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Dr. Arend's The Future of the International System and more








Earlier this year I had a wonderful opportunity to hear from the renowned and award-winning Professor Dr. Anthony Arend. He came out to Poly in order to touch on a few of the ideas and materials both taught in his classes at Georgetown, as well as in one of the books he has published. In his condensed lecture about the Future of the International System, Dr. Arend provided insight and knowledge that opened up many of the attendee's minds for what the future might bring. The most interesting part about his lecture, however, was that while it was supported by evidence it was all theoretical. Dr. Arend proposed it as an idea, an option, something that wasn't set but very possible, which gave the students room to come up with subsequent theories of their own. For example, he drew parallels with the potential future being somewhat similar to the medieval period, or the probable uprise of NGOs. This lecture was different from a lot of the GIP events I have attended, maybe it was because unlike some lectures this wasn't something heavy the drastically affected a specific group nor was it an immediate call to action. That's not to say that either of those are negative in any light I believe they are both beneficial and necessary to create a more informed populous that can empathize with others and see multiple sides to an issue. However, this lecture was different in the sense that it was interactive, speculative, and is something that will affect everyone no matter who you are, what your culture is or where you live. While the lecture was great Dr. Arend himself is undoubtedly what made that lecture as interesting as it was. After having a brief conversation with him and fortunately getting a chance to connect while in the D.C. area it is clear what values Dr. Arend holds as a person. He's enthusiastic about knowledge, passionate about teaching, genuine with his words, and offers his talents and resources to help who he can. Overall I am very grateful to have met Dr. Arend and having had a chance to learn from him as well.

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