

The book focuses mainly on the period from 1996 to 2006, a span that encompassed the company’s merger with McDonnell Douglas, a strike by engineers and technical workers, ethics scandals in top management ranks, and the start of a major new passenger jet project, the 787 Dreamliner.

The research included four separate surveys, in 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006. They tracked a cohort of 525 continuously employed Boeing workers and managers as well as scores of people who left the company during the course of the study.

After generally worsening between the first and the third surveys, employee attitudes toward the company showed some improvement by the 2006 poll, as some of Boeing’s changes took root. But according to the authors, morale issues remained.

One of the book’s most notable findings has to do with outsourcing. As seen in the production of the 787 Dreamliner, its new wide-body jet, the effects were decidedly double-edged. Two aims of the outsourcing were to cut costs and to gain access to more foreign markets; both of those goals were largely achieved.

But the parts contracts for the 787 were let to 135 sites in two dozen countries. In theory, the parts could be snapped and fitted together — much like pieces of a model airplane — at the Boeing plant in Everett, Wash. Yet in practice, the authors say, the process proved much more complicated, “something Boeing discovered to its considerable discomfort in 2008 and 2009 when many of the sections neither snapped nor fit properly.”) Production of the 787 would fall two years behind schedule.

Many survey respondents worried that outsourcing would result in “the bleeding of engineering knowledge and jobs to global partner companies, hurting both Boeing and the United States in the long run,” the book says. One engineer with 27 years of experience at Boeing opined that “we are giving away the farm.”

The authors found that the decision by top management to emulate the so-called “team” model, pioneered by Japanese companies like Toyota, had a generally negative effect on employee morale rather than promoting a sense of empowerment.

The authors write that “perhaps more in sorrow than in anger,” many people said that “the notion of Boeing as a family, where employees’ contributions were respected as a source of competitive advantage, was a thing of the past, replaced by Boeing as a team where people and positions were expendable or interchangeable with other workers around the world.”

Perhaps even more surprising was how disaffection with the changes at Boeing permeated every level of the company. “Importantly, at the end of our study period, there was no statistical difference between the number of managers and nonmanagers regarding their intentions to quit Boeing,” the authors report, later adding that “as the organization flattened, the career ladder became compressed to a step-stool; many managers and employees felt dead-ended as opportunities for advancement seemed to evaporate.”

FOR an academic study, “Turbulence” is refreshingly accessible, with a coherent narrative punctuated by no more than the minimally requisite charts, and only occasionally marred by overworking a comparison of the company-employee relationship to a failed marriage.

The interview excerpts are often heart-wrenching, and the long-term, disciplined nature of the authors’ research gives their findings credibility. For these reasons alone, “Turbulence” should be required reading for anyone at a major American corporation, especially in top management.

Arguably, the single glaring weakness is in the book’s prescription for fixing the workplace. Insisting that neither companies nor employees can go it alone, the authors call for government to protect American workers and provide employment opportunities through “safety net programs based on pooled-risk insurance principles.”
That may sound like an ideal combination of the family model and the team model. But given the outcome of the recent midterm elections, any proposal to enlarge the role of government in the private sector is not something the American public is likely to buy into anytime soon.

Professor Veseth Named Washington Professor of the Year

2010-11-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

On November 18, 2010, Professor Mike Veseth was named Washington Professor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The U.S. Professors of the Year program is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

In the words of University of Puget Sound President Ron Thomas:

A Puget Sound professor since 1975, Mike was nominated by colleagues, students, and alumni working in business, nonprofits, the arts, and academia, from London to Kathmandu. Of special note, some of the alumni who nominated Mike for this honor majored in areas other than Mike’s field of international political economy. They cited his inspiring teaching, creative course development, unusual capacity to connect with students, dedicated mentorship, and the lifelong, transformative impact he has had—and continues to have—on their lives.

Congratulations to Mike for this well-deserved award.

Click here to read a Tacoma News Tribune story about Mike's accomplishment.

IPE Internship Brown Bag

2010-10-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Please join us for the final Brown Bag event of the semester, on Wednesday, November 3rd at 12 noon in WSC 101. Your fellow IPE classmates will discuss their internship experiences. Ryan Tate, Tatiana Cary, Elizabeth Cohen and Toni Stinnett will give an overview of their internships, which include everything from policy making in DC to politics in Tacoma. If you are an IPE student looking to learn more about summer internship opportunities in both the US and internationally, please feel free to grab your lunch and come listen. CES will also be present at the event to give us some resume tips and secrets to snagging the internship of your dreams.

Teach English in Japan - Application Deadline: Nov 18

2010-10-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

In cooperation with the Japanese Government & various Japanese authorities/organizations, the Japan Exchange & Teaching Program (most commonly known as the JET Program) is a cultural exchange experience offered to graduates with a 4-year degree (all academic fields welcome).

Participants live & work in Japan for a year as Cultural Ambassadors for the US in their roles as either Assistant Language (English) Teachers (the ALT position does not require pre-existing Japanese language skills to apply for this position) or as Coordinators for International Relations (CIR position requires Japanese language skills). We seek responsible & motivated individuals with a strong interest in Japan & in promoting international exchange & friendship.

Applicants must be respectful of other cultures, flexible and adaptable to living and working in a foreign environment & enjoy working with people, especially youth. They must also be highly motivated to study or continue their study of the Japanese language during their participation on the JET Program.

Applications are NOW available:

Official JET Program Website for US Citizens: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET .

All 2011 JET Program Application packets must arrive at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC by November 18, 2010.

DATE:	Wednesday, 10/27/10
SCHOOL:	University of Puget Sound - Tacoma, WA
EVENT:	Fall Career Fair
LOCATION:	Wheelock Student Center, Marshall Hall
TIME:	4 PM - 7 PM
WEBSITE:	http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/offices--services/ces/career-events/career-fair#Whoshould

Career Fair on Wed. Oct. 27

2010-10-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

The University of Puget Sound's Career Fair will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 4-7:00 p.m. in WSC Marshall Hall.

Many Career Fair employers are interested in hiring Puget Sound students regardless of their major. Students who keep their options open and investigate all available opportunities might be pleasantly surprised by what they learn about how these organizations hire talent. Career Fair employers say it best:

“Our ideal candidate is driven, enthusiastic and able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced atmosphere” Enterprise Rent-A-Car

“There is no right or wrong major to chart a career with the National Park Service--it's all about your desire to protect and preserve America's special places for future generations.” Olympic National Park

“Wanted: responsible & motivated individuals with a strong interest in Japan, who enjoy working with people, especially youth.” JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching) Program

Additionally, there are a few organizations attending the Career Fair that may be of particular interest to IPE students:

AmeriCorps: A chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.

Federal Bureau of Investigation: As a threat-based and intelligence-driven national security organization, the mission of the FBI is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies and partners.

JET (Japan Exchange & Teaching) Program seeks to enhance internationalization by promoting mutual understanding between Japan & other nations. The program encourages foreign language & culture exchange by inviting foreign representatives to live and work in Japan for a year.

Olympic National Park protects almost one million acres of unique natural and cultural environments and is 95% Wilderness. There is no right or wrong major to chart a career with the National Park Service--it's all about your desire to protect and preserve America's special places for future generations.

Peace Corps: Volunteers* work in over 70 countries around the world in the fields of education, health and HIV/AIDS, business, IT, the environment, agriculture and youth development. *Peace Corps ”Volunteers” are not without financial support.

Port of Seattle plays a key role in bringing international trade, transportation and travel to the Pacific Northwest, and supports industries as diverse as tourism and commercial fishing.

For a complete listing of organizations that are attending, visit the Fall 2010 List of Career Fair Employers.

Wondering what to expect? Read the CESblogs post Calling all Loggers! Come to the Career Fair!

Like Pigs at the Trough: Constructing the Brazil-China-soy-pork Commodity Complex

2010-10-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Please join us for the 3rd IPE Brown Bag talk, as Prof. Emelie Peine discusses her summer research in China at Noon on Weds Oct 20 in WSC 101.

China produces and consumes nearly half of all the world’s pork. Since the 1990s, China has seen a dramatic shift in the way that pork is produced, moving from a small-farmer model to an industrialized confinement model. This has dramatically increased China’s demand for animal feedstock, namely soybeans. In response, Brazil—the largest soy exporter in the world—is now shipping nearly half of its soybeans to China every year. This marks the emergence of a new commodity complex, as supply and demand flows are shifting from North-North routes between the US and EU to South-South routes between Asia and Latin America. However, many of the same agents of international agricultural trade—here MNCs like Cargill and ADM—remain gatekeepers in this new system. This project seeks to understand whether or not this shift in trade flows constitutes new challenges for transnational capital, or whether these firms are able to successfully adapt to a new trading landscape. We pursue this inquiry through an analysis of the emerging Brazil-China-soy-pork commodity complex and its implications for multinational agribusiness.

Federal Summer Internships Webinar 10/20

2010-10-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Career and Employment Services (CES) will be hosting a webinar from the Partnership for Public Service regarding federal internship opportunities in the summer of 2011.

This webinar, a product of the Partnership’s Making the Difference Campaign, is for students interested in finding and applying for internships for Summer 2011, as well as those advisors looking for more information about federal opportunities to share with their students.

During this session, they will highlight a number of exciting internships across government, and show students how to research, find and apply for an internship that’s right for them.

The webinar will be broadcast in Wyatt 201 from 2-3 PM on Wednesday, October 20. Contact CES with questions.

World Affairs Council Job Opportunity

2010-10-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Just in from the World Affairs Council in Seattle.

The World Affairs Council would like to request that you circulate the position description attached to your various networks. The position being offered is that of Operations Manager. This position manages and develops the Council’s internal operations and technology so as to provide support to the Council’s programs, staff and Board of Trustees. To apply, please send resume and cover letter to: Bipasana Joshee, Database and Office Manager, at bjoshee@world-affairs.org by October 19, 2010.

Building Competitive Advantage: Business & IT Consulting in today’s Economy

2010-10-07T06:58:00.001-07:00

Joe Wooley, a recent Puget Sound grad, has asked me to pass on this information to you. This is a great opportunity for those of you who are considering business careers! (And especially seniors who are about to enter the job market.)

Special thanks to Joe and fellow almunus Jim Adams for bringing this information back home to Puget Sound.

Mike Veseth

Hi Mike,

Below are the details for next week’s event. While the presentation will be specific to the consulting industry, it should be beneficial to any economics/IPE student considering a career in a business-related field, especially those seniors that will potentially be going through interview processes this fall and next spring.

Building Competitive Advantage: Business & IT Consulting in today’s Economy

October 14^th, 6:00 pm in McIntyre 107

Topics to be discussed:

· The difficulties companies face in today’s challenging economic climate and the role business and IT consultants play in helping companies (including non-profits) compete.

· The unique skills that economics majors and minors bring to the table and how those skills can be leveraged in both the recruitment process and in the workplace.

· Upcoming recruitment opportunities with Hitachi Consulting.

Presenters:

Jim Adams ’06, Sr. Consultant

Joe Woolley ‘10, Consultant

Best,

Joe

International Affairs Grad School Forum 10/26

2010-10-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 26, the Association of Professional Schools of
International Affairs (APSIA) will conduct a campus forum on graduate education
in international affairs at Seattle University.

Admissions officers from participating schools will be at the Seattle
University Student Center from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to distribute literature on
their schools and answer questions from prospective applicants. Many of
the top graduate programs in international affairs will be represented; as
of today, 19 APSIA schools plan to attend.

A short pre-fair admissions panel will begin at 5:30 in the Boeing Room of
the Lemieux Library, which is located next to the Student Center. A panel
of admissions directors from APSIA member schools will present general
information about the admissions process, tips for producing strong
applications, and how determine the best program for your needs. The panel
will also answer questions from attendees.

There is no admission fee, and reservations are not required. Attendees
are encouraged to register, however, by visiting the APSIA website
(www.apsia.org) and clicking on the "Seattle" Forum name.

Schools attending:

American University
University of California, San Diego
Columbia University
Georgetown University
The George Washington University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard University
The Johns Hopkins University
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
National University of Singapore
University of Pittsburgh
Princeton University
Sciences Po (Paris)
University of Southern California
Syracuse University
Tufts University
University of Washington

FALL ADMISSIONS FORUM PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
OCTOBER 26, 2010
6:00-8:00 PM
STUDENT CENTER, ROOM 160
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

**PRE-FAIR ADMISSIONS PANEL AT 5:30**
BOEING ROOM, LEMIEUX LIBRARY
(ADJACENT TO THE STUDENT CENTER)

**********************************

IPE Brown Bag: Wed October 6, 2010 WSC 101

2010-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

IPE major Peter Bittner will present his summer research findings on "Spain's Economic Crisis: How Social Effects Lead to Political Opinions on Economic Policies"

A brief introduction from Peter:
"Spain, particularly Andalucía, has suffered profoundly from the 2008 global economic crisis. Many policies have been developed by the central government to reach a long-term solution, the most recent and controversial of which has been the labor market reform. In the Brown Bag presentation, I will discuss my research investigating the complex relationship between the social effects of the crisis and the political opinions of Spaniards regarding the labor policy. The presentation will cover the methods, results, conclusions, and challenges of the research as well as the application process for the IPE Summer Fellowship. Please come and check it out!"

Internship Opportunity in India

2010-09-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Brickwork India provides business research and consulting services for small to medium sized business around the world. Based in Bangalore, India, BWI is featured in both The World is Flat by Thomas Freidman and Tim Ferris’ book The 4-Hour Workweek. BWI pioneered the concept of the remote executive assistant and is at the forefront of the outsourcing movement. It is committed to maintaining a high level of corporate responsibility and to providing high quality services to their international customers.

Below is Tatiana Cary’s account of her recent summer internship with Brickwork:

I lived and worked for two months this summer in the Silicon Valley of India: Bangalore. As an IPE major with a focus in Global Development Studies, I had taken courses on globalization and international economics. However seeing economic growth and development firsthand was invaluable. An internship with BWI not only provided me with work experience but also gave me the opportunity to redefine my paradigm of cross-cultural exchange and international business relations. My daily tasks ranged from working with the research team finding information for American clients to working with the legal team reading and summarizing laws. In this internship, I learned the true meaning of intellectual property, outsourcing, diversity, urban development, bureaucracy, and corruption. I had the opportunity to visit local NGOs, travel, and experience south Indian culture. I learned how to eat (with my hands), how to cross the street, and how to enter a temple (right foot first!). Through a whirl of incense, auto-rickshaws, skyscrapers, and chai I had the experience of a lifetime. If you are interested, visit the Briwork India website and contact Anjana Samuel at anjana.s@brickworkindia.com .

http://www.brickworkindia.com/

Master of Arts Program in Climate & Society at Columbia University

2010-09-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

There will be an information session for the Master of Arts program in Climate & Society at Columbia University on October 12th, 3-5 pm in Murray Board Room, Wheelock Student Center.

Description of the M.A. program in Climate & Society:

Climate and Society is an interdisciplinary 12-month graduate program which attracts students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. The core courses give students a foundation in climate science and policy while the electives allow students the flexibility to focus the program to their own interests. Focus areas include agriculture, sustainable development, water, carbon capture and sequestration, alternative energy, and more.

The mission of the Climate and Society program is to impart students with an understanding not only of the dynamics of climate events, but also of how to reliably communicate the climate prediction to those who are in the most need of it, such as farmers, governments, and environmental offices. Students in this innovative program are given the science and analytical skills to decipher complex climate information and communicate it to decision makers on a regional level, enhancing society's ability to plan and respond to climate events.

Graduates of the program go on to work in organizations such as:

Alliance for Climate Protection, Local Governments for Sustainability, The Climate Group, CleanTech Group, Food and Agricultural Organization, United Nations Development Programme, National Academy of Sciences, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, Center for Research on Environmental Decisions, Center for Climate Systems Research, Climate Central, and many more.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP via email to Candace Goodrich at cgg2112@columbia.edu

If you are unable to make it to the informational session, but would like to learn more about this exciting program or arrange a class visit, please email ar2393@columbia.edu or call 212.854.9896.

For more information about our program, please visit our website at www.columbia.edu/cu/climatesociety

The priority deadline for applications is February 15th. Apply online

at: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=COL-GAS

ASK Night: Thursday 10/7

2010-09-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

ASK Night = Alumni Sharing Knowledge Night = student/alumni job search/networking opportunity

Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Night 2010

Thursday, Oct. 7: drop by anytime between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m.

Wheelock Rotunda

Light snacks provided.

About ASK Night • Complete list of participants • Networking tips • Get your Fast Pass!

IPE Field Trip to PATH in Seattle

2010-09-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

Interested in Global Public Health?

Join the IPE Department for a tour of the new PATH offices, an "international nonprofit organization that creates sustainable, culturally relevant solutions, enabling communities worldwide to break longstanding cycles of poor health." Seattle is currently at the center of the global health discussion, for both its NGO involvement and research. PATH is an outstanding organization in Seattle and is recognized on a global level. If you are unfamiliar with PATH as an organization, feel free to check out their website at www.path.org. The tour will be lead by University of Puget Sound alumni, Mr. Scott Jackson '80, and Vice President of External Relations at PATH. Mr. Jackson delivered the Commencement address for our recent graduates.

The tour will take place on Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 starting at 11:00am. We leave for Seattle at 10:00am and plan to return by 3:00pm. After the tour we will have lunch in Seattle paid for by the IPE Department. There is only room for 12 students to join, so it is first come - first served.

If you are interested in joining this trip or have questions, please contact Elizabeth (Lizzie) Cohen at emcohen@pugetsound.edu as soon as possible. We hope you can join us for this unique experience!

Brown Bag 1: Ambassador Johnson on Foreign Service and Thailand

2010-09-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Please join us this Wednesday, September 22 at noon in WSC 101 for our first IPE Brown Bag presentation of 2010-2011.

We are kicking things off this year with a presentation from Puget Sound alumnus Ambassador Darryl Johnson, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Lithuania and the Philippines about his experiences as a Foreign Service officer.

He will speak about the Foreign Service examination process and his service in Thailand.

The presentation will begin at noon in the Wheelock Student Center Room 101. Grab your lunch and help us start off the IPE school year with a bang. This will be a truly unique presentation!

Thunderbird: International MBA Opportunities

2010-09-13T12:24:00.001-07:00

This just in from the Thunderbird School, a highly regarding international graduate school of business located in Glendale, AZ. Many Puget Sound grads (and IPE majors) have attended Thunderbird.

If you are interested in advanced international business education, you should check out Thunderbird and consider meeting with their staff in Seattle.

Staff from Thunderbird School of Global Management will be visiting Seattle on multiple occasions in the next few weeks:

September 14, 2010
World MBA Tour
Bell Harbor Conference Center
2211 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
*Register Now for this event*

and
October 27, 2010
Idealist Fair
Seattle University

Campion Tower Residence Hall, Ballroom

914 E Jefferson St
Seattle, WA 98122
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
*Register Now for this event*

To request an interview, please forward your resume and, if available, your GMAT and TOEFL scores, to
Bell Benjapatanamongkol '08
Assistant Director of Global Recruitment
Thunderbird School of Global Management
1 Global Place
Glendale, Arizona 85306-6000 USA
Please communicate with Andy Chen, andy.chen@thundebird.edu, if you are requesting an interview surrounding the event on the 27th. Interview times are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and all interview requests must be received no later than 48 hours before the event.

For information on all of fall tour events, please visit: www.thunderbird.edu/worldtours.

Conference Presentation Opportunity for Students

2010-09-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

This just in from Professor Andrew Gardner:

Students in the CSOC and IPE programs might be interested in the upcoming Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) conference, Seattle, March 29-April 1, 2010. This large conference convenes applied anthropologists, medical anthropologists, NGO-based practitioners, international development specialists, and a variety of other scholar/practitioners. Furthermore, the SfAA has a strong record of welcoming student presentations and posters, and has a variety of planned activities ideal for undergraduates. For those of you preparing a senior thesis, this would be an ideal place to present your findings come Spring. And for those of you with a developing interest in CSOC or IPE, the conference provides an ideal opportunity to see how your training might be applied both inside and outside academia.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

* You can learn more about the SfAA at www.sfaa.net, and more about the meeting through the "annual meeting" link on that page.

* If you would like to submit a paper or poster for presentation, the deadline for preparing your short abstract is October 15, 2010.

* You can get a good idea of how your potential paper or poster might fit in the conference by looking at last year's program from the meeting in Merida, Mexico. That program can be accessed at the bottom of the "annual meeting" page.

* The SfAA has a student committee made up of undergraduate students, and also plans a "Past Presidents Lunch" at which past presidents of the society meet with undergraduate students for lunch.

Overall, I have found the poster session to be an ideal forum for my undergraduate students, as they typically receive an enormous amount of attention and discussion in a fairly stress-free environment. If you're interested in learning more about the SfAA, I'd be happy to talk with you, send along a sample poster or paper, or help you through the submission process.

Best wishes,

Andrew
___________________________
Andrew M. Gardner, PhD.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
University of Puget Sound
gardner@pugetsound.edu

Student Publication Opportunity

2010-09-10T11:42:00.001-07:00

The Politics and Government depart has a great blog that often features opportunities for Puget Sound students. We are reposting this item from the PG blog to help draw attention to this student publication opportunity. You can read the original post and find contact information here: http://upspolitics.blogspot.com/2010/09/submit-stanford-journal-of-east-asian.html

The Stanford Journal of East Asian Affairs showcases outstanding papers on East Asia and Southeast Asia written by undergraduate and graduate students; it is one of the few publications in existence with such a mission. SJEAA accepts original articles from all academic disciplines pertaining to China/Hong Kong/Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Greater East Asia (including Southeast Asia). Published editions of the journal include topics such as politics, international relations, economics, history, literature, and the arts. Supported by the Stanford Center for East Asian Studies, SJEAA is currently distributed internationally and regularly receives submissions from leading universities in the US and abroad.

SJEAA is currently accepting submissions for our 2011 edition, and welcomes submissions from students at your institution. We also accept book review submissions for books whose first publication date is between 2008 and 2010. Book reviews should be above 900 words in length. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2010.

Job Opening at World Affairs Council

2010-09-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Recent IPE grads may be interested in this opportunity:

The World Affairs Council is excited to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the position of Communications & Logistics Coordinator! This is a full-time salary position that supports the Council’s Community Programs team with marketing of public events, social media, framing of messaging, media relations, and sponsor communications. In addition the Communications & Logistics Coordinator supports the Community Programs team with the planning and managing of World Affairs Council events. For more information, please visit http://world-affairs.org/aboutus_employment.html. To apply, please send in your cover letter and resume by email to bjoshee@world-affairs.org by COB Monday, September 13^th, 2010.

Seniors: Apply for Graduation

2010-09-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Seniors! Do you plan to graduate this year? If so, don't forget to apply for graduation. Submitting your application sets the wheels in motion that will eventually carry you to the commencement ceremony.

The application forms are in your campus mailbox. The deadline in September 10.

Don't hesitate. Just do it.

Prof K Receives President's Teaching Award

2010-09-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to IPE Professor and Director Nick Kontogeorgopoulos! Puget Sound President Ron Thomas presented him with the President's Excellence in Teaching Award at a faculty dinner last Tuesday.

The award, which is the University's highest recognition for teaching, was created in 1997 to recognize faculty with "a passion for teaching, the ability to inspire and the ability to challenge and motivate students."

Professor K's students will certain agree that Nick fits the bill perfectly. Hats off to Prof K!

World Affairs Council Job Update

2010-08-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

The World Affairs Council of Seattle is recruiting for the position of Senior Program Officer with the International Visitors Program! The job description for this program can be found here http://www.world-affairs.org/aboutus_employment.html

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Bipasana Joshee at bjoshee@world-affairs.org. Applications will be accepted until September 7^th, 2010.

Microcredit Interships at Washington CASH

2010-08-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

Seattle-based Washington CASH (Community Alliance for Self Help) invites interested students to apply for three Fall semester internships.

Washington CASH was founded in 1995 to transform people’s lives and communities by creating a pathway out of poverty using small loans and business training to build individuals’ businesses, credit, knowledge and confidence.

As of November 2009, approximately 2,800 people with low incomes have participated in our business training courses, more than 800 businesses have been started or expanded, and 362 loans have been made to low income individuals, totaling $748,000.

Washington CASH builds “social collateral” among its members through networking events, trainings and peer groups, and thus currently maintains a 96% loan repayment rate. In addition, 112 individuals have built assets through Washington CASH’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program.

Washington CASH is looking for students to fill the following positions:

Business Accelerator Intern / Communications Intern
Ventures Retail Incubator Intern
Business Support Group Intern

Please contact Mary Eriksson-Humphrey (Mary@Washingtoncash.org) for more information.

World Affairs Council Opportunities!

2010-08-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

The World Affairs Council of Seattle is looking to fill Fall Semester internship positions!

Interested in promoting global citizenship, enriching local civic and cultural conversations, broadening perspectives, or just working for a local nonprofit? Gain great hands-on experience working with our Global Classroom, International Visitors Program, Community Programs, Communications and Outreach, Administration and Membership and Development departments.

Community Programs in particular is looking for an intern who can help with communications and logistical programming over the fall and winter quarters and who can start immediately. This intern will learn event planning, communications, outreach, and public relations skills and will also work on the logistics and communications for Young Professionals International Network (YPIN). For more information about this internship, click here!

For more information on our organization, descriptions of each internship by department and first hand testimonials on the value of a World Affairs Council internship experience, please visit http://world-affairs.org/aboutus_internships.html.

To apply, please send us your resume and a cover letter that includes your first and second choice internship opportunities and the dates and quarters of availability by email to bjoshee@world-affairs.org.

Become a Member of the YPIN Board!

As an additional opportunity, the Board of the Young Professionals International Network (YPIN) of the World Affairs Council is currently seeking individuals to serve on our programming board for one year, starting in September. Click here to learn more about how to apply to join our diverse and dynamic team of young leaders!

Paid Internships at Dept of Commerce

2010-07-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Department of Commerce (DOC) will have internships available during the Fall 2010 Session in its Internship for Postsecondary Students Program *. Internships will be in the Washington, D.C metro area. Selected applicants will intern for 15 weeks beginning as early as 30 August 2010 or as late as 13 September 2010. Internships require either part time (20 hours per week) or full time (40 hours per week). These internships offer opportunities to participants for hands-on education and training related to their fields of interest and those of the DOC.

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) manages the Internships for Postsecondary Students. Applications will be accepted through 20 August 2010.

Disciplines of Interest

Examples include the following: business; economics; statistics; international relations; communications and graphic design; computer science; physical sciences; mathematics; and life, health, and medical sciences.

Benefits:

Undergraduate interns receive a weekly stipend of $500; graduate interns receive $600. In addition, both undergraduate and graduate interns receive a $150 weekly housing allowance, plus limited travel reimbursement and accidental medical expense coverage.

Eligibility Requirements:

· US Citizens

· Enrolled Undergraduates or Graduates

· Submit a complete application**by no later than 20 August 2010

· Interested in and available for a 15-week Internship during Fall 2010

Application form and more information can be found on this web site: http://see.orau.org/ProgramDescription.aspx?Program=10038

You may submit your application form, unofficial transcript from each college or university attended, resume, and two letters of reference, as pdf attachments to Alicia Wells at Alicia.wells@orau.org or (865) 241-5220 (FAX).

*This program is managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the Department of Commerce through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ORISE is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) under DOE contract number DE-AC05-06OR23100.

Staying for Tea: International Development Alumni Blog

2010-07-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Aaron Ausland (IPE '96) writes a blog called "Staying for Tea: Good Principles and Practice of International Development" that analyzes the issues that he deals with as an international development professional. His most recent post, for example, talks about the challenges and opportunities of "voluntourism." Readers who are interested in international development would do well to follow this blog.

Aaron is a development practitioner with over a dozen years of experience designing, managing, and evaluating development projects in over two dozen countries with a variety of organizations, including the Mennonite Central Committee, World Concern, Agros International, Trickle Up, and World Vision.

His diverse work has included launching a microfinance program in Bolivia, consulting a multinational mining corporation on their corporate social responsibility strategy, evaluating a multi-million dollar emergency response to the Indian Ocean tsunami, creating an econometric model to help combat corruption in Peru, and leading a multinational team of operations auditors.

He is the founder and editor of The Global Citizen: a Journal for Young Adults Engaging the World Through Service, which is published by The Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship, where he also serves as a Board member. He has a Masters in Public Administration in International Development from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and a BA in IPE from Puget Sound. (Aaron's senior thesis studied "macrofinance" versus "microfinance" as development tools.)

He currently works for a large development organization as the Associate Director of Independent Research and Evaluation and lives in Bogotá, Colombia with is wife and two children.

Summer Research: Granada Report

2010-07-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Peter Bittner (IPE '11) has just returned from Granada, Spain where he has been working on his IPE Summer Research grant project. Here is his report.

After 3 weeks in Granada conducting fieldwork and nearly seven months in Spain it feels great, yet very strange, to be back in the States again. After compiling loads of qualitative data regarding the social effects of the crisis, and political opinions regarding economic policies I am now reviewing and analyzing the results of my interviews.

I recruited the 50+ interview subjects through a long process of networking, using friends and contacts made in Granada during both the preceding 5 and a half month study-abroad semester and the 3 week period of fieldwork. In order to include a wide variety of perspectives and opinions, I made an effort to obtain a diverse and ideally representative sample comprising individuals of different sexes, ages, occupations and stratifications within society. Among the twenty individuals recruited for the formal interviews were male and female subjects including students, professors, business owners, journalists, bankers, construction workers, architects, social workers, immigrants, judges and local government officials. The interviewees ranged from twenty to sixty-three years of age. The astounding diversity of perspectives, rich content and massive amount of information collected is almost overwhelming.

After preliminarily reviewing the interview data it appears that testing the original hypothesis with any level of validity will be nearly impossible. Initially, I had dreamed of being able to assess whether “a greater perceived level of deleterious social effects of the crisis coincides with favored policies in contradiction to the long-term economic interests of Spain”. The naiveté revealed in those words now is shocking. Simply defining the two terms “social effects” and “long-term economic interests of Spain” is extremely difficult. That aside, the small sample size and amount of confounding variables further complicates matters in ways I had not previously understood completely.

For the time being, I will be content further reviewing my results to make sense of the massive amount of data gathered and the incredible diversity of opinions and perspectives encountered. With a little luck I may be able to make a paper out of this, but certainly not the one I thought I would be writing. In any case, as my advisor reminded me, the true educational value of the project is being reaped. Yaay for IPE!!!

Summer Research: Zanzibar Report

2010-07-09T09:22:00.001-07:00

Jeni Oppenheimer (IPE '11) is in Zanzibar working on her IPE summer research grant project on NGO funding strategies for orphanages. Here is a progress report.

There may be no island as diverse as Zanzibar. With its 50/50 Arab/African population and visitors coming from both the west and the east, it is truly multicultural. Even more impressive than the diversity though is the way these different populations with a bloody history have managed to integrate into a fusion of culture that is unique only to Zanzibar.

Aside from culture, there is also a huge amount of economic variance: ranging from tourists and business men who come to stay in Stone Town’s five star hotel to the street children in every village on the island. Zanzibar has therefore drawn a large amount of NGO aid, which works in all sectors from education to conservation to microfinance.

Microfinance group meeting

I came here on a research grant to study different models of economic care with the hope of discovering which type was able to help the most children for the lowest cost. So far I have met with seven organizations representing four different ways of working with orphans.

These projects have ranged from providing funds for school fees to the extended families caring for orphans to holistic care that includes everything all the way to field trips. These organizations are 100% different. Even the way an orphan is defined can change depending on the origins of the NGO. For example, any NGO that has an Islamic base (of which there are many considering Zanzibar is 90% Muslim) defines an orphan as a child with a deceased father while western-based organizations like SOS Children’s Village defines an orphan as a child without a mother. Because of the great variation between these projects it is not simply a matter of who helps the most children but instead how should NGOs be helping children.

Learning fractions!

The question becomes do you help hundreds of children a lot where the effects of this aid can be easily tracked or do you help thousands of children a little while they stay with extended families? While there may be no right answer to this question, exploring it has allowed me to see large-scale aid predicaments in the reality of a small-scale island.

A Peruvian Wedding

2010-07-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

Colleen Dyble (IPE '00) is beginning year #2 of her Five Talents Fellowship in Peru, where she is director of a microfinance program.

You can follow Colleen's work and adventures on her blog.

Colleen's most recent post is about a Peruvian wedding. (Not her's!)

Follow Clint's Watson Adventures

2010-07-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Clint Agresti (IPE '09) has just begun his year as a Thomas Watson Fellow, traveling the world to explore folk music -- a true global/local project.

You can follow Clint's project by reading his blog, "Folk Sounds from All Around."

Here is complete information about Clint's project and the Watson Fellowship program.

University of Puget Sound graduate Clinton Agresti ’09 has been awarded the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to pursue an independent project overseas during 2010–11. Agresti was one of 40 college seniors from 23 states and three foreign countries to receive the grant, in a contest that the Thomas J. Watson Foundation described as especially competitive this year.
Agresti, an international political economy major and 2005 graduate of Walla Walla High School, will receive $25,000 for 12 months of travel and independent research. The student from Rockaway Beach, Ore., plans to visit Mongolia, Ukraine, Ghana, and Bolivia, while documenting a series of music ethnographies. These will consist of photographs, music recordings, and written material documenting musicians and musical groups who participate in oral traditions—defined by Agresti as those “passed down orally and learned by ear.”

“Clinton is an outstanding student who commits himself enthusiastically to all he takes on,” said Sharon Chambers-Gordon, director of the Fellowships Office at Puget Sound. “There were 150 finalists competing on a national level and we are proud, though not surprised, to see him among the selected recipients.”

Agresti’s project, titled “Beneath the Sounds: Exploring and Preserving the Music of Community,” will aim to create a better understanding of the relationship between music and culture by exploring the subjective worlds of individual musicians against the backdrop of their communities and traditions.

“It is essentially about understanding the unique human drive to invent music—music that draws from and contributes to the values, worldviews, and ways of subsistence of the community,” Agresti said.

The Watson fellow will frame his research with questions that may reveal more about the creative process of musicians in foreign cultures. He will also seek to discover common strands of inspiration among the far-flung musicians. Agresti plays several instruments, including piano, percussion, and guitar, and intends to actively participate in his host communities’ music.

Agresti will spend time with the Zakhchin people of the Khovd region in Mongolia, the Hutuls of the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine, the Asante of central Ghana, and the Aymara of the Lake Titicaca basin in Bolivia, all of whom practice largely agrarian or pastoral lifestyles. With the persistent advance of modernization, these ways of life, and the musical traditions they spawned, are fading—a reality that underscores the importance of the project.

“This Watson project began when Clinton picked up a saxophone at the age of eight,” said David Tinsley, Agresti’s faculty mentor and a Puget Sound professor of foreign languages and literature. “It certainly will not end when he records Zakhchin long songs in Mongolia or jams with the Aymara in Bolivia. What he hears will become a part of what he plays and shares with fellow musicians for the rest of his life.”

Chambers-Gordon and Tinsley, who chairs the Graduate Fellowships Advisory Committee, assisted Agresti in submitting his application, which he wrote while studying abroad in New Zealand. Other members of the committee are Alyce DeMarais, Kate Stirling, Patrick O’Neil, Katherine Smith, and Jeff Grinstead. The committee reads about 16 applications, interviews eight students, and nominates three or four, who go to the next level of the competitive process and are interviewed by a Watson Fellowship representative.

The Watson Fellowship is awarded to graduating seniors who are nominated by participating colleges and universities. The Thomas J. Watson Foundation looks for people likely to lead or innovate and allows them a great deal of independence in pursuing their interests.

University of Puget Sound has had 21 Watson Fellows since it began its affiliation with the foundation in 1993. The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship Program was established by the children of Thomas J. Watson Sr., the founder of IBM, and his wife, Jeannette Watson, to honor their parents' longstanding interest in education and world affairs. Fellows have gone on to become college presidents, chief executives, MacArthur “genius” grant recipients, politicians, artists, diplomats, journalists, and researchers across a wide range of sciences and engineering disciplines.

2009-2010 Senior Thesis Topics

2010-06-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Thought you might be interested in this list of the senior thesis topics for 2009-2010. You can find the titles of all the theses since the program began in 1996 here
http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/undergraduate/ipe/senior-thesis/

Andrew Barker	Vietnamese Immigrants in King County: A Comparison of Different Migrant’s Adaptations in Housing Around Seattle, WA
Nathan Smith Berkowitz	Cracking the Chinese Enigma: Free Finance and the Perfect Policy for an Imperfect World
Kendle Bjelland	The Seeds of Urban Development: An Exploration of Urban Agriculture in Latin America
Arianna Bodhagi	Enabling Refugees to Find Home Again
Karinne M. Breidenbach	The Identity Crisis of Northern Ireland: The Good Friday Agreement as an Insufficient Model of Conflict Resolution
Elizabeth Butt	Delivering on Health: The Coordination Required to Deliver Primary Health Care in Conflict Regions
Prescilla Celino	Offshore Oil in Brazil Blessing or Curse
Ryan Donahue	Chaos and Control at the Forest Frontier: Property Rights and the Integration of Conservation and Development in Madagascar in Mexico
Alana Eakin	Corporate Food: Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It
Samuel Fielding	The Fate of the Panda Bear: China’s Loss of Biodiversity, Struggle for Sustainable Development, and the Necessity for International Cooperation
Amory Genter	Ecotourism in Latin America: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Use through Integrated Policy and Decision Making
David Gulugian-Taylor	Productivity, Efficiency, and Trade: How Nations Can Reach their Maximum Potential
Raphaela Haessler	Women in Transition: Women’s Public and Private Lives in Societies Making the Transition from Socialism to Capitalism
Brendan Hammond	Optimizing Food Security under Conditions of Water Scarcity
Cole Hardman	Combating the Curse of Oil
Chloe Horner	Power and the Inherent Nature of Man Towards War: A Study of the Actions that Forced the French out of Indochina and the Motivations that Brought the United states to War in Vietnam
Phillip Hughes	Why Are All The Brazilians in Europe? International Soccer Player Migration in a Dualistic Market
Kalli Kamphaus	Sweden: Fate of the Welfare State in the Era of Globalization
Kaitlin Knochenmus	The World’s Most Precious Resources Has Yet to be Discovered
Colin Koach	Love Life: How Education Can Change the Way We See the World
Erin Lewis	Neodependency and Latin America: The Consequences of U.S. Intervention and Policy
Andrew Maas	Cultural Barriers to the Taiwanese Determination Question
Sean McCotter	Sour Grapes, Tangles Vines: The Chinese Wine Market and the Washington State Wine Industry
Kathryn McMillan	Travels of a Bean: A Dual Global Value Chain Analysis of the Argentine Soybean Industry
Merissa Moeller	Balancing Social Justice, Environmental Protection, and Economic Benefits in the Transboundary Hazardous Waste Regime
Kayla Morrison	Coca Cultivation and the State: Balancing Farmer’s Rights with Drug Control Strategies
Zen Newman	Hegemony Amongst the Empire: Understanding the Duality of Force and Leadership
Caitlin Odell	The Social Power of Language: The Case of Ireland Past and Present
Nazir Olanigan	Post-Ideological Cinema and Post-Colonial Liberation: On Ramin Bahrani’s Chop Shop
Jessica Reichard	Rethinking American Drug Policy in Latin America: Ending the Real Unhealthy Addiction
Katherine M. Ricks	The Trials and Tribulations of Multi-Layered Sovereignty: American Indians and the Case for Self Determination
Jackie Roth	Good Intentions Gone Wrong: Redefining Development Strategies through an Assessment of Failed Attempts
Christopher Sande	Slipping Away: How Globalization, Waning Legitimacy, and Broken Consensus Eroded State Authority and Started a War South of the Border
Holden Sapp	Media and the Power to Change the World: The Power of the Information Age
Jessica Scarsella	Empowering Women through Microfinance: A Magnification of Changing Gender Relations in the Developing World
Leana Schwartz	Fencing ‘Eden’: How Western Rhetoric Has Shaped Wildlife Conservation Policies in Tanzania
Elise Stephenson	The Relationship Between Mobile Phones and Economic Development: How Mobile Telephones Promote Economic Development in Developing Countries and the Optimal Conditions to Facilitate It
Laura Thomas	International Politics and Sports: A Story of Money, Glory, and Battles on the Playing Field
Emily Wiecki	A Hero of Our Time: The Rise of Vladmir Putin and the Fall of Mikhail Khodorkovsky