Emory Report

October 4, 1999

Volume 52, No. 7

International Affairs: Halle Institute welcomes scholar on South Asia Emory scholars and students interested in contemporary South Asian political and national security issues will have the opportunity to hear and talk with an internationally known scholar and policy advisor at a series of events sponsored by the Halle Institute for Global Learning in mid-October. From Oct. 13-15, the Halle Institute will welcome Stephen Cohen, senior fellow in foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution, to Emory for a series of classroom discussions, informal gatherings with Emory administrators, faculty and local leaders, and a public lecture on Thursday, Oct. 14. The lecture, "The Emergence of India as a Great Power," will be at 7 p.m. in Winship Ballroom. Admission is free. Co-founder and first director of the Program in Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security (ACDIS), Cohen is an influential figure in both academic and public policy circles because of his extensive research and writing on South Asia, as well as his work with the U.S. departments of State and Defense, the Council on Foreign Relations, the RAND Corp., the Asia Society, the Ford Foundation and numerous other groups concerned with foreign policy issues. "Steve Cohen is one of the most knowledgeable American experts on South Asia, with a deep understanding of the challenges, problems and rich history and culture of the area," said Harry Barnes, former U.S. ambassador to India. "I am sure he will bring new insights to share with his Emory interlocutors as a result of his unique combination of public policy and scholarly perspectives and his recent extensive visit to South Asia." A professor emeritus of history and political science at the University of Illinois, Cohen is a key figure in the Brookings Institution's research and policy studies devoted to South Asia, particularly in matters relating to security, nuclear proliferation and crisis management. A frequent commentator on South Asia for national news media, including The Wall Street Journal, "All Things Considered" and "Nightline," he is the author and/or editor of many books and articles in the field. Recent titles include The Indian Army (revised 1990), The Pakistan Army (revised 1998, with pirate editions published in Pakistan and China), Nuclear Proliferation in South Asia (editor, 1990) and South Asia After the Cold War: International Perspectives (editor, 1993). He is currently at work on a book on the emerging international role of India in the next century. Some of Cohen's events are co-sponsored by the Asian Studies Program and the Friends of Emory India Studies, a support and networking group dedicated to cultural and scholarly appreciation of Indian civilization across the centuries. The India American Cultural Association and the Indian Professionals Network are also collaborating on the Oct. 14 lecture. The visit by Cohen is part of the Halle Institute's continuing focus on Asia during this academic year, explained Marion Creekmore, director of the institute and vice provost for international affairs. A panel discussion on Nov. 11 features Emory alumnus Lee Hong-koo, the South Korean ambassador to the U.S., along with President Jimmy Carter and former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea and Emory President Emeritus Jim Laney. From Jan. 24 through Feb. 11, 2000, the Indian scholar and biographer Rajmohan Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) will be in residence at Emory as the institute's second Halle Distinguished Fellow. Return to October 4, 1999 Contents Page