Humphrey Institute News on-the-go

In this discussion, Dr. Robert Pastor talks about his recent trip with President Jimmy Carter to the Middle East. Their meetings included discussions with leaders of Hamas, April 13-21, 2008. Pastor is Professor of International Relations at American University and founding director of AU’s Center for North American Studies and Center for Democracy and Election Management. He has enjoyed a career of diplomacy, public policy, scholarship, and teaching.

Posted by Jamie Proulx at 02:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The public health crises around the world present complex challenges with no easy answers. Internationally renowned leadership expert Ronald Heifetz participated in a conversation about using adaptive leadership techniques to effectively tackle public health issues. He was joined by Jan Malcolm, Courage Center CEO, and Humphrey Institute Senior Fellow Jay Kiedrowski, board member for UCare Minnesota.

The program was co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Integrative Leadership and the Humphrey Institute’s Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (66 mins 23 secs)

Posted by Jamie Proulx at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Sawyer Seminar series featured a lecture on “Humanitarianism and Civil Society” by Professor James Orbinski, a professor of public health at the University of Toronto and the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize winner as president of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. His talk looked at the citizen movements to deliver medicine to those in need.

Listen to lecture (38 mins 48 secs)
Listen to Q&A (41 mins 33 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 2008 presidential campaign is well under way. In the coming months, voters will be barraged even more with nonstop campaigning while Washington policymakers face political deadlock, according to political analyst Norman Ornstein. In this program, Ornstein talks about the 2008 election and gives his insights into one of the country’s most anticipated years in American politics. His lecture was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senior Fellow Vin Weber offers a candid insider's look at the national Republican party and the conservative movement in this presentation. His lecture was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the wake of 9/11, the Bush Administration repeatedly has sought to expand the power of the executive branch. What are the dangers of an executive branch unchecked by Congress and the Judiciary? In “Unchecked and Unbalanced: Presidential Power in a Time of Terror,” Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr., talks about the risks and consequences of the Bush Administration’s actions. Following his presentation, Vice President Walter Mondale and U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim join Schwartz in a conversation about the meaning and significance of the changes in executive branch powers.

This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (56 mins 17 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Professor Larry Jacobs joined award-winning journalist Melissa Fay Greene in a conversation about her work. Greene’s articles and books have addressed civil rights and Southern history, coal mine disasters and poetry, adoption, and family life. Greene discussed her most recent book, There is No Me Without You, which looks at the efforts of one woman to save children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ethiopia. Her visit was co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harold Koh, dean of the Yale Law School, gave a presentation on “Restoring America’s Human Rights Reputation” prior to a panel discussion with Vice President Walter Mondale and University of Minnesota political science and law professor Kathryn Sikkink. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

William Lacy Swing, chief of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, joined William J. Durch, co-director of the Future of Peace Operations Program at the Henry L. Stimson Center, and Humphrey Institute Dean J. Brian Atwood in a conversation about United Nations peacekeeping efforts in Africa.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In 2006, the South Dakota legislature and governor passed a law that would ban nearly all abortions, the strictest ruling in the country. Opponents led a movement to bring the issue to the voters on the 2006 ballot. In “Navigating Conflict: Planned Parenthood's Strategy in South Dakota,” CEO Sarah Stoesz talked about this effort in conversation with Humphrey Institute lecturer Steve Sviggum, former legislator and long-time pro-life advocate. Star Tribune writer Lori Sturdevant moderated the conversation. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On October 22–23, the Humphrey Institute and several University and international partners hosted “Biofuels, Carbon, and Trade: Leadership Challenges for the Interdependent Americas.” Lois Quam, managing director of alternative investments at Piper Jaffray, gave the opening keynote address. She talked about her new role in which she is responsible for managing Piper Jaffray’s equity investment offerings in alternative energy and clean technology.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Andrew Kohut, president of the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C., and director of the Pew Research Center for The People and The Press, talked about public opinion and the 2008 presidential race. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. The above graph and others like it are available here from the Pew Research Center for The People and the Press.

Listen to audio (61 mins 14 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

U.S. diplomat and Minnesota native Thomas Wise talks about his experiences in Iraq as a member of a Provincial Reconstruction Team.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressman Jim Oberstar participated in the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the study of Politics and Governance. His remarks offered a broad overview of transportation bills in Congress and a preview of things to come.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressman Keith Ellison participated in the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the study of Politics and Governance. His remarks were titled "Leveling the Playing Field for Working Families: Promoting a Consumer Justice Agenda."

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senator Norm Coleman talked about renewable energy and national security as part of the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the wake of the unspeakable acts of Nazi doctors during the Holocaust, modern governments adopted a series of international conventions that declared doctors' participation in torture to be unethical. In August 2004, Steven H. Miles, a bioethicist and professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, reported in the British medical journal The Lancet that in Iraq and Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, doctors were collaborating in the design and implementation of coercive interrogations. “Torture, War, and Medical Ethics” examined this issue in detail as Dr. Miles was joined in conversation by Barbara Frey, international rights advocate and director of the Human Rights Program at the University of Minnesota.

Listen to audio (57 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 08:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lester Brown, founder and president, of the Earth Policy Institute, gave the keynote address at the 2007 Freeman Forum lecture. He talked about “The Emerging Competition Between Cars and People for Grain.” Robert Elde later talked about “Restoring Prairie Ecosystems” in order to feed, fuel, and cool the planet. The day-long even concluded with two panel discussions. The first panel discussed the impact of ethanol, and the second panel addressed the bigger questions of alternative energy. Will it meet our needs?

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressman Tim Walz talked about foreign policy and education as part of the “Connecting with Government” series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Having just returned from Pakistan and Afghanistan, Congresswoman Betty McCollum offered her perspective on the conflicts in the Middle East. Her talk was part of “Connecting with Government,” a series of policy talks sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 01:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sen. Amy Klobuchar kicked off "Connecting with Government," a new series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, with a policy talk on global climate change.

Listen to audio (1 hr 9 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Approximately 40% of the U.S. forces now in Iraq are from the Army Reserves or the National Guard. These troops face year-long tours of duty that can be-and have been-extended. Former Representative Tim Penny; Minnesota National Guard Col. Neal Loidolt; and Denny Schulstad, state chair of the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, offered their perspective on the impact of National Guard deployments here at home. Click here for more programs in the Home and Away series.

Listen to panel discussion (60 mins)
Listen to Q&A (28 mins 10 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The disconnect between the Bush administration and the American public was the topic of this lecture from Northwestern Professor Ben Page. Following his remarks, he was joined in discussion by Vice President Walter Mondale and Humphrey Institute Dean J. Brian Atwood. This program was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (64 mins 23 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Minnesota Opera and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs convened this public policy conversation inspired by the Minnesota Opera's upcoming production of The Grapes of Wrath. Panelists explored the opera's themes of searching for work, human dignity, and the American dream through contemporary issues of immigration and economic migration. Musical selections were presented by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and cast members.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ambassador Henry Crumpton, coordinator for counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State, talked about “A New Era of Conflict” on January 31 in Cowles Auditorium. The Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism is charged with forging partnerships with individuals, organizations, and foreign governments to advance the counterterrorism objectives and national security of the United States. Crumpton gave his perspective on national security and the War on Terror. This program was cosponsored by Tunheim Partners.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Norwegian diplomat Tom Vraalsen talked about “Sudan at the Crossroads: Two Years After Signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement” on Tuesday, January 30, in Cowles Auditorium. In 2005, Ambassador Vraalsen was chosen to lead the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC). The international commission is monitoring the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in January 2005. He previously served as the UN-Secretary General's Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs for Sudan. Vraalsen's appearance was cosponsored by the Norwegian Consulate.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance hosted a discussion with Governing Magazine editor Peter Harkness on "The States of the States: Challenges and Opportunities." Harkness talked about the implications of the 2006 elections on stage government and the collaborations needed to create public policy.

Listen to audio (56 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congressional scholar Gary Jacobson, a professor at the University of California at San Diego, talked about the impact of possible “Democratic Gains in the 2006 Congressional Elections” during this lecture sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

Listen to audio (45 mins 54 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 02:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Judge David Crane, former chief prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, talks about "Dancing with the Devil: Taking on West Africa's Warlords, Mafia, and Thugs." The Special Court for Sierra Leone is the world's first hybrid international war crimes tribunal. Crane was appointed chief prosecutor until 2005. During Crane's service, he prosecuted war criminals for their actions during the 1990s civil war in Sierra Leone. Among those he indicted was then-President Charles Taylor of Liberia.

Listen to audio (Lecture, 43 mins 29 secs)

Listen to audio (Q&A, 34 mins 18 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Former congressmen and Humphrey Institute Senior Fellows Tim Penny (L) and Vin Weber (R) talk about the challenges facing congressional candidates in the 2006 elections.

Listen to audio (1 hr 12 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do Islamic jihadis really hate American freedoms? What are the goals of Islamic terrorists, and how do they justify the deaths of innocent people? In this presentation, David Aaron, director of RAND's Center for Middle East Public Policy, shares what jihadis told him for his book, In Their Own Words: Voices of Jihad. Aaron is a former Foreign Service officer and was deputy national security advisor to President Jimmy Carter.

Listen to audio (1 hr 12 mins)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sen. Becky Lourey, candidate for governor, outlined "A Smarter State Fiscal Policy: Fair Taxes, Quality Health Care, Safer Streets, and Stable Schools" on August 23, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. Her speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (30 mins 46 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sue Jeffers, GOP candidate for governor, gave a public policy address on "Taming the Beast: Regaining Control of a Runaway Government" on August 17 at the Humphrey Institute. Jeffers's remarks were part of the Candidate Forum, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance in an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (27 mins 35 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gubernatorial candidate Peter Hutchinson (IP-endorsed candidate) spoke about "The Price of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis" on August 10, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (part 1, 21 mins 19 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In this entry, Gubernatorial candidate Peter Hutchinson (IP-endorsed candidate) continues his remarks on "The Price of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis." His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (part 2, 31 mins 41 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Attorney General Mike Hatch, DFL-endorsed candidate for governor, spoke on "Affordability and Availability of Health Care," on August 9 at the Humphrey Institute as part of the Candidate Forum, a series sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance in an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

Listen to audio (part 1, 18 mins 40 secs)

Listen to audio (part 2, 17 mins 20 secs)

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (GOP-endorsed candidate for governor) spoke about "Education: Funding, Improvements, and Accountability for Results" on July 25, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study ofPolitics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

This presentation is available in two parts.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (GOP-endorsed candidate for governor) spoke about "Education: Funding, Improvements, and Accountability for Results" on July 25, 2006, in Cowles Auditorium. His speech was part of the Candidate Forum, a series of policy talks by candidates for public office. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, the Candidate Forum is an effort to nurture substantive discussion on important policy issues.

This presentation is available in two parts.

Posted by Humphrey Institute Events at 05:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)