This is a lecture sponsored by Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program titled “The Future of Culture in the Age of Commerce: China and India.”

The lecture speaker is Dr. Vishakha Desai, President and CEO of Asia Society, a global educational organization dedicated to deepening connections among the peoples of Asia and the United States.

Dr. Desai was introduced by Fred Kleiner, Chair of the Art History Department.

“Is the American Century ending?” was the question posed by the 26th Great Debate sponsored by Boston University’s College of Communication that was held earlier this month.

Arguing for the affirmative were:

Andrew J. Bacevich
Professor of International Relations and History
Founder, REAP Coalition

Robert S. Litwak
Director of International Securities Studies
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Sarah Thomas, ‘10 MS
College of Communication

Arguing for the negative were:

Robert J. Lieber
Professor of Government and International Affairs
Georgetown University

Ruth Wedgwood
Edward B. Burling Professor of International Law and Diplomacy;
Director of the International Law and Organizations Program
Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies

Andrew Jones, ‘09
College of Communication

Modeled after the Cambridge and Oxford University Union Societies’ public discussions, Boston University’s Great Debates involve a series of speeches alternating for and against the topic, and includes audience participation — as the audience decides the outcome of the debate by voting with their feet i.e. moving to the side of the room representing their decision.

Many pivotal events in the history of Slovakia took place during years that end in the number eight. These crucial years include 1848, 1918, 1938, 1948 and 1968. The year 1989 also belongs in this category because the November Velvet Revolution of 1989 actually began in 1988.

A panel discussion titled “Europe Confronts Its Past” looked at the important internal connections between the “8” years and their events. This discussion, presented by The Institute for Human Sciences (IHS), took place in conjunction with a panel exhibit prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Slovak National Museum.

Introduction: Peter Muzila
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovakia in Boston

Discussion Participants:

Igor Lukes
University Professor and Professor of International Relations and History, Boston University; Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Boston.

Martin Simecka
Editor-in-chief of Respekt, a weekly newsmagazine in the Czech Republic, reporting on domestic and foreign political and economic issues, as well as on science and culture.