Int'l Politics & Economics

How has geography become the central infrastructure of political authority in Putin’s Russia? Dr. Sofia Gavrilova (Fung Global Fellow, Princeton and Senior Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography), argues that that propaganda in Russia operates less through persuasion than through participation — by enrolling ordinary people in the everyday work of imperial reproduction. At the heart of the project is the concept of the “Volunteer Empire”: an empire reproduced through organized presence, care, and curated experience.

Please join the departments of History of Art and Architecture, International and Global Studies, International Politics and Economics, and Music for a reception celebrating graduates in these disciplines. 

The following departments invite grads and their guests to join them in the locations listed below.

History of Art and Architecture | Seeler Studio Theater | 2:30-3:15 pm
International and Global Studies | MAC 232 | 2:30-3:15 pm

Join us for a screening of the documentary film “Made in Ethiopia” (7:30-9 pm) followed by a group discussion with Professor Obie Porteous (9-9:30 pm). When a massive Chinese factory complex attempts a high-stakes expansion in rural Ethiopia, three women in search of prosperity have their faith in industrialization tested to the  limit. More information on the film at: https://www.madeinethiopiafilm.com/. 

Iran has entered one of the most consequential crises in its recent history when the United States and Israel launched coordinated and unprovoked air strikes across the country on February 28. These strikes killed hundreds, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran since 1989. The country has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases, Israel, and other targets in the Gulf countries, raising the risk of a full-scale regional war.  How did we get here?

This event will be a poster presentation by ECON and IPEC thesis students, followed by Q/A from the audience including faculty, students, staff and community.

The second Trump administration is implementing trade policies that have major impacts on international relations, supply chains, and more. This interdisciplinary symposium brings together leading scholars to assess how these policies are reshaping geopolitics and the global economy.

Speakers

Inu Manak, Fellow for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

Robert Staiger, Loren M. Berry Professor of Economics, Dartmouth College; and Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, Ukrainians remain more determined than ever to resist the Russian invasion. The defense of their country is happening beyond the front lines: ordinary people are going to extraordinary lengths to support the military, enrich democracy in their country, learn and practice emergency medicine, and preserve national culture. There is a sophisticated civic resistance that is largely female, tech savvy, decentralized, nonhierarchical, multilingual, and highly innovative. This is the new Ukraine.

The IP&E program welcomes majors, prospective majors and faculty to celebrate the beginning of the academic year. The reception is also meant as a way for students returning from abroad to reconnect with friends and professors.

How are governmental negotiations at UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties (COPs) shaped by generational gaps and questions about intersectionality? Former climate negotiator for the government of Mexico, Ivonne Maricarmen Serna ‘23, will speak about her experiences at UNFCCC COP-29 to the Middlebury community and broader public.

For more information about this event, please click here.