Lecture series to discuss the changing world powers

January 26, 2012

For decades, countries like the United States have enjoyed military power, steadfast economies, thriving middle classes and vibrant cultures. Experts, however, say that in less than a generation's time, the entire world order will change.

The spring 2012 Fairhaven Lecture Series will focus on the idea that the B.R.I.C. nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are already beginning to prove that theory.

"Within 15 years the world we'll be living in will experience a power shift," said Seth Meisel, associate dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education.

The lecture series, starting on Monday, Jan. 30, will begin with a presentation titled "A Snapshot of India and China today" by Choton Basu, an associate professor of information technology and business education. All lectures are offered at 3 p.m. on Mondays.

"We really try to bring in a breadth of themes. The series will cover a variety of areas, from sciences to art, on how society is changing," Meisel said. "We're aiming to get behind the headlines and provide a deeper understanding and explain why these changes have come about."

Rising oil prices, budding middle classes, cities, and a growing influence that the B.R.I.C. nations continue to exert on the world's stage will be topics covered over the 11-week series.

Fairhaven Retirement Community's Fellowship Hall is located at 4435 W. Starin Road. Parking for guests is located adjacent to the building, and street parking is available. The series is free and open to the public.

This year's lectures are:

• Jan. 30
  A snapshot of India and China today
  Choton Basu, associate professor of information technology and business education
• Feb. 6
  "BRIC or BRICS: Does South Africa belong to the BRIC club?"
  K. Praveen Parboteeah, professor of management
• Feb. 13
  Globalization: we are who we were and we are who they are
  Guoli Liang, professor of pedagogy, health, physical education, recreation and coaching
• Feb. 20
  India's technical brilliance - UW-Whitewater collaboration
  Hephzibah J. Kumpaty, associate professor of chemistry
• Feb. 27
  Prosperity and leftist politics in contemporary Brazil
  Seth Meisel, associate dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education
• March 5
  How many BRICSs to build a new wall? The making of a new world order in the 21st century
  F. Peter Wagner, assistant professor of political science
• March 12
  Just another BRIC in the wall? Russia and the rest in the new world order
  F. Peter Wagner, assistant professor of political science
• April 2
  The role of oil in the foreign policies of the BRIC states
  Anne Hamilton, lecturer of political science
• April 9
  How the economic boom in China impacts its contemporary art
  Xiao Zhang, associate professor of art
• April 16
  China's middle class and the challenges they face
  Xia Li Lollar, professor of political science
• April 23
  A new country: art and music in Russia after Communism
  Dr. Alena V. Holmes, assistant professor of music