Panel discussion: U.S. role in aftermatch of attack
Sept. 17, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University experts on issues ranging from national security and Middle Eastern affairs to the psychological effects of traumatic events will hold a panel discussion to address "The United States and the World after the Terrorist Attack" at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19 in Room 2000 of Schneider Hall on the WMU campus.
Sponsored by WMU's Institute of Government and Politics, the panel discussion is free and open to the public. According to Dr. Gunther M. Hega, WMU associate professor of political science and director of the IGP, the panel discussion will help students and others understand what precipitated the terrorist attacks on America Sept. 11 and how the aftermath of the attacks will change the political and international landscape for the United States.
"I and my colleagues have noticed a real need among students to talk about it. We have had several discussions in our classes and we have the very strong impressions that they want and need to talk and ask questions like 'How did United States become a target?'" says Hega. "The IGP and the political science department feel our mission is to help students learn and understand what happened and why."
Hega says the event will be an interactive with each faculty member briefly speaking about crucial issues behind the attacks and then responding to questions from audience members.
Panel participants
Dr. James Butterfield, professor of political science, associate director of the WMU Haenicke Institute for International and Area Studies, and an expert on Russia, nationalism and ethnic conflict.
Dr. Gunther M. Hega, associate professor of political science, an expert in European affairs, who will serve as moderator.
Dr. Richard Spates, professor of psychology and an expert on the psychological effects of traumatic events.
Dr. M. Scot Tanner, professor of political science and an expert on China and security and intelligence issues.
Dr. Lawrence Ziring, professor of political science and an expert on international and Middle Eastern affairs.
For additional information contact Hega in the Institute of Government and Politics at (616) 387-5885.
Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu